Summertime Home-Improvement Projects to Cross Off Your List

Summer's long days and warm weather make it the ideal season for upgrading parts of your home. Here are some easy, affordable home maintenance projects to add to your list this summer.

Summer is a great time for home improvement projects and DIY updates around the house. Set some time (and money) aside this summer to give your home some TLC. Not only will it increase the overall value of your home, but little upgrades here and there can also save you a lot of money down the line.

While some home improvements can be expensive, such as adding central air conditioning or remodeling an entire room of your house, there are more affordable projects that can give you the same effect for a much lower cost. Here are some simple, affordable home improvement projects to try this summer that won't break the bank.

1. Pressure-wash outdoor areas.

Winter weather can leave behind all sorts of dirt and grime on your home's exterior and other outdoor areas. Take advantage of the warmer weather to give your home a high-powered cleaning. A pressure washer can make quick work of clearing away buildup on siding, driveways, decks, patios, and walkways. If you don't own a pressure washer, you can often rent one at your local home center or hardware store. As you clean your home's exterior, be sure to direct the spray downward to avoid forcing water into cracks or seams, and use a lower-pressure setting on surfaces that could easily be damaged, such as painted siding or wood decks.

2. Refinish your deck.

Spruce up your deck with fresh paint or stain in anticipation of summer entertaining. Not only will refinishing your deck give it a clean look, but it will also help reduce cracks and splinters, making the surface friendlier for bare feet. Proper prep is key to a beautiful finish, so take the time to clean the surface and strip off the old finish before you begin. While you're at it, consider painting your patio furniture to make it look good as new. Then hang some outdoor string lights to make your space a dreamy oasis perfect for hosting a backyard event.

3. Declutter your home.

As the weather warms, summer is a good time to declutter and air out those oft-forgotten areas, like the garage, an outdoor shed, or basement, that tend to be used less during colder months. Decluttering typically doesn't cost anything, and you can earn some money by selling items you no longer use. Plus, you can use your earnings toward other home repairs. "It costs nothing except a week or two of your time, and the ability to let go and part ways with unneeded clutter. Your clutter is actually costing you money, and getting rid of things you don't use can make a lot of room in your house and even give you ideas for other improvements.

4. Refresh your house with paint.

Summer is the perfect season for bigger paint projects. If you have areas in your home that you've been meaning to repaint, such as entire rooms or the exterior, summer is the time to do it—and a little paint could go a long way in transforming your space.

5. Check gutters.

This might not be the most fun or creative  project, but it's an important one to protect your home against summer storms and prepare for colder months ahead. Winter, followed by a rainy spring, can take a toll on your gutters and downspouts, If they're ignored, you could end up needing to replace them altogether, or worse, dealing with foundation damage, interior flooding, driveway cracks, or landscape erosion.

6. Spruce up landscaping.

Give your yard some attention, too—chances are, you're probably spending a lot more time in it to enjoy the beautiful summer weather. There are simple DIY improvements you can make to elevate your backyard or front yard. Summertime is the perfect time to plant perennials, a variety of beautiful-looking flowers that are low maintenance.

Adding plants or flowers leading up the walkway to your front door can get you some instant curb appeal and liven up your front yard, as well. Be sure to spruce up any overgrown or dead plants, trees, or shrubs.

7. Clean or replace AC filters.

Another not-so-fun but very important summer home-improvement project:  Don't worry,  this one is quick and won't take up as much time as cleaning your gutters. All you have to do is find your AC and furnace vents, unscrew it, and clean or replace the filters.