Summer Home Improvement Projects: Bang for the Buck

Updated May 2022

With snow and ice in the rearview mirror and the kids' school on break, summer is the ideal season for home improvement. The plans we have been dreaming up all winter now have the time and sunlight to be realized. A vegetable garden, a larger patio or deck, and new windows are popular summer projects.

Small and smart projects can actually add more value to a property than bigger renovations, leaving you with more free time to enjoy summer. Here we have compiled a list of the best summer home improvement projects to increase value.

• Paint the interior or exterior
• Landscaping
• Replace the roof
• Build a deck or patio
• Replace exterior siding

Painting

The fast way to increase your home's value and curb appeal is new exterior paint. As DIY projects go, painting takes time and diligence. Hiring a professional would free you up for other summer projects and fun. Either way, choose the best-quality paint your budget allows.

If you plan to do it yourself, you'll need to buy paint, primer, rollers, a ladder, brushes, painter's tape, and a step stool. Go with a professional and you'll be charged his or her flat fee based on the scope of the project and usually also an hourly fee.

So what are most home owners paying on paint? The national averages are as follows per HomeAdvisor.

Painting a home exterior: $2,868 average. Most homeowners spend between $1,716 and $4,024.

Painting a home interior: $1,790 average. Most homeowners spend between $350 and $4,700.

Landscaping

Visitors and prospective home buyers form a first impression of your home not just on the paint, roof, or siding, but also on the landscaping. Projects very greatly in scope, from simple flowerbeds to opulent courtyards, but the average expense of adding landscaping is $3,000-$3,500, and the increase in home value is about 28%.

A smart way to fund an equity-building home improvement project is with a cash-out refi. Let Lendgo show you your best options.

Replacing a Roof

Your home's main defense against the elements is its roof. If April showers brought you more than just May flowers but also leaks in the attic or in rooms, summer is the time to take action. Roof replacement brings a 72% return on investment according to FortuneBuilders.

Building a Deck or Patio

Increase your home's living space at minimal cost per square foot by adding or enlarging the patio or deck. While the cost can be upwards of $10,000, you can get a good return on investment because homebuyers consider this outdoor space as almost an additional room. They can imagine themselves entertaining there or using it for relaxation and playtime.

Related:

A cash-out refinance can make you love your home again

According to the Cost vs. Value table at Remodeling, homeowners who built new wooden decks recouped an average of 75.6% of the cost when they sold the home.

Replacing Exterior Siding

Also with an average of 75.6% return on investment is siding replacement. Siding is important to your home's curb appeal and protects it from the elements. The average cost is around $15,000 and, as you would expect, depends on materials and home size. One popular material right now is fiber-cement siding, made from wood fibers, Portland cement, sand, and clay. The material is durable and low maintenance.

Takeaways

• To leave yourself time to enjoy the summer, focus on projects that offer good bang for the buck.
• Think of curb appeal and living space.
• Any project is worthwhile if you're happy with the results.