The 4 Best Outdoor Projects for Homeowners

July 09, 2010

As warm spring and summer months approach, homeowners once again turn their attention to the world outside their cozy abodes--specifically, the home exterior. It may have suffered some neglect during the winter, but now is the perfect time to prep your exterior home, lawn, and garden for the beautiful weather ahead.

Deck Out

You and your family can look forward to lots of sunny cookouts and lazy days hanging out on the deck, but first you need to get it into tip-top shape. Planning a new deck will likely involve the help of a designer or contractor. Not only are these professionals familiar with building codes and restrictions, but their expertise can also help you achieve your dream deck.

If you're looking to freshen up your existing deck, try giving it a good, thorough wash. Using a pressure washer is one way to deep clean decks and patio furniture. Just be careful to use a lower setting on wood, and to read the directions carefully.

Refresh Exterior Paint

There's no better way to makeover your home exterior than by adding a fresh coat of paint. A new color scheme can update your home and give it a fresh, crisp feel. If your home doesn't need a complete paint job, you can just paint the siding and trim. Even touching up siding and trim using the same color can brighten your home's façade.

Lawn Matters

If you live in an area that's hard-hit by winter weather, the melting snow may leave you with a dreary brown lawn. Even in milder climates, lawn care is a year-round job, and now may be the perfect time to play catch-up. Do the weeding, hedging, and mowing you've been putting off, or hire a lawn care service to take care of it for you. Also tackle any problem spots you'd like to take care of so that your yard is in peak shape for warmer months.

Clean the Gutters

Cleaning out the gutters is no homeowner's favorite task, but it's a must in terms of home maintenance. Properly functioning gutters protect both your roof and your yard by diverting thousands of gallons of water away from your home each year. Do your part by inspecting and cleaning them a few times a year. An easy step-by-step guide to gutter cleaning can help make the job a little easier.

It may require a little sweat and elbow grease, but you'll feel great when your home exterior is in its best shape. Then you can sit back, relax, and smell the flowers in your own well-maintained backyard.