5 Common Home Improvement To-Do’s this Summer

1. Pool Cleaning

Summer is here and that means your pool will be getting used more! So that pool will need a proper cleaning and treatment for safe swimming. While you’re equipped with brushes and mesh skimmers to remove leaves and algae…when it comes to shocking the water with chemicals, that’s where you could use some assistance.

DIY or Hire a Pro? This surprisingly easy chore is yours for the taking!

Getting the job done: First, you just have to take a sample of pool water to the supply store in a sanitized container. Once you tell them your pool’s dimensions, they can calculate the proper ratio for agents like chlorine and cyanuric acid, and provide detailed instructions on how—and when—to add them to your pool.

 

2. Landscaping

A little landscaping can go a long way when it comes to sprucing up your home! With so many types of plants & flowers to choose from, you may be wondering whether you need a landscape architect to really make your yard stand out.

DIY or Hire a Pro? For the most part, small-scale projects (shrub pruning, weeding, mulching beds) can be easily effective tasks. The exception: breaking out a chainsaw to tackle the overgrown oak in the yard.

Getting the job done: If gardening is one of your top priorities on your project list, check out the USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map! This will make sure you’re working with the right plants for your region, climate, and sun exposure.

3. Pest Control

Of course you can stock up on citronella candles and Deet for the summer, but how great would it be to enjoy a bug-free season?

DIY or Hire a Pro? Call the experts. Most homeowners don’t have the necessary chemicals on hand or the knowledge required to effectively and safely manage this large task.

Getting the job done: How much you’ll end up spending depends on the size of the yard or home. Seek out a seasonal contract—reliable pest control companies provide long-term service and can monitor their work and re-treat as needed.

4. Gutter Repair

Clean, secure gutters keep leaves and wastewater from weighing down your roof. No one wants stagnant debris hanging from their gutters, waiting to cause problems, so it’s important to patch holes, seal leaky joints, and secure any parts that have pulled away from the home as soon as it is noticed.

DIY or Hire a Pro? Go with the pros. Even though the maintenance can be pretty easy to do yourself, the risk of injury from falling isn’t worth it.

Getting the job done: It’s best to rely on friends and family references when looking for a qualified and licensed gutter repair company—you can even get a list of recommendations from your local chapter of the National Association of Home Builders!

5. Deck Work

Spending a warm evening on the back deck is one of the best things about summertime. However, after the winter you may have some repairs to work on first.

DIY or Hire a Pro? It depends on the scale of the project. Repairs involving securing/replacing loose or damaged wood & staining are definitely manageable to do yourself. If a deck needs structural maintenance, or total replacement, it would be better to go to a professional carpenter or decking company.

Getting the job done: Deck projects can be a fairly easy and satisfying achievement—the key is having the right equipment.