Late in the summer season is a great time for certain home improvement projects, as the generally mild late-summer weather is perfect for projects that expose you or your home to bad weather. Waiting until the harsh New England months when dangerous storms hit could be disastrous. So now’s the perfect time to remodel your home as we head into a transitional autumn. Knowing which projects to start can be tricky: so here’s a list of the top 5 you should prioritize this season.
# 1 – Winter Prep
Winterizing is key in these last mild days of summer – and you’ll be glad you took the time when winter hits. Replace old windows with new double-pane windows to keep heat in and reduce your heating bills. While this option may be more expensive, an alternate option would be to replace the caulking around your existing windows. This seals the cracks against air filtration, and is good for older-style windows that can stop the moisture and air from getting in.
Other great winterizing projects include insulating your attic, checking your heating system to assure it’s in good condition, weatherproofing your doors or installing new doors.
#2 – Roof Repair or Installation
In the harsh winter months, your roof does a lot of overtime in keeping you dry and warm – so late summer is a great time to work on making sure it’s in good shape. Roofing contractors are a good option here for do-it-yourselfers, as they can keep your project and materials safe during unexpected weather patterns. Summer is also a good time for roof repairs, as many typical roofing materials require an outdoor temp of at least 40 degrees. This is because in the low temps of winter months, adhesives can freeze and the shingle underlayment can become brittle and break, compromising your roof.
# 3 – Painting
Is it time for a new look for your home, inside or outside? Nothing reinvents your house like a fresh coat of paint – especially in the summer months. Temperature around this time is great for paint to dry, as it needs over 40-50 degree weather to do so. Painting contractors can also ventilate your home during a summer painting project – which is important for avoiding dangerous painting fumes. Lastly, the long days of summer give you a true sense of how your paint hue looks on your walls.
# 4 AC Upgrade or Replacement
Now that your need for the AC is less frequent, it’s a good time to have your unit checked out – which you’ll appreciate in time for next summer. You may want to bring your Air Conditional to a professional to check for refrigerant leaks and inadequate insulation, as both are integral to how your unit operates. It’s also important to check for faulty components or electrical problems to keep your home safe for future use.
# 5 New Fencing
Now is a great time to install that fence you’ve been thinking about. Fun backyard weather is also great for fence-building: plus, fence materials were built to stand up against the elements, so enduring a sudden summer shower won’t be an issue. Fence building contractors can help you carefully construct your own property line, ensuring that both posts and your underground footing does not go over your neighbor’s line. They’ll also work with you to understand where your electrical, gas, and waterlines are so as not to create a big mess for you and your street.
Thinking it’s about time to get started on these projects? RAM Construction specializes in all the above summer home improvement projects and more for North Shore, MA residents. Contact us today to get started.
Source: Five Home Improvement Projects to Tackle Now, Terence Loose
[contact-form]
