6 DIY Projects to Tackle Before Summer
Summer is around the corner but before you jump into your sparkling blue pool, ask yourself whether your house is really all that summer-ready.
Winter can be tough on the ol' shelter we call home.
You might notice there are a few loose ends you need to tie up before you can start hosting those fun-in-the-sun soirees.
At a closer glance, you might also see that your backyard can do with TLC. The cold weather and harsh winds can very easily make your garden go from fab to drab.
Luckily you can easily fix these problems! Here are 6 DIY projects that you can tackle before summer starts.
1) Pressure clean the outdoor area
You probably haven't used the outdoor area much during winter.
The chances are high that it is full of dust, sand, and stubborn grime.
A high-pressure cleaner can quickly wash away build-up on your patio, driveway, and walkways.
It is fairly easy to use and extremely satisfying to see your outdoor area restored to its former glory.
Try not to direct water into the cracks when you use the high-pressure cleaner. If you have surfaces that are easily damaged, remember to switch to a lower setting.
2) Do some summer maintenance outdoors
As you are walking around, pressure cleaning the heck out of your outdoor area, you might notice that some of your exterior structures need serious maintenance.
Your fence might be broken in a few places and the planks could be lying around the yard. You might find that the paint on your shed is peeling.
Or you could just feel that the entire yard needs a revamp!
Start by clearing out all of the debris left over and fixing anything that needs repairing.
You can sand down, varnish your fence, and repaint your shed to give it that summer glow.
It is a simple thing that can change your entire outdoor area.
3) Check your gutters before the summer rainy season
If you live in an area where the winters are dry and the summers are wet, then you need to check your gutters ASAP.
Once the rainy season starts, it usually gives very little breathing space.
You don't want to have to deal with flood damage just because you forgot to check your gutters.
If your gutters are in bad shape, it would be a good idea to replace them completely. However, it could just be that your gutters are clogged up.
Grab a ladder and remove all the dirt and debris from your gutters.
Make sure to do this every once in a while during the summer.
4) Paint the exterior and interior
After winter, it is often obvious that your house has seen better days.
You might see dirt and mud on the side of the house or even paint peeling off.
The best way to make it look fresh again is to give it a good paint job. Try to keep the exterior colour of your house as neutral as possible and use good-quality paint.
When you move indoors, however, feel free to make bold choices.
You might be tired of the neutral tones in the living room. Spice it up with summer colours to make it feel warmer and more inviting.
5) Declutter your home before summer starts
There is a reason why it is called spring cleaning' and not 'summer cleaning'.
As soon as the sun is out and those beautiful hot days start, who wants to stay indoors and clean?
Decluttering is a great way to start any new season - literally and figuratively.
There is something therapeutic about throwing away old items and having an open, serene space.
After you have decluttered, you can donate some of these old items to charity or save them for summer and have a garage sale.
6) Incorporate solar energy into your home
Of course, this is an ideal energy alternative for many people, but it is also very expensive.
If you have extra cash, then investing in solar panels is a great way to make the most of the summer months.
With all the sun we get, you will always be charged up - even during loadshedding!
However, if it is not financially viable at this moment, you can always start small. Replace your outdoor lights with solar lights or invest in portable solar power units.
This way you can connect smaller appliances and save a little bit at the end of the month.
Final thoughts
Summer is meant to be enjoyed by family and friends in a home and yard that looks picture-perfect. Get your outdoor and indoor areas ready before the hot days start. With these DIY projects, your house will look great all season long.