Now that we’ve made it halfway through the year, it’s time to take stock of those resolutions you made back in January. Is that list of projects finished, or have you yet to start? Whatever the situation, it’s not too late to take advantage of summer’s long days and warm weather to get some outdoor home improvement projects completed, whether you do it yourself or hire someone else.
Resurface concrete. Over time, weather fluctuations cause concrete to crack, shift, and lift. This makes the surface of your pool deck, driveway, or walkway not only unattractive, but also dangerous, since those lifted corners may cause someone to trip and fall. Instead of tearing up and replacing the whole surface, however, consider having your concrete resurfaced with a decorative concrete overlay. Not only will this take care of stains, cracks, and other surface damage, it saves time and money.
Strategically plant trees. Over the winter months, you may have forgotten how hot and unbearable your deck or patio area can get because of a lack of shade. Take the time this summer to plant trees at strategic points around your outdoor living area. You may have to wait awhile to be able to take advantage of the shade, but in the meantime you can enjoy their beauty and be happy that you’re helping the environment, knowing that one day down the road you will have mature trees to add value to your home.
Replace outdated windows and doors. Replacing old, leaky windows with new, energy-efficient versions is as much an exterior home improvement project as an interior one. The right windows will complement the architecture of your home, which in turn will increase its curb appeal. A new (or freshly painted) exterior door or upgraded garage door will up your home’s appeal as well.
Refinish your porch or deck. Summer is the best time for refinishing outdoor surfaces, so take this month to refresh your deck or porch and any other wooden structures that need a facelift. Painting or sealing needs to be done every few years to protect the wood from moisture and UV rays, as well as maintain the integrity of the structure. For this easy DIY project, start by sanding the wood, then sand again (in the direction of the grain) to get rid of any old paint or sealant. Clean the wood, pound in any nails that are sticking out, and you’re ready to apply the paint or stain of your choice.
At Edward Gosman & Associates, our experience in patio and deck maintenance and landscape design has helped homeowners across Hampton Roads achieve the outdoor space they’ve always dreamed of. If this is your dream too, give us a call at 757-421-2500 to find out how we can make it happen.
