Summer typically is reserved for vacations, concerts and lots of Vitamin D from the sun. The warmer months of the year however can also serve as a great opportunity to give your home some much needed TLC.
It can be expensive to hire a professional to redo some part of your home, 选择承包商可能是一个充满压力的过程. Instead of shelling out tens of thousands for a contractor, consider these great home improvement ideas that you can do yourself during summer.
1. 你梦想的甲板
Warm days on a deck can make for some of the best of the summer. Whether you’re after a raised wood deck to give your guests someplace to sit or a classy brick patio for lounging by the grill, a usable outside space can make a big difference in how you enjoy your home. The charming visual addition to the outside of your home is a great way to add value, too.
虽然这是一个大项目，但它的回报很大. 从制定一些计划开始. Draw up a shopping list of things you need, and speak with us at Elements to get the financing done. Then, head to your local home improvement store for all your necessary tools and equipment.
2. 粉刷房间
如果你不想建造太多东西, you can make your house feel new again with a fresh coat of paint on the interior. Choose colors that complement your furniture and flooring, but choose slightly different shades for different parts of the house. Maybe you want to paint your kitchen and dining room in mellow earth shades to give it a sense of coziness, but you want to paint your bedroom a calming blue to help you sleep.
This can be a great project to get the kids involved in, too. Wall paint, sponges, and scissors can let children paint fun and imaginative shapes on their walls. A sense of ownership over the design might encourage them to help keep it a little cleaner as well. 除了油漆, brushes, 和辊, make sure you get covers for furniture and floors and painters’ tape.
3. 安装一个入口通道
Your front door is the first thing people see when they come into your home. You want to make sure it says great things about you and your family. A little bit of time and effort can make this part of your house feel more welcoming while also saving you time and effort.
您可以在这里进行相对较小的更改. Metal house numbers, trim paint and a few planters can make your front stoop look much nicer. 你也可以做一些严肃的投资. 一扇新门真的能让你的房子更有活力. New weather stripping can make your front door more energy efficient to save on winter heating costs. 好的灯具可能需要一点时间来安装, but they can make your house both more charming and a little safer.
4. 添加一个有品位的后挡板
The section of wall above the sink can see a lot of water damage. Left uncovered, this can lead to mildew and even mold behind the sink. A backsplash is an attractive option for preventing that damage.
而这些通常是在tile中完成的, there’s nothing stopping you from looking at wood bead board, 天花板瓷砖或墙纸. You could even turn them into a functional addition to your organization system with chalkboard, 白板或磁膜. Write up a recipe or meal plan to help keep your prep work organized in the kitchen, 或者给你的孩子写一封有趣的晨间问候. There’s no limit to what a backsplash can do for your home.
5. 用新窗口创建新Outlook
Installing new windows can seem like a daunting task, but they’ll pay for themselves. Energy efficient windows with new molding and stripping can significantly reduce your energy bills. Plus, having new windows and screens will make your home look well-cared-for when it comes time to sell.
Do some research on energy efficient two- and three-ply windows. Figure out which will both fit your budget and hold long-term value.
6. 用新的固定装置刷新陈旧的厨房或浴室
你的水龙头和旋钮经常被滥用. 他们被肮脏的手碰过, splashed by soapy water and can build up calcium and rust even if you’re careful about washing them. Because they’re usually metallic, they tend to draw a lot of eyes. Dull, streaky fixtures can suck all the energy out of a kitchen or bathroom.
不过，替换它们相当容易. In the bathroom, you can get sleek, modern fixtures that will save you sink space for storage. In the kitchen, consider getting a detachable head with a vegetable sprayer to make cleanups easier. Whatever you do here, you’ll end up with a nicer looking kitchen or bathroom.
7. 把你的东西与内置存储一起
If your house looks like most others, it’s chock-full on the inside with memorabilia and keepsakes. Tossed about the room, this can look cluttered and dingy. 这使得它很难清洁和除尘. Adding more furniture, though, can make a space feel cramped and tiny.
相反，可以考虑增加更多的内置存储空间. 无论你只是想在入口通道上挂一个架子, 在门边放几个衣钩, 或者在客厅的墙上建一个书架, built-in storage is a great way to display your treasured memories without shrinking a room with too much stuff.
When it comes to improving your home, Elements is ready to be a partner every step of the way. Let’s talk. 你提供想法, and we can supply the home equity loan or line of credit to make your dreams a reality.
This information is provided for informational purposes only. 它不构成法律、税务或财务建议. Consult with your tax, legal or financial adviser before taking any action.
