Transform Your Home in a Long Weekend: 7 Upgrades to Do During Summer

Aug 2, 2024

3 min. read

Whether you're renting or are a proud homeowner, with so many projects, it can feel like there's never enough time to check everything off your to-do list. But imagine the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction you'll feel when you transform your space with these summer upgrade ideas. With more daylight and long weekends, summer is the perfect time to tackle those home improvement projects you've had on your mind. Putting a few projects on the calendar for a long weekend can be a great way to feel productive and make your space shine. These ideas for both inside and outside your home take two to three days of work and are better during warmer weather. Our friends at Zoocasa explain more in detail below.

Tackle Painting Projects

Upgrading your room with a fresh paint coat can transform the space. Whether you opt for a bright, airy white palette or a bold pop of color for a moody statement, summer is the perfect time for painting. As anyone who's undergone a significant paint project can attest, the process is much more enjoyable with windows open to air out the room. During long weekends, focus on open-concept spaces that take longer time to do, like living rooms and kitchens. When your next Zoom meeting rolls around, your coworkers will compliment your refreshed surroundings.

Refinish Furniture

Restoring furniture is not just a way to transform your space; it's also an eco-friendly way to save money. By refinishing old furniture, you're making a much more affordable investment in high-quality pieces. This project involves several essential steps to ensure a smooth and polished final product, making it an excellent project for long weekends. By the end, you'll feel smart and resourceful for giving your furniture a new lease on life.

On the first day of the long weekend, spend time setting up a well-ventilated workspace, gathering supplies, and cleaning up the piece of furniture. Sanding the furniture surface and smoothing it out to remove any older finish is an important step that's also much easier to do in outdoor space. Repair any cracks or holes with wood filler, sanding the filled areas smoothly once the filler is dry.

The next day, apply a wood stain following the grain of the wood or a primer if painting. Finally, use a protective finish such as polyurethane, varnish, or wax to seal and protect the surface. This last step is crucial for the longevity of your furniture. Lastly, reattach or replace any hardware with new ones for the final touch.

Install New Flooring

Installing new flooring during the summer is a smart move for several reasons. First, the warm and steady weather provides the perfect conditions for the job. Flooring materials like hardwood, laminate, and vinyl can expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes, but summer's stable conditions help keep everything in place for a better fit. Plus, adhesives and sealants work better in the heat, giving you a stronger bond and a more durable finish. With longer daylight hours, you can work later in the day and finish the project sooner. And with windows open for ventilation, you can reduce fumes from adhesives and finishes, improving indoor air quality while you work.

With longer daylight hours, you can work later in the day and finish the project sooner. With windows open for ventilation, you can reduce fumes from adhesives and finishes, improving indoor air quality while you work.

Find the best home insurance rates today.

START A QUOTE

Swap Out Old Windows

Changing windows is another excellent summer project, as you don't have to worry about intense temperature control. The milder summer weather makes it easier to manage the indoor temperature while the windows are being replaced. Our advice? Start first thing in the morning when it's cooler, making the installation process more comfortable for you and the installers.
New energy-efficient windows can save you a significant amount on your energy bills, as they help keep your home cooler during the hot summer months and warmer in the winter.

Deck or Patio Maintenance

Restaining the deck or refreshing the patio can be accomplished in a single weekend, transforming your outdoor space into a summer haven. Spend the long weekend assembling new patio furniture or deep cleaning what you have, giving it a new lease on life. Then, deep clean the deck floors to make them shine like new. Follow this up with a fresh coat of stain, choosing a color that complements your garden and adds a touch of elegance.

Consider adding fun and functional elements to your outdoor area to make the most of your summer days. Create additional shaded spots with vibrant new sun umbrellas, perfect for lounging with a cold drink or reading a book. Install twinkling string lights or chic lanterns to add a magical ambiance to your evenings.

Remember to add some cozy touches like colorful outdoor rugs, throw pillows, and perhaps even a hammock for those lazy afternoons. These small but impactful upgrades will make you want to spend every moment soaking up the sun and enjoying your beautifully maintained outdoor space.

Deep Clean the Garage

Summer is the perfect time to deep clean your garage. With warmer temperatures, it's more comfortable to spend extended periods in the garage, which can be cold and damp during other seasons. The longer days provide plenty of natural light, making it easier to see what you're doing and get the job done right.

Start by decluttering and donating. Sort through all the stuff that's accumulated over the years and create piles of items to keep, donate, and toss. It's amazing how much space you can free up by removing things you no longer need or use. Plus, donating items can give you a warm feeling, knowing you're helping others.

Once you've decluttered, it's time for a deep clean. Sweep all the dirt and cobwebs, scrub the floors, and wipe down surfaces. If your garage has windows, give them a good clean, too.
Next, organize and add storage. Add shelves, hooks, and storage bins to keep things organized and off the floor. This makes your garage look tidier and makes it easier to find what you need. Label bins and shelves to keep everything in its place. If you're feeling ambitious, a fresh paint coat can brighten the space. Choose a light color to make the garage feel bigger and more inviting.

Cleaning your garage in the summer allows you to use your outdoor space to sort items and air out the garage. Set up sorting stations in your driveway or yard, and use the open space to air out items and the garage. By the end of the weekend, you'll have a clean, organized garage that you can use and enjoy.

Prune Bushes and Trees

When you're unsure of what to do, diving into garden projects is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors while staying productive at home. Pruning your garden's greenery enhances its appearance and makes your outdoor space more enjoyable during the summer. Summer pruning helps manage plant and tree growth, encouraging healthy development and preventing overgrowth. The warm weather promotes quicker healing of pruned branches, ensuring your trees remain healthy.

Make the Most of Your Summer Long Weekends

Summer long weekends are the best time to take on exciting and fulfilling projects. You can finish these projects in two or three days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the results and still have a great time with other activities. Whether you're beautifying your garden, giving your deck a fresh look, or upgrading your windows or floors, you'll strike the perfect balance of feeling accomplished and still having a lot of fun.

Visit Zoocasa's blog for more tips on homeownership and projects that will increase your investment return.