Daydreaming about the perfect summer? Even if you’re not taking that sunshine-filled holiday you were hoping for, there’s no reason we can’t turn our homes into the perfect summer oasis. Here are our top home improvement tips for this spring, to enjoy your local summer.
1. Comfort is key
Heating & cooling system installed by 1364 Services Inc.
Fun begins with comfort. When it comes to appliances, we recommend choosing energy efficient heating and cooling systems. In addition to being extremely efficient, options with energy saving features often come with rebates and save homeowners money as well. As a bonus, these appliances can add value to your home. Prepare for hot summer days with a cooling system that not only works well but does it economically. Just knowing you are saving energy and money can be a comfort all on its own.
2. Forget the winter
The first step in enjoying the present, is forgetting the past, right? In the Lower Mainland, the weather can be extremely unpredictable, as we’ve found in recent years. It’s difficult to see the potential of an outdoor space if it’s messy or affected by harsh winters. After the worst of the weather, whether it’s a big snow year or just plenty of rain coming down, it’s always a great idea to have your home’s exterior cleaned. Pressure washing will remove any unwanted dirt or gunk, while giving your home an instant refresh. Bringing in landscapers can help revive your garden while cleaning up the overall appearance. This is ideal for maintaining a relaxing space for hosting and spending time with family while boosting your curb appeal for when it’s time to sell.
3. Raise your deck standards
Our homes are curated spaces that represent design preferences, so why do we settle for generic decks? Take your style outdoors, and decide on materials that reflect your priorities and aesthetic goals. Using quality materials consistent with or complementary to your indoor space creates an effortless indoor-outdoor flow. Seamless connections between indoor and outdoor living make your living space appear larger and allows you to use the full potential of your space throughout the warmer months. Seriously, our decks need to take it up a notch.
4. Dine out(side)
If you’ve spent the previous months learning to cook or perfecting your takeout skills, adding an outdoor kitchen, bar, or dining area might be the remodel for you. With changing regulations and comfort levels visiting bars and restaurants, there are functional and exciting options to make your outdoor kitchen the ultimate hosting space, for years to come. Adding a patio cover is a great way to protect your equipment (and gourmet meals) from the elements.
5. Have fun - but be picky!
There are a seemingly endless supply of high-tech features available to enhance backyards every year. If you’ve got room in your budget, bring in some fun! Extras can add up, so be sure to consider what will get the most use from your family, and what will add to your home's value or come with you to your next home. Understand the associated costs, and how many months of the year they will be used for. Popular outdoor additions include fireplaces and fire pits, decorative water features, exterior lighting systems, and hot tubs.
