What good are the Summer months if you can’t spend them outdoors? For many homeowners, Summer is the perfect time to make improvements to their abodes to really make the best of the prime weather. Whether you strive to create the perfect backyard oasis, or want to retreat from the sweltering temperatures, you’ll want to take a look at this list. Here are 5 of the best home upgrades to do this Summer.
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Build and Grow an Herb Garden
In recent years, we’ve become increasingly aware of the benefits of eating an organic diet. Last year alone the organic food industry saw its largest growth in years. Jump on the bandwagon and set up your own organic herb and vegetable garden in your backyard this year. Your family will benefit from the additive-free produce, and there’s a certain gratification that comes with eating food grown right in your backyard.
Work with the space you have, and make your garden a focal point in your backyard. If space is limited, set up a raised bed that can sit right on your patio. Otherwise, having an enclosed garden at ground level will help you control the pollutants and chemicals that can leak into your soil. Use any materials you can get your hands on: untreated wood, cement blocks and bricks, rocks, and anything else you can think of. Make your backyard a productive space where your family can start an herb project together. You’ll be reaping the benefits before you know it.
Create the Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen and Patio
Every grillsmith needs a space to practice his craft. Go beyond your typical grill setup and create an outdoor kitchen the whole neighborhood will be talking about. Since the outdoor kitchen of your dreams may be quite costly, install the essentials to get things started and leave the rest for summers to come.
The perfect patio will complement your new kitchen in a way that you and your guests can enjoy beyond just the summer. Comfy furniture centered around a nice fire pit will be the basis for many an evening bonfire and s’more roasting session.
Light up the Darkness
No matter how much time and energy you spend on landscaping and planting shrubs and trees on your property, it won’t be fully appreciated until you find a way to highlight it when the sun goes down. Start by installing solar-powered lighting along walkways, and work your way to illuminating trees and shrubs. This will not only serve as a way of showing off your handiwork; it’ll also enhance the safety of your family and visitors. As an artistic add-on, hanging lantern style lights in the low-hanging branches of trees creates a beautifully romantic effect, with very little effort.
Replace Your Old Deckre
Every home needs a good deck. If your old setup is outdated and rotting away, spend a weekend pulling it out, and another installing an upgraded version. Even the smallest homes can play host to a nice outdoor hang session. Whether you do it yourself or enlist a professional, this project is an absolute must for the summer months.
Upgrade Indoor Appliances
Air conditioning can make utility costs skyrocket as the sun beats down on you all summer long. Take this as an opportunity to overhaul your appliances. Upgrading and servicing outdated equipment can help curb cooling costs, letting you focus on the joys of summer. While you’re critiquing your home’s appliance lineup, consider upgrading to a Lifesource hard water treatment and forgo all those wasteful bottled water bottles. Through eliminating mineral buildup, it will make cleaning jobs easier too.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to great seasonal projects, and this list only scratches the surface of all the options homeowners have for improving their space. Between growing your own produce and cooking it in your personalized outdoor kitchen, you’ll be well on your way to taking in everything the sunny season has to offer. What’s on your home improvement list for summer 2014?
