5 home projects to complete this summer

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5 home projects to complete this summer

Summer is here, and the time is right for major home renovations, thanks to longer daylight hours, lower humidity, and more predictable weather conditions. Timing your home reno projects strategically and taking advantage of the upsides of summertime can improve installation quality, reduce delays, and potentially increase your return on investment over time.

Certain thoughtful upgrades, especially energy efficiency improvements, exterior repairs, and curb appeal projects, can help improve the everyday comfort of your home while also supporting long-term property value. In this piece, Splitero highlights the top home renovations to tackle this summer, which projects are better saved for fall, and how homeowners can plan and fund renovations more confidently.

Key Takeaways

• Summer is the best season for exterior, structural, and outdoor renovation work because warm, dry weather helps materials cure and install properly.
• Energy-efficiency upgrades like new windows, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and attic insulation may help reduce long-term utility costs if installed in early summer, before the hottest part of the year.
• Outdoor improvements such as patios, decks, and landscaping can improve curb appeal and extend usable living space – and they’re more comfortable to work on at the beginning of the season.
• Some projects, including interior painting and hardwood floor refinishing, are often better completed during the drier conditions of fall.
• Having a renovation funding plan in place before starting can help homeowners avoid delays or unfinished projects.

1. Replace old or drafty windows

Older windows can quietly drive up heating and cooling costs, especially during periods of extreme weather. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for up to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.

Visible drafts, condensation between panes, rising utility bills, and windows that stick when opening or closing are all common signs it may be time for replacement.

Summer is one of the best times to install new windows because warm, stable temperatures help sealants adhere properly and reduce the risk of weather delays. Many homeowners choose Energy Star-certified windows because they meet federal energy-efficiency performance standards for insulation and climate control, and are associated with lower heating and cooling costs.

For homeowners thinking about long-term value, window replacement is frequently included among the home renovations with the best return on investment, thanks to its combination of energy savings and curb appeal improvements.

2. Tackle roofing repairs or replacement

Roofing projects are very weather-dependent, making summer one of the busiest seasons for roof repairs and replacements. The drier conditions in summer help roofing materials seal correctly while minimizing project interruptions caused by rain or moisture exposure.

“Consistent weather and longer days make the projects much more efficient and predictable,” said Mike Feazel, CEO of Roof Maxx, noting that summer’s longer days and more predictable weather patterns help exterior projects move more efficiently with fewer weather-related delays.

According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, asphalt shingle roofs typically last between 15 and 30 years, depending on climate and maintenance. Delaying repairs can increase the likelihood of leaks, mold growth, and water damage that may become significantly more expensive over time.

For homeowners thinking about resale, Jeff Lichtenstein, CEO of Echo Fine Properties, warns that older roofs can become a concern for both buyers and mortgage lenders, making replacement a worthwhile investment before listing a home.

This all said, extreme heat can make shingles more vulnerable during installation, so many contractors recommend scheduling work during early summer or cooler stretches when possible.

3. Upgrade your HVAC system

If your HVAC system struggles to maintain temperatures, requires frequent repairs, or causes energy bills to spike, summer may be the ideal time to consider an upgrade.

According to Stan Pakarin, CEO of Fuse Service, many HVAC systems begin costing more to maintain than to replace once homeowners experience recurring repairs and declining performance. He explained that the prospect of expensive repairs on systems nearing 12 to 15 years old is often better viewed as an opportunity to consider newer, more energy-efficient equipment instead of a temporary fix for aging systems.

It’s also worthwhile to consider upgrading your HVAC system before the hottest part of the summer season; replacing an aging system before peak demand periods may also make it easier to secure contractor availability and avoid emergency breakdowns during heat waves. Installing a new system during summer also allows homeowners to test performance under real-world conditions before colder temperatures arrive later in the year.

4. Improve or add outdoor living space

Outdoor living upgrades continue to rank among the most popular home improvement projects, particularly during warmer months when homeowners spend more time outside. Patios, decks, pergolas, and covered seating areas can help extend functional living space while improving curb appeal.

Summer is especially well-suited for these projects because dry ground conditions allow for easier excavation, concrete curing, staining, and construction work. Homeowners may also immediately enjoy the added space for entertaining or outdoor dining during the warmer months.

“Too much heat, humidity, or rain can create problems with everything from paint adhesion to roofing installation and concrete curing,” explained Marcus Cuevas, franchise owner at Varsity Zone. As a result, many homeowners choose to sit out the spring season for certain exterior renovation projects due to frequent rain and inconsistent weather conditions.

5. Seal and insulate your attic

Attic sealing and insulation upgrades are often overlooked, but they can have a significant impact on both comfort and energy efficiency.

The EPA’s Energy Star program estimates homeowners can save an average of 10% on heating and cooling costs by properly sealing and insulating their homes. Because attics are a major source of air leakage, addressing insulation gaps can help reduce the strain on HVAC systems during peak summer temperatures.

Summer also gives contractors safer and more consistent access to attic spaces before colder weather arrives. You may notice indoor comfort improvements almost immediately after the project is completed.

Projects to save for fall

While summer is ideal for many exterior renovations, some indoor projects are best saved until temperatures cool and humidity levels drop. Interior painting, for example, can benefit from fall’s drier conditions, which may help paint dry more evenly and reduce issues like bubbling, streaking, or prolonged curing times. Hardwood floor refinishing is another project many home professionals prefer to tackle in the fall, since excess summer humidity can cause wood planks to expand and affect how stains and finishes cure.

Fall can also be a practical time to schedule larger interior remodels. “Heavy indoor construction projects, including but not limited to full kitchen and bath remodels, would be best started after Labor Day,” said Mike Roberts, co-founder and president of City Creek Mortgage. He added that waiting until fall can mean better contractor availability and less disruption to summer vacations and recreational plans.

How to fund summer renovations

Home renovation costs can add up quickly, especially when tackling multiple projects at once. Some homeowners choose to pay with savings, while others explore financing options like personal loans, a home equity line of credit (HELOC), or home equity investments (HEIs).

Using your home equity can enable you to cover large up-front renovation expenses like roofing, window replacement, HVAC upgrades, or outdoor construction projects that could otherwise delay timelines or strain savings. Before starting a new project, you should compare different financing options based on your overall renovation goals and budget flexibility.

FAQs

Which home renovations add the most value in summer?

Exterior upgrades, such as window replacements, roofing repairs, outdoor living additions, and improvements to your home’s energy efficiency are often considered high-value summer renovation projects.

Is summer actually the best time to replace windows?

Yes! Warm, stable weather helps installation materials seal properly and reduces weather-related delays during the replacement process.

How do I know if my HVAC system needs to be replaced instead of repaired?

Frequent repairs, uneven temperatures, rising utility bills, and relying on systems older than 10 to 15 years may signal it’s time to consider a replacement.

What’s the best way to fund home renovations if I don’t have cash on hand?

Some homeowners use their savings, while others explore financing options such as HELOCs, personal loans, or HEIs, depending on their financial goals.

Can I live in my home during renovations?

Many summer renovation projects can be completed while you remain in your home, although larger structural projects can temporarily disrupt your daily routines.

Which renovations should I avoid doing in summer?

Interior painting and hardwood floor refinishing are often better suited for fall because lower humidity can help finishes cure more evenly.

How long do summer renovation projects usually take?

Project timelines vary depending on size and complexity; exterior summer renovations can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

This story was produced by Splitero and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.