Home improvement may not be at the top of everyone’s list when summer rolls around. But, with so many great DIY projects available, it’s never been easier to spruce up your home. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your home’s aesthetics or make it more energy-efficient, there’s something for everyone.
Here are 8 simple home improvements you can make this summer to make your life a little easier.
Install Accessibility Features
There are many fabulous DIY accessibility features you can add to your home to make your life easier. For starters, grab a stool from IKEA and pop it in any room of your house. This one simple addition will give you a quick and easy way to reach items on high shelves or low cabinets, plus it’s great for getting things down from the top shelf of your pantry. You can also invest in an accessible toilet seat or a stairlift if you struggle to get up and down the stairs.
Try to focus on your most-used rooms. How can you make them more accessible? It’s best to focus on those rooms because you’ll get the most out of your upgrades as possible. For example, an handicap accessible bathtub is an excellent addition to a room you use multiple times a day.
Install Energy-Efficient Windows
One of the easiest projects you can take on this summer is to install energy-efficient windows. This straightforward project will make your home more energy-efficient while also saving you money on your monthly utility bills. Newer windows have better insulation and allow more light in, meaning they’re a win-win for homeowners.
You might be put off by the expense of new windows. And they are definitely an investment. There’s no beating around the bush. A whole new set of windows will cost a pretty penny. But they’re usually a one-off pay-out and will reduce your bills while lasting you for years to come.
Install A Home Security System
Your home can actually be designed to protect and look after you. And it can also make your life easier. A home security system can tick one of these boxes for you. And is one of the most common things people install in their homes. It can be for various reasons, but generally, it’s to ensure your family’s safety.
Plus, a home security system can deter burglars from breaking into your house. Some homeowners will even have an outdoor camera installed. This way, they can see their front yard and driveway while away on vacation or work. Hook this security system up to a Smart home system like Google or Hive, and you’ll be able to control all parts of your home from one easy-to-use hub.
Install Better Lighting
A simple way to make your life easier is to replace your light bulbs with LED bulbs. LED bulbs use up to 80% less electricity and can last up to 20x longer than standard incandescent light bulbs. Plus, they’re just as bright.
It might feel like an odd suggestion to install better lighting to make your life easier. But the saving on your bills and improvement to the atmosphere of your home will make your life easier. You’ll be less stressed and more relaxed because you’re saving money in a well-lit home.
Install Blinds Or Shades
One of the most effective ways to add style to your home is with window treatments. There are plenty of great options, whether you’re looking for a more traditional approach, like blinds or shades. Or want something with a little more flair, like roller or roman shades. The best thing about window treatments? They’ll cover any outdated and unattractive views that you may not have time to redecorate.
And they can make your life easier too. Yes, you guessed it. It’s another tip that will save you a bit of money. Closing your blinds on a hot day will keep your home cooler, so you don’t have to use your HVAC system when you don’t need to.
Install A Rain Barrel
A rain barrel collects and stores water from a downspout on your roof. You can keep it for use throughout the year or collect it for watering plants and gardens. Rain barrels are fantastic in dry climates like Nevada, where summers consist of the unpredictable “monsoon season.” This way, you won’t have to worry about running out of water when you need it most. What an excellent way to make your life easier.
But, if you live in an area where it doesn’t rain very often, there are other ways to collect water from your roof. One way is by installing gutters that lead out of your house and into barrels or large pots placed on the ground near plants with thirsty roots. Another option is to establish a soaker hose that will soak up any rainfall that falls onto your roof and deliver it directly to the desired plants without carrying heavy buckets of water all over the yard.
Similarly, if you are keen on maximizing the climatic goodness at home, you might want to add solar panels on your roof. Companies such as USA Clean Energy Association can assist with the installation. Essentially, while rain barrels are going to capture water only on rainy days, solar panels work around the clock, rains or shines. The only time they do not collect solar energy is at night, when the moon replaces the sun. A combination of rain collecting tanks and photovoltaic panels can help keep your household costs low this summer, from keeping your lawn green to cutting down HVAC expenses!
Install An OnDemand Water Heater
Changing the water heater in your home to an on-demand water heater will save you money. An on-demand water heater uses less energy than a traditional tankless or tank water heater, which saves you money on utilities. In addition, with an on-demand water heater, you only heat up the hot water needed at any given moment. Meaning it’s only using what it needs and not heating up a large amount of water that may be wasted.
It’s another home improvement that might cost you a bit to install. But it’s well worth the investment for the money and stress you’ll save yourself.
Install An Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen is a great summertime project. It not only gives you a new place to cook but also gives you an entire outside area for entertaining. Plus, it’s an economical way to spruce up your backyard.
Start your project at the beginning of summer to get your family really excited for the season ahead. Consider building a pizza oven if you want to take your BBQs to the next level. The only limit is your imagination. So stretch the possibilities with your outdoor kitchen, and you’ll end up with an extra room that makes the most of nature.