Thursday, August 12, 2010

Due to long days and warm weather, many people choose to take on home remodeling projects during the summer. As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have years of experience and understand how taking on a remodeling project is beneficial to you, both now and then later down the road should you choose to sell.
The following are some suggested project and tips—both large and small—for homeowners looking to spruce their homes up this summer.

Patios and Decks
Decks and patios are among the most popular summer remodeling ideas. There are various factors to take into consideration when deciding on whether a patio or deck is the most appropriate project to undertake. Such factors include soil condition and consistency, site terrain, use, capacity and privacy, as well as the cost and maintenance you are willing to put up with.

Home Maintenance
Throughout the seasons, your home has taken good care of you and your family and now is the best time to give back.

With a checklist in hand, go through your property to evaluate areas that need mending or replacement. This list will prove very helpful when contacting a contractor or handyman for maintenance/repair services. Some common maintenance and repair include:

  • Waterproofing the basement
  • Re-caulking and replacing weather-striping
  • Cleaning and sealing wooden decks
  • Trimming bushes and trees
  • Realigning downspouts and gutters
  • Repairing the roof
  • Cleaning the pool
  • Mending the fence
  • Maintenance of HVAC systems

Energy-Efficient Renovation
An energy-efficient summer remodel is a worthwhile endeavor as it will result in years of savings on your energy bills. Some of the common items you can buy and integrate into your energy-efficient renovation include:

  • Insulation systems and materials
  • Roofs that resist heat gain
  • Biomass-burning stoves
  • Energy-efficient windows
  • HVAC systems with the highest efficiency tier
  • Solar panels
  • Fuel cells
  • Geothermal heat pumps
  • Wind energy systems

Taking on one (or more!) of these projects is a great way to give back to your home this summer…and, in some cases, save you a bit of money in the long run, too!