Wells Group Chris Serwe

PRESALE PROJECT Five projects to complete before summer’s end

BY CONNIE SUTTON

The dog days of summer are here. Before you know it the cold weather will be back. Before the fall rolls in, and you unpack your sweaters, there’s still some time to embark on those summer home improvement projects. Warmer temperatures are perfect for updating your home’s exterior, as well as doing any work that requires a well-ventilated workspace. Colder temperatures at the end of the year could hamper your efforts or worse ruin them completely. Before you dive into DIY, here are the top five home improvement projects that are tailor-made for summer.

1. Wash it off In terms of quick and easy summer home improvements, nothing beats an old fashion clean. Give your walkways and home exterior a high-power shower with a pressure washer. This inexpensive list item can help improve any home’s curb appeal by removing built-up dirt, sediment and other debris. The process will also eliminate things like mold, mildew and algae, which can result in long-term wear and tear on a home. While the cost to rent a pressure washer is relatively inexpensive, there is some skill required to avoid damage. When in doubt call in a professional. 2. Deck Do-over Decks are exposed to the elements. If you want to truly enjoy what’s left of summer, make the time for this summer home improvement project. Inspect your deck and determine if it just needs a new coat of paint or stain, or if there’s structural damage that may require new boards. Whether you hire or DIY, be sure to protect exterior wood from the elements. If your deck is looking really rough, it may be time for a complete deck makeover. 3. Window Replacement As the temperatures lower, old, drafty windows can become a major source of heat loss. If the autumnal ritual of caulking around your frames

didn’t stop last year’s chill from seeping through, it may be time to replace those old windows. This is definitely a job you want to do while the weather is still agreeable. Plus, when heading to market with a home, energy efficiency is near the top of the list for your average home buyer. 4. Counter Complete On the surface, installing new countertops may seem like a project that’s fine to do any time of the year. On closer consideration though, it’s actually a smart project to complete well before the first frost. Countertops are often bulky and cumbersome, not an item you’d want to carry over slick icy sidewalks. This is one project you’ll surely want to have completed long before the temperature decreases. 5. Make an Entrance You could spend all day pruning the hedges and landscaping the yard, but if you still have a shoddy front door, your curb appeal will hold steady at mediocre. For obvious reasons, it’s best to replace entryway doors during warmer months, but that’s not the only reason to put this to-do on the list. Cracked, warped or weathered doors not only look dismal, but they can also be a nuisance and cost you in heating and cooling. Older doors can stick or jam making themselves a nuisance for everyday living, while warped frames and worn seals can let warm air out or bring cold drafts inside.

When done well, these end of season projects can add significant value to your home, as well as provide long-term savings in the form of energy efficiencies. There are still warm days ahead to complete these projects and reap the rewards small improvements can make on the eventual purchase price when your exit strategy becomes a reality. n