Tiny Home Projects That You Should Complete by Summer

Summer is the universal time for vacation and relaxation. However, homeowners rarely get a break from keeping up with the renovations and upkeep. If you want to combat this, there are a couple of projects you should get done before temperatures rise.

Add a Reflective Roof

The heat from sunshine is one of the reasons that summer can be uncomfortable for many people. Traditional roofing materials tend to absorb the light and consequently lets more heat into your home. A good alternative to black roofing would be to swap it for a reflective roof to stay cool. You can even work with the roofing you already have and instead put a reflective coating on top of it. The reflective coating also acts as a protective layer. This extends the life expectancy of the roof as well. If you complete this project before the summertime, you will be able to escape the summer heat inside your home and have more control over the temperature in your own house.

Create More Natural Light

One thing that summertime does not lack is sunshine. This is something you can use to your advantage in your home. If you want to add more natural light to your home, there are a couple of different options you can choose based on what fits your home best. One of the ways you can bring in more natural light is by creating more window space. You can lengthen your windows, or you can use thinner blinds that let more sunlight through during the day. This allows you to get the natural light but still maintain some form of privacy.  Skylights are another great option because they can bring the light in from your roof and in some cases double as a traditional light as well.  

Get Smarter About Storage

In your home, if there is one thing you cannot have too much of is storage. The best places for storage are blanks and empty spaces.  For example, under the stairs is a great place for storage because you can add in a closet or a shelving unit without compromising their structural integrity. When creating storage spaces, you need to consider where it would be more practical to have extra storage and how you should design it.  If you were designing a pantry, you would not place it right by the front door and away from the kitchen. If you were looking for a new and effective place to put your extensive DVD collection, you would probably want them by the television.

Hardscape the Backyard

Another way to utilize the summer sun and encourage you to spend more time outside with friends and family is by hardscaping the backyard. Hardscaping would include anything from building a patio to a deck. If your yard has ample space, you can have plenty of landscaping and hardscaping, creating the perfect balance of outdoor design elements. When hardscaping, you can typically choose from different materials like stone, brick, or concrete. Concrete is an affordable material for use in hardscaping projects. With a hardscaped yard, no weather conditions can stop you from inviting your friends over, especially if you install an overhead umbrella over the deck or patio.

Install a Sprinkler System

Summertime can bring a lot of damage to the outdoor plants unless they are well taken care of. Instead of you having to plan specific times to water the plants every single day, you can set the automated sprinkler system to go off at the same time every day. This can also help you avoid watering the plants during the hottest times of day, where water could scorch the plants or be evaporated too quickly. You will save time and keep your plants healthier. Additionally, with a sprinkler system, your children can enjoy being sprayed with water on a hot summer day. Sprinklers can be a blessing for you, your children, and your plants.

Enclose your Porch

Unfortunately, bugs and pests enjoy the summer weather almost as much as you do. However, you do not want the bugs to deter you from spending time outside on your porch or deck. You can restrict them from bothering you by enclosing your porch with mesh nets. This enables you to feel like you are outside in the fresh air, but you are protected from critters like mosquitoes and flies. Your covered porch or deck will also include an overhead covering that will protect you from the sun and provide a little bit of shade. You will no longer have to worry about flies getting into your barbeque dinner or spending time outside only to find insect bites all over your legs the next day.

Repaving your Driveway

Asphalt and concrete crack over time. This happens particularly after the winter months when water freezes and expands inside a small crack, turning it into a pothole. If your driveway has become uncomfortable and unbearable to drive over every day, it is time to consider repaving it. This gives a fresh new look in front of your house and protects your car from any other damage. Redoing your driveway during the summer can be more difficult due to the heat and the difficulties associated with it drying.

Air Conditioning Circulation

While air conditioning repair is a bit more of an extensive project, it is important to finish before summer. Imagine being caught without air conditioning on the hottest days of summer in Houston, Texas. If you take the time to make sure that your air conditioning has everything it needs to be fully functioning, you will not have a difficult time when the temperature rises.

Home improvement projects can frequently seem lengthy. However, there are a couple of smaller changes that can make the projects easier. Once you make calculated choices based on your and your family’s needs, you will see great improvement and look forward to your relaxing summertime.

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