Inside Track

10 Great Summer Home Improvement Tips

Summer is here! Time to rid your home of those winter cobwebs and capture that summer feeling with some great summer home improvement tips. 

From simple tasks such as cleaning your windows or organising your closets, to larger-scale projects such as upgrading your home’s insulation, there are many ways to reignite your love for your house this summer season.

Some of these improvements may cost more than others, and some may even require the help of a professional, but even completing one or two will go a long way towards getting your home summer-ready.

With this in mind, here are our 10 Summer Home Improvement Tips.

Whitebox’s 10 Summer Home Improvement Tips

1. Install a Rain Barrel

Kicking off our list of summer home improvement ideas is installing a rain barrel.

Hot weather can often lead to a water shortage, sometimes even a hosepipe ban. A heatwave in July of last year led to Irish Water issuing a conservation appeal to several counties across Ireland (The Irish Times).

Collect rainwater when you can by installing a rain barrel. Place your barrel underneath a downspout so you can collect water coming off your roof.

Rainwater storage can be extremely beneficial to the environment. It will provide you with your own water source in times of extreme heat and water restrictions. This water can be used to keep your flowers and plants watered on hot summer days.

Vist IrishWater.ie for more advice on water conservation.

Summer Home Improvement Tips

 

2. Home Insulation

In the same way, poor insulation can let heat escape your home in the winter, it can let too much heat in during the summer. While this may be a sizeable home improvement project, we definitely recommend exploring the option of upgrading your home insulation, if you are in the position to do so.

Some of the benefits include:

  • More heat is retained in the winter
  • House is cooler in the summer
  • Better air quality
  • Energy savings

There is a multitude of sustainable and more eco-friendly options currently available. From hemp to sheep’s wool, check out what people are using to increase their houses’ efficiency here.

In Ireland, you may also be entitled to a grant for improving the energy efficiency of your home. These are awarded through the ‘National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme’.

 

3. Do a Pressure Wash

Wintertime can often leave your home rather dusty and dreary looking. A good power wash can really bring it back to life and leave it looking summer-ready. You should be able to rent one locally easily enough, or you could invest in one for future use.

Additionally, they are quite an environmentally sound tool for brightening up your property’s exterior. A power washer uses approximately 75% less water than a traditional garden hose.

 

4. New Windows

If you have been eyeing up a new set of windows for your home, this summer is the time to do it. Old windows can let in drafts, while new windows help to retain heat in the winter and keep your home cool in the summer, helping you to save money on your energy costs.

Vast improvements have been made in recent years to the sustainable capabilities of windows. For instance, triple-glazed PVCu windows that have an A+ energy efficiency certification, the best rating you can get in Ireland, are available from suppliers across the country.

 

5. Purchase a New Fridge or Get your One Serviced

If you are in the market for a new fridge, this can be another excellent way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Energy-efficient refrigerators can result in significant cost savings over the appliance’s life cycle.

However, when purchasing a new fridge, it is important to consider what you will do with your old one. Try to purchase your new model from a retailer that will also collect and properly dispose of the old appliance.

A new fridge obviously is not going to be a viable option for everyone. Instead, consider getting it serviced. During the warm summer months, your fridge has to work harder than usual. Consequently, it may become more prone to a breakdown or malfunction. A quick service or inspection should ensure it stays working properly all summer long.

 

6. Clean the Windows

If you live in Ireland, you will be privy to the fact that sunshine can often be a rarity here. Therefore, it is important to make the most of it when it does make an appearance.

A simple, yet effective way to achieve this is by giving your windows a good clean, inside and out. This will help to maximise the light coming in and make for a much more pleasant view looking out.

Summer Home Improvement Tips

7. Summer Clear Out

Who doesn’t love a good clear-out? It’s good for both your house and your soul.

Summer is a great time to tackle those neglected areas of your home. The garage, the shed, the spare room, etc. are all often forgotten about and used as a dumping ground for clutter. Getting rid of stuff you do not use will free up a lot of space in your home, inspiring other ideas for improving your living space.

It’s also time to store away those winter jumpers and heavy blankets and arrange your summer wardrobe. Here’s how to effectively organise your wardrobe in 7 easy steps.

 

8. Clean the Gutters

Cleaning the gutters may not be the first job we think of, but it is a crucial one. After all, they protect our homes from water damage. Without them, water would pool on the roof and seep into the foundations of a house.

The unpredictable weather of winter and spring can take a toll on your gutters, leaving them clogged with leaves and dirt. Thus, summer is a great time to clean them out and ensure there is no damage!

 

9. Prepare your Deck or Patio

Long summer evenings spent on your deck or patio are hard to beat. If you have one, you are likely to be spending quite some there over the summer months. It is worth taking the time then to get your favourite outdoor space looking its best.

Here are some steps you can take to ensure your deck is ready for summer:

  • Use a power washer to give your deck a thorough clean
  • Fix or replace any damaged boards
  • Treat the wood with decking stain to protect it from the weather
  • Decorate! Put out your favourite outdoor furniture and decorate with the likes of potted plants

Summer Home Improvement Tips

10. Spruce up your Garden

We all want to make the most of our outdoor space. We want to be able to host summer barbeques and garden parties, and really make the most of the good weather.

Gardens, like our homes, require extra attention and maintenance from time to time. There are some really quick and simple ways to revitalise your garden.

From planting flowers to painting fences, check out these quick steps to getting your garden summer ready.

 


We hope that you have enjoyed our article on 10 Summer Home Improvement Tips. If you enjoyed this article, why not read some of our previous articles or keep up to date with our latest news on LinkedIn?

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