Thinking about a room addition? Adding to your kitchen or family room area can be a great home improvement project, as it adds to your enjoyment and typically boosts the value of your home.

 Here’s how to decide if you’re ready for a room addition. Do you know what you’ll use the remodeled space for? This sounds obvious, but you should think carefully about whether you want to add kitchen space, pantry space, a bathroom, etc. This will help the contractor determine the layout and cost. Try this interesting thread on whether to expand a kitchen into a dining room and eliminate some walls when remodeling.

Evaluate Remodeling Finances 

Next, take a look at your finances. Do you have the money in savings or access to it through a home equity loan or line of credit? Can you make the payments after all the remodeling is done? Now is the time to save a little extra in a separate home improvement fund just to give yourself a cushion. read more »

If you’re looking for a few quick remodeling projects to fill the summer days, look no further. Here are some sure fire ways to do some home improvement without driving yourself crazy.

Look for home improvement projects that will take no longer than 2-3 days. This way you can get it done in a weekend and still have plenty of time to enjoy the summer. Some projects might require a contractor’s help, depending on your skill level.

If you have a patio or deck, do a little spruce up. With a patio, that might mean pulling weeds from between the bricks or adding another layer of sand between the cracks—just sweep it over the cracks, lightly wet the surface and brush it into the cracks.

If you have a deck, try power washing it or, to get rid of algae, scrub it with a water and bleach solution. Then buy a few new deck chairs or new cushions and you’ll have a whole new look.

Painting is another easy way to spruce up a home, particularly on the outside. Perhaps your front doorway needs a new look or your picket fence is looking worn. This is an easy home improvement project for many people – or it’s a relatively inexpensive project to do with a painting contractor’s help.

Landscaping Remodeling 

In the garden, check around for a spot that is looking a little dull. It’s easy enough to redo one perennial bed or add one. Focus on areas near your patio or deck so you’ll get the most impact from your project.

Try adding spiking perennial flowers in purple, orange or yellow. Or, add a little fragrant area with three rose bushes or fragrant lilies. Ask a landscaping contractor for help, if needed.

Don’t let the summer get by without doing a few quick home improvement projects. Once they are done, you can relax until fall!