Real Estate Matters
By Elisa Jo Eagan
With Memorial Day weekend here, and summer on its way, it’s time to enjoy fun in the sun. But the season isn’t all about barbeques and vacations – this is a great time to tackle some home improvement projects.
Whether it’s an upgrade to your house or yard, the warmest months of the year provide plenty of opportunity to improve the look, and better yet, the value of your home.
Make your home ready-to-sell with these simple, effective home projects. Potential buyers love to see these upgrades and they can help move along the process if your buyer requests an inspection.
Here are nine of the best home improvements you should plan to tackle over the summer months.
Install New Siding
You can make your home look brand new by changing the color and style of your siding. However, this is more than a cosmetic improvement. Loose or missing siding can affect your home’s weather resistance and lead to higher heating and cooling costs. Even if you feel comfortable doing the project on your own, it can be beneficial to use a professional team. Vinyl siding is there to protect your home from moisture, and a poor installation can lead to water damage.
Power Wash Your Home
If your siding is in good shape, your home might just need a refresh. Power washing your home and walkways can help cut the grit and grime built up over the winter and spring. While you can do this chore on your own by either buying or renting a power washer, you may want to use a professional company. If your home is particularly large, professionals have the personnel and equipment to safely do a more efficient job and get to areas you may struggle with.
Replace The Roof
This is a repair many homeowners dread. But if your home needs a new roof, summer is a great time to have the project taken care of as new shingles require heat to form a weather-tight seal. The lifespan of a roof can be up to 20 years or more. Delaying a roof replacement can lead to leaks, which could result in water damage and mold.
Replace Your Windows
Winter may still be months away, but summer is the time to replace inefficient windows. The cold weather will sneak up on you, and old windows can lead to a chilly, drafty house. While this isn’t the most exciting home improvement project, it is one that will likely give you a high return when you sell your home. You’ll also be excited over the cuts to your home energy costs in summer and winter by replacing drafty windows.
Reseal Your Driveway
Extend the lifespan of your asphalt driveway by resealing it. Sealing your driveway can last, on average, from three to 10 years. You may have to reseal your driveway more often depending on where you live. Areas with rainy and snowy winters as well as areas with hot, steamy summers, will need more frequent sealings.
Add A Deck
Summer is the time of year for outdoor entertaining, and you can extend your living space by adding a deck to your home. A wooden deck can be a strong investment, as it can help increase the value of your home when it comes time to sell it. If you already have a deck, take a weekend to strip and stain it. It can give your home a huge appearance upgrade.
Replace The Garage Door
Your garage door can take a beating. Whether it’s a miscalculated parking attempt or from a rough game of pickup basketball, your garage door can easily become dented and scraped up. Sometimes a coating of paint just isn’t enough, so taking time over the summer to change out your door can be a great renovation. Not only will it increase curb appeal, but this is another project that increases home value.
Spruce Up Your Landscaping
Depending on the layout of your yard, you have almost limitless possibilities for upgrading your landscaping. There are a number of plants, trees, and flowers that will make your home the envy of the neighborhood. Best of all, most of these projects can be done yourself.
Replace The Gutters
Gutters serve an important function by channeling water away from your roof and foundation. If they are worn out, it can lead to leaking inside your home. New gutters can also give your home an appearance upgrade and instantly improve your curb appeal. Not only are they available in classic white; they also come in black and copper upgrades, which add a classy, rich detail that makes your home stand out.
By adding in some of these projects to your calendar, you can have peace of mind knowing your home is in good shape, allowing you to enjoy some rest and relaxation this summer. As we celebrate the Memorial Day weekend, remember to honor our fallen military heroes.
For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact Elisa Jo Eagan “The Real Estate Godmother” (609)703-0432 and Remember…”There’s No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!”
