Discover the Ideal (and Least Ideal) Home Renovations for Summer
House projects come in two types: unexpected emergencies that strike at the most inconvenient times, and well-planned projects to improve your home. It's impossible to control the first type, but for the second type, timing is crucial to both the project's success and the disruption it causes in your house. Spring may offer better prices and more contractors, but not everyone can work during the coldest season.
With summer fast approaching, it's time to think about which home projects are best suited for this season and which ones to avoid.
Best: Outdoor renovations
Many homeowners want their deck, patio, or outdoor spaces ready for summer fun and enjoyment. But planning the perfect layout and placement of outdoor furniture, grills, and other outdoor features in the off-season is all theory. You won't know how you'll actually use them until you do. This is why early summer is ideal to test your ideas and figure out the best use of your space.
Worst: Painting
Summer may feel like the ideal time for painting, with more daylight and potentially more free time, but higher temperatures and humidity can negatively impact your paint job. It might take longer to dry or dry unevenly, and painting on hot, sun-exposed surfaces could result in peeling or cracking later. It's best to paint in the spring or fall when temperatures are milder and the air is drier.
Best: Heating system maintenance
Maintaining your furnace or boiler is essential for a safe and comfortable home. The summer is a great time to schedule inspections and maintenance. Your local heating contractors won't be as busy, making it easy to find an appointment, and if any problems are discovered, you won't be left heater-less during the coldest months.
Worst: New flooring
Summer might seem like a good time to install new floors, but the heat and humidity can cause several issues. Warped planks and extended curing times for adhesives and sealants are real concerns. Summer also makes it more difficult to ventilate your house after having new floors stained or sealed, as you'd be stuck in a hot one with all the windows open. It's best to do this project in the fall instead.
Best: Kitchen renovations
Kitchen renovations are incredibly disruptive to your daily life, and you'll miss a functional kitchen much more in the summer when you can't use it for cooking. Even if there are issues with flooring, a kitchen reno is more bearable when you can cook outside and enjoy favorable weather. If you can time your renovation so it's mostly done during a vacation, you might even enjoy the experience of returning to a brand-new kitchen.
Worst: AC maintenance
Waiting until the heatwave to have your air conditioning system checked could result in a lot of trouble. Technicians will be busy dealing with emergency calls and appointment requests, making it hard to get one. If you find major problems, you could end up without cooling on the hottest days. It's best to schedule maintenance in the spring or fall.
Best: Landscaping projects
When the weather is warm and sunny, it's a great time to revamp your yard or garden. You'll be able to see the results of your hard work immediately, and the plants will have plenty of time to grow and thrive. It's also a good time to tackle larger projects, like digging out a vegetable garden or installing a shed, as the ground isn't frozen or muddy.
Worst: Roofing repairs or replacement
The summer heat can cause roofing materials to expand and contract, making it a bad time to do repair or replacement work. It's better to wait until the cooler months when weather conditions are closer to optimal for roofing work.
In conclusion, some projects are great for the summer, while others are best avoided. It's crucial to consider the weather conditions and the potential effects on your home before diving in. This way, you can avoid problems and make the most out of the warm season.
During the springtime, it's crucial to maintain your air conditioning unit. If you delay this maintenance, it becomes more likely that your AC system will malfunction when temperatures soar past 100 degrees. So, as soon as the weather reaches 60 degrees, make sure to test your air conditioner and ensure it's working correctly.
Concerning roof projects, you often have no control over when you have to carry out roof repairs, whether due to leaks or storm damage. However, if you're looking to do maintenance work like adding a roof coating, the summer season can be both advantageous and disadvantageous.
Firstly, working on a roof during the summer can be rather uncomfortable. The heat and direct sunlight can make the roof surface as hot as 150 degrees, exposing you to both the sun's rays and the scorching heat. Therefore, opting for non-emergency roof work during the summer can be an unpleasant experience.
On a positive note, if you're opting to replace your roof, opting for summer is the best time. Asphalt shingles and roofing adhesives are heat-activated, allowing them to cure and seal much quicker in warm weather. Moreover, you're likely to have professionals handle this project, making it more comfortable for you as you won't be up on the roof.
Read also:
House projects requiring significant financial investment, such as a house project for installing a new heating system, can benefit from utilizing the money saved during the summer months when other expenses, like energy bills, are lower.
Given that many homeowners prioritize house projects that enhance outdoor living spaces, securing the necessary funding for these ventures may necessitate considering alternative sources of money, like budgeting or obtaining a loan.
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