When summer comes along, most people set their sights on their homes’ exteriors. From aesthetic changes like updating your siding to changes that allow you to get more use out of your property, like adding a patio or porch, there are plenty of exterior projects for anyone looking to revitalize their backyard.
These are some of the top exterior projects to do this summer and why they’re so incredibly popular right now.
Here at GreatBuildz, a free service that connects homeowners in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, and San Diego Counties with reliable contractors, we speak to homeowners every day about exterior projects – here are some ideas & tips to get you started.
Exterior Project #1: Add Exterior Lounging Space
When the weather starts to heat up and yards turn bright and lush green, nobody wants to get stuck inside. Because of this, one of the most popular exterior projects in the summer of 2022 is to build a deck! These fantastic spaces allow for sun lounging, time to breathe and decompress, and extra space to enjoy anything from grilling to gathering with friends and loved ones.
Make sure that you build safety features, like high-quality deck railing, to ensure that this outdoor space is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get together worry-free.
Exterior Project #2: Deep Clean Your Home’s Exterior
The last thing we want to see in the summer is a house that’s still coated in pollen or debris from the spring. The average pressure washer can cost between fifty to a hundred dollars per day to rent and allow you to use water to scrub down the outside of your home.
Avoid blowing water up into your siding from a lower level or hitting your windows, but scrub down the exterior of your home until it looks brand new. This is especially useful for brick and in cleaning driveways and sidewalks of properties that haven’t been pressure washed in ages.
Exterior Project #3: Create An Income Space on Your Property
If you have a larger property and want to make some money off of it but aren’t sure where to start: consider building an ADU or similarly, a barndominium. Although similar to an ADU, these structures are cheaper to build than the average classic home, have a unique and fun look about them, and can be built in three to six months.
You can then rent this space out or even convert it into its own lot and sell it, depending on the local ordinances and laws for construction. This is an awesome investment that many homeowners with extra space on their lot are considering making.
Exterior Project #4: Overhaul Your Home’s Greenery
The color green has a powerful effect on our psyche! Not only does green lower levels of hormones that can cause anxiety and stress, but keeping greenery outside can help us feel more connected to the natural world than most of us typically get these days.
Take a couple of weekends and overhaul your yard so that you have more plant life and fewer places that are colorless. If you have flooding issues on your property, consider creating a rain garden, which can allow your home to withstand far more water, its roots guiding it deeper into the ground and away from your home.
Exterior Project #5: Update Your Siding
How old is your siding? The average home’s siding is only built to last twenty to thirty years, so it’s vital that you get a good idea of the age of what’s on your home. In 2022 the hot color many people are reaching for is sage green siding. This soothing color is able to give any home a more natural and comfortable look while offering something different from most of your neighbors. Not only can it make your property look more interesting, but it’ll also make you excited to see your home when you get off work at the end of every day.
Exterior Project #6: Add an Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens are extremely popular this summer! Many homeowners are excited to stretch their cooking space into their home’s exterior, adding a sink, fridge, and cooking range where they can entertain guests while whipping up a delicious meal or drink.
You can build this onto your deck, or you can create a space specifically for your exterior kitchen on a concrete slab. These are best if you can plan for an overhanging or roofed area above them to ensure water and sun don’t ruin your machines, but there are some appliances that are built for primarily outdoor use. Heavily consider how often you’ll use these and what quality you want them to be before starting this project.
Exterior Project #7: Update Your Roof to Last
An older roof comes with tons of risks and issues that the average homeowner doesn’t want to think about. Not only can it lead to leaks and issues with heating, but it can also severely damage your property’s value. Instead of waiting until the last minute possible: update your roof the moment it’s time to do it. Go with high-quality material like slate that both looks good and can last over fifty years.
Every Home Can Use Positive Changes
Although you may love your home how it is: every property can use updates or changes to improve its appearance and function. Consider some of these exterior projects, and give your home a new look!
When it comes to remodeling your home or planning exterior projects, you shouldn’t have to go it alone – GreatBuildz can help simplify your renovation experience.
GreatBuildz is a free service that connects homeowners in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura or San Diego with reliable, thoroughly screened general contractors and provides project support from start to finish. Call now (818.317.3567) to chat with a real person about your next remodel project or visit our website for more information: www.greatbuildz.com
Max Shafer is a contributor to the Innovative Building Materials blog. He is a content writer for the construction and home improvement industries with an interest in landscaping, outdoor remodeling, and interior design. Max is focused on educating homeowners, contractors, and architects on innovative materials and methods of construction that increase property value, improve sustainability, and create a warm and welcoming ambiance.
