Wonder what the single thing that is constant in this world? Change. However, not everyone welcomes change with open arms. The same goes for home renovation projects. When you’ve held onto the memories that come with your good-old cozy home, it becomes a stressful task to try and change what used give you happiness and comfort.
With the warmer weather making its way into our homes this summer, it is high time that you give your home a makeover. Here are a few tricks to help you ensure you’ll have a summer-ready home this season.
Plan And Prioritize
Planning and budgeting are the two essentials of a successful home renovation project. The trick is to prioritize the which projects matter to you the most. Since it’s summer, you’d want to focus on the projects that will make your home cool and comfortable. This way, you can ensure that you get the things that needed attention done first.
Smart Recommendation: Embrace the Light and Air
- Banish the Winter Blues: Replace heavy drapes with light, airy curtains to allow natural sunlight to flood your living space. This will brighten your home and create a more cheerful atmosphere. Consider sheer curtains for privacy while still maintaining openness.
- Open Up the Space: If your budget allows, explore removing a non-load-bearing wall to create an open floor plan. This fosters a sense of spaciousness and encourages airflow, perfect for those warm summer days.
- Let There Be Light: Upgrade your lighting fixtures with energy-efficient options. Task lighting in kitchens and bathrooms is essential, while strategically placed lamps and sconces can create a warm and inviting ambiance for summer evenings.
Budget Your Home Improvement Projects
The next step is to estimate the costs and work out a realistic budget. By listing out the renovations you want to accomplish this summer, you can start setting a budget. You have the option to use your savings or apply for a loan such as a jumbo loan to finance your renovation project.
What is a jumbo loan? It is a bigger than usual home loan as the amount you can get is larger than conventional loan limits. This is not only for those who want to acquire a bigger home loan to buy a house but is also perfect if you’re going to tap into your equity to cash out a considerable amount of money you can use for home renovation projects.
Prioritize Cool Comfort and Efficiency
Spruce Up Your AC
Have your air conditioning system serviced to ensure optimal performance. A well-maintained AC unit will keep your home cool and comfortable without breaking the bank on your energy bills. If you think your AC system is acting up ensure you prioritize fort collins ac repair before the summer comes.
Go For Energy-Efficient HVAC System
With the summer heat threatening to turn your comfy home into a warm oven, it only fits to invest on Energy Star-Certified HVACs. This way, you can reduce your energy bills while improving your home’s value at the same time. These last longer and energy-efficient HVAC systems work great in providing your cooling and heating needs, and can also help improve air quality in your home as well.
Also, don’t forget to:
- Welcome the Breeze: Install ceiling fans in key areas like bedrooms and living rooms. Ceiling fans circulate cool air efficiently, providing a refreshing alternative to constant AC use.
- Don’t Take Your Windows For Granted: Treat your windows by getting rid of thick draperies and turn to fresh and breezy curtains. Go for thin sheers and light-colored curtains as these can instantly give your home an instant summer vibe. Don’t forget to clean your windows before putting on your new window treatments.
- Create An Outdoor Living Space: Decks and patios are an excellent way to add indoor living space outdoors. It proves to be an excellent way to maximize your outdoor space since you can use this to entertain guests, enjoy your morning coffee or late afternoon tea. Build a deck or patio, add a few outdoor furnitures and dress it into a comfortable nook for family and friends. Throw in your barbeque grill, and you’re ready to host BBQ parties this summer.
- Embrace Natural Materials: Opt for natural fiber rugs and throws for a cool and inviting feel. Consider replacing heavy winter bedding with lighter, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
Keeping Your Cool: Roofing for Summer Comfort and Energy Savings
Summer’s here, and with it comes the blazing sun and scorching temperatures. While cranking up the AC might seem like the only solution, there’s a crucial element of your home that plays a significant role in keeping things cool – your roof! The right roof can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency and protect you from the summer heat.
Understanding the Enemy: How Roofs Absorb Heat
Traditional roofs, especially those made from dark-colored asphalt shingles, absorb a tremendous amount of heat from the sun. This heat radiates down into your living space, making your home feel like an oven and forcing your air conditioner to work overtime.
Beating the Heat: Cool Roof Options
Fortunately, several roofing options can help you combat the summer heat and improve your home’s energy efficiency:
- Reflective Roofing Materials: These materials, like light-colored metal roofs or specially coated asphalt shingles, reflect a significant portion of the sun’s rays away from your home. This reduces heat gain in your attic and keeps your living space cooler.
- Radiant Barriers: These reflective sheets can be installed under your existing roof sheathing or integrated into new roofing systems. They act like a shield, reflecting radiant heat back towards the sun, reducing heat transfer into your home.
- Ventilated Roofs: Creating proper ventilation in your attic allows hot air to escape, preventing it from building up and radiating down into your living space. This can be achieved through strategically placed roof vents and soffit vents.
The Benefits of a Cool Roof
Investing in a cool roof offers a multitude of benefits:
- Reduced Energy Bills: By keeping your home cooler naturally, a cool roof can significantly lower your air conditioning costs, leading to substantial savings on your energy bills.
- Improved Comfort: A cooler attic translates to a cooler living space, making your home more comfortable during the hot summer months.
- Increased Lifespan of Roof Shingles: Excessive heat can damage traditional asphalt shingles, leading to a shorter lifespan. Cool roofs experience less heat stress, potentially extending their lifespan.
- Environmental Benefits: By reducing your reliance on air conditioning, cool roofs contribute to lower energy consumption and a smaller carbon footprint.
Choosing the Right Roof for Your Needs
The best roofing material for your home depends on your budget, climate, and desired aesthetics. Consult with a qualified roofing professional to discuss your options and find the perfect cool roof solution for your summer comfort and energy savings needs.
Remember: Your roof plays a vital role in keeping your home cool and comfortable during the summer months. By considering cool roof options and proper ventilation, you can create a more energy-efficient and enjoyable environment for you and your family all summer long. For expert advice, we recommend you to consult with the expert guys in roofing, Roof Co Group.
These simple tips can turn your house into a summer-ready home. Plan, stick to your budget and think of comfort and efficiency, and your home will be too cool for the summer in no time.
