As the days get longer and the temperatures get warmer, it's time to assess any winter damage to your home and make plans for spring home improvement projects - both cosmetic and structural.
Here are 7 home improvement projects that are perfect for a spring home makeover and yield a big return on investment by adding to your house's resale value:
1) Add or upgrade your Outdoor Living Room Now that we are finally getting warmer temperatures, do you have an exterior space where you can enjoy the outdoors with friends and family? If not, now is the time to build your dream deck or the outdoor kitchen you've always wanted, restore your front porch, or add a wrap-around or screened-in porch. CCI can help you design the space and build a top quality outdoor living room that you can enjoy this spring, summer and fall.
If you already have a great outdoor living space, check for any damage that needs to be repaired with your patio, deck or porch. Now is also the time to clean and restain your deck.
2) Upgrade or maintain your HVAC System Before it gets too hot, it's a good idea to make sure your AC unit is working properly. On a warm April or May day, switch the AC on for a couple minutes. Check all vents to ensure that each one is working properly. If your AC seems weak or is not working correctly, give CCI a call. We offer simple checks and tune-ups, which can ensure that there are no problems.
If your HVAC system is old, you might want to consider investing in an energy-efficient heating and cooling system. This is a great way to live green and add value to your home. Many modern air conditioners use 30 to 50 percent less energy to produce the same amount of cool air as air conditioners from the 1970s, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. CCI is a licensed HVAC contractor, and we can meet with you to discuss options for upgrading your HVAC system.
Now is also the time to change your filters; consider a whole house high efficiency filter system.
3) Check you windows for drafts or damage A drafty window or two in the middle of summer can raise your cooling energy consumption and bill. One option is to get new windows installed, and while this means more initial costs, it will save you money in the long run. According to the Remodeling 2014 Cost vs. Value Report (
www.costvsvalue.com), window replacement has one of the top returns on investment when it comes to adding to your house's resale value. CCI can meet with you to discuss your needs when it comes to replacing windows.
If replacing windows isn't in your budget right now, you can try to fix the old ones. You can use sealants, both permanent and temporary, to get rid of any draughts around your windows.
Take a walk around your house and visually inspect all of your windows. While you're at it, take a look at the window sills and trim for any signs of water damage or deterioration. Painting or replacing damaged window trim is another home improvement project that yields big results.
4) Install an attic fan and/or insulate your loft Summer heat from your home will rise and may result in your upper floors being substantially warmer than your first floor. Ways to keep your upper floors cooler include installing an attic fan and ensuring that your loft is insulated adequately. If your attic hasn't been insulated in a while or your home wasn't quite as warm this winter as you would have liked it to be, check the thickness of your insulation and replace or top it up if you need to. Adding an extra layer of fiberglass insulation is another easy home improvement project and can help make cooling your home this summer much easier.
5) Repair or replace your roof Your roof is your home's number one defense against the elements. Even a small issue can lead to major damage indoors if moisture is allowed to enter your attic and walls through cracks and creases. Take a look at your roof from the ground to see if any shingles have been blown out of place or if there is curling, peeling and even disintegration of the shingles.
6) Clear and repair gutters and downspouts With spring comes rainy weather, so now is the time to make sure that your gutters don't overflow and your drainpipes are clear of debris. The fall will have seen leaves and tree debris fall into your gutters, and moss often grows in gutters and downpipes during winter. Make sure that any moss is removed as young seedlings will grow in moss in spring. Also, if your gutters have been damaged by storms over the winter, it's important to get them fixed before spring showers and summer storms roll around since heavy rainfall can pose a problem for your home come spring if the water is not being properly routed by your gutter system. Now is also the time to consider installing gutter guards to keep fall leaves from clogging your gutters.
7) Update your siding Your house's siding can get damaged from winter weather, so be sure to inspect it for damage this spring. Replacing a warped or loose piece of siding is a home improvement project that can be completed by a do-it-yourselfer. However, if your siding is older, you might also consider updating your siding with a more energy-efficient and easy to maintain product. CCI offers free consultation on all home siding projects.
Here at CCI we can help you ensure that your home is ready for spring and summer. Give us a call or
send us an email today and we can provide a free estimate on the project that interests you.
