Summer will be here before you know it, which means you’ll probably soon be hosting barbeques and late-night patio parties. Is your home ready for the occasion or does it need a bit of TLC before the hottest days of the year arrive?
Spring is one of the best times to cross long-awaited home projects off your to-do list. It’s when the weather starts to clear up, but it’s not uncomfortably hot yet. Humidity also tends to be lower in the spring than in the summer. Therefore, it’s the ideal time to paint the house or stain the deck. Here are four home upgrades you should plan to make before sweltering summer days arrive.
1. Install a New AC System
If your AC system hasn’t been upgraded in about 10 years, you’re probably spending more money each month than you need to. Air conditioning pumps get less efficient the older they get. They have to work harder to keep your house cool, which means they have to use more energy. As a result, you’ll likely notice your energy bill start to creep a little higher year after year.
Spring is the perfect time to replace an old AC system with a new one. Do it before things heat up and you need to turn your AC on for the first time. If you wait until summer to tackle this project, you’ll be left uncomfortably hot while your new system is being installed. To save even more money on energy and installation costs, consider switching to a mini split. This is a ductless heating and cooling system, so there’s no need to install ductwork. Some units even have DIY installation, so you can save on labor cost.
Ductless air conditioners have an outdoor unit that’s hooked up to one or more indoor units via a conduit. In this type of setup, indoor units are typically included in each major room of the house. Each unit only has an assigned room or space to keep temperature controlled. A mini split system is often more efficient than standard air conditioners and can save you money on energy costs. If you choose this type of system, have it installed in the spring before the summer rush.
2. Update Fixtures
Exterior lighting fixtures are designed to be more durable than indoor fixtures. However, they aren’t indestructible and should still be replaced regularly. The exterior of your home is the first thing guests see when they visit you. Make a good impression by updating old, shabby-looking fixtures.
Exterior lighting isn’t just an aesthetically appealing feature. It can also help maximize safety on your property. Make sure you have enough lighting to illuminate walkways, stairs, and other potentially hazardous areas. This is especially important if you plan to do outdoor entertaining this summer. The last thing you want is to be sued by a guest who fell down your poorly lit patio stairs.
Summer is also the time when crime rates typically skyrocket. You can make your home less of a target by choosing lighting fixtures that optimize illumination. If necessary, install additional exterior lighting to keep criminals away. Ideally, you shouldn’t have any large shadowed areas around your house by the time you’re finished.
3. Upgrade Your Deck
For many homeowners, the deck is the main outdoor entertaining area. If your deck is currently too small or unsafe to host visitors, make it your primary springtime project. Upgrading a deck can be costly (between $4,141 to $11,700 on average). But, it’s well worth the investment when done properly. You’ll have an outdoor space where you enjoy spending your time on warm summer nights.
Depending on the current state of your deck, you may need to tear down what you have and start from scratch. Or, you may be able to take the space to the next level more affordably. Sometimes all it takes is a simple coat of fresh stain or new patio furniture. You can also beautify your existing deck with flower pots and greenery.
Each year, inspect your deck to ensure it’s still sturdy and safe to use. If it’s made from wood, you’ll need to maintain it more frequently to keep it in good condition. Wood is cheaper than more resilient types of decking materials. However, it may end up costing more in the long run due to its more costly upkeep requirements.
4. Spruce Up Your Guest Bedroom
When was the last time you updated your guest bedroom? If it’s been more than a few years, it’s probably time to spruce things up. Like the rest of your home, your guest bedroom can become outdated if you don’t stay on top of things. Spring is a great time to prepare this area for overnight summertime visits from friends or family members.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money on guest bedroom upgrades if you’re working with a tight budget. You’d be surprised what a simple coat of paint can do to refresh and modernize the space. You can also change the look of the entire room by switching out old light fixtures with new ones.
The bedroom set is another potential improvement area to focus on. If your budget allows, consider upgrading a low-quality set with a more luxurious one. If your furniture is mismatched or stained, slowly work on finding replacements. Figure out what upgrades you can make with your budget and get them done before your first summertime guests arrive.
If you wait until summer to upgrade your home, you’ll face sweltering heat and increasing humidity. The best time to take care of indoor and outdoor projects is in the cool of spring. Tackle these four projects now so you’re prepared for the height of summertime entertaining.
