Spring and Summer Home Improvement Projects to Call Us About
MAY 2024
Here in the Pacific Northwest, late spring and early summer is when many homeowners start getting the itch to tackle home improvement projects. With months of winter rain giving way to dry, sunny days, it’s the perfect time to perform much-needed maintenance and get your home in good working order.
But if you’ve got a long to-do list, you may be wondering which projects you should tackle first and how you should go about getting them done. In this guide, we’ll share some of the top spring and summer home improvement projects you should prioritize in the coming months, as well as how our service department can help you cross those important projects off your list.
Top Spring and Summer Home Improvement Projects to Consider
Roofing. HVAC. Window replacements. New siding. If you’re like most responsible homeowners, it probably feels like there are a million and one things you could do to improve your home during these warmer months. After working with hundreds of Seattle area homeowners on a wide variety of service projects, here’s our recommendation for three tasks you should start with.
Exterior Maintenance
Take a lap or two around your home and note any exterior features that need touching up. Look for things like peeling or bubbling paint, caulk that’s cracked or completely missing, and any mold or water damage. All the moisture your home is exposed to during a rainy Seattle winter can easily lead to warped siding and other unsightly issues on your home’s exterior.
That same winter weather can also wreak havoc on your roof. Blustery storms can send leaves flying and bring down tree branches, clogging your gutters and damaging your roof. That’s why it’s wise to have an expert come out in the spring or summer to examine your roof and make any necessary repairs. If you have a leak that goes unaddressed until winter, you’ll definitely notice it once the rain kicks in again.
Finally, one crucial exterior maintenance item that flies under the radar for too many homeowners is cleaning your dryer duct at least once a year. Don’t skip this one! According to the National Fire Protection Association, around 15,970 home fires are caused by clothes dryers every year. Cleaning your dryer ducts annually and following a few additional safety tips can go a long way toward keeping your home and your loved ones safe.
Annual HVAC Checkup
A recent report from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association) shows that 2024 is already guaranteed to be one of the five warmest years on record, and there’s a decent chance it could be the hottest year ever. If you have an older home that’s not yet fitted with an AC unit, check out our air conditioning guide for Seattle homeowners to learn what system might be best for keeping your home cool this summer.
If you do have AC, now is the time to call a professional and get your HVAC system tuned up before the worst of the summer heat arrives. From testing airflow and thermostat settings to cleaning air filters and replacing damaged components, regular proactive maintenance will help maintain your HVAC system's efficiency, extend its lifespan, and reduce the likelihood of breakdowns. Because the last thing you want is for your AC to give out when it’s day one of a brutal four-day heat wave.
In addition to your AC unit, you’ll also want to get your heater inspected and repaired if needed. We know, it seems weird to bring up your heating system after discussing record-breaking summer temperatures. But the offseason is the best time to schedule maintenance for your heater. Demand for this service is low in the summer, and by taking care of it now, you know everything will be shipshape and cozy once winter rolls around.
Mechanical System Maintenance
Don’t just stop at HVAC system maintenance. While you’re at it, take this time to ensure the rest of your home’s mechanical system is working properly. Have a plumber come out to inspect your water heater, check pipes and faucets for leaks, test your sump pump to prevent potential basement flooding, and clear any blockages you might have in your sewer or drains.
It’s also smart to have an electrician do a thorough review of your home’s electrical system. They should inspect your circuit breaker panel for any signs of wear and corrosion, as well as test that your outlets and switches are properly grounded and operational. You can also use this annual electrical inspection as a prompt to check all the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home, replacing batteries or faulty units as needed.
When to Call a Professional vs. Doing It Yourself
Everyone loves a good DIY project. There’s something satisfying about using your own hands and creativity to transform your home. But unless you have a solid background in construction or handyman work, there are some home improvement projects that are best left to the pros. Here’s a quick guide to help you know when to throw on your work gloves and when to call a contractor.
DIY-Friendly Projects
Painting and Minor Repairs: Refreshing a room with a new coat of paint or fixing a squeaky door hinge are great DIY projects. They typically require basic tools and skills, and you can find plenty of tutorials online to guide you through the process.
Landscaping and Gardening: Nothing says summer like a trip to the garden center. Planting flowers, trimming bushes, and laying down mulch can be super rewarding, plus, these projects allow you to get outside and soak up that precious Seattle sunshine while enhancing your curb appeal.
Simple Home Updates: Tasks like installing new light fixtures, replacing cabinet hardware, or putting up shelves can be done with minimal experience and tools. Just make sure to follow safety guidelines, especially when working with electricity.
Projects for the Pros
Structural Changes and Major Renovations: All those HGTV shows make knocking down a wall to open up a kitchen or living room look so easy. But trust us, adding new rooms or making significant changes to your home’s layout require professional expertise. These projects often involve complex permits, structural assessments, and specialized skills to ensure safety and compliance with local building codes.
Electrical and Plumbing Work: While swapping out a light fixture or fixing a leaky faucet might be within your capabilities, anything beyond that can be risky. Electrical and plumbing systems are intricate and can pose serious hazards if not handled correctly. A professional can ensure the job is done safely and up to code.
Roof Repairs and Replacements: Just because you climb up on your roof once a year to hang your own Christmas lights doesn’t mean you’re qualified to do any other projects up there. Working on your roof is dangerous without the proper equipment and experience. A professional can safely and effectively handle inspections, repairs, and replacements, keeping your home protected from the elements.
Foundation and Structural Repairs: We can’t stress this enough—issues with your home’s foundation or structural integrity should always be assessed and fixed by professionals. Improper repairs can lead to significant and costly problems down the line and, even worse, make your home unstable and unsafe.
While DIY projects can be fulfilling and cost-effective, it’s important to understand your own limitations, as well as the value of working with a contractor or other professional you can trust. The right pro will bring years of experience and specialized knowledge to the table, ensuring quality results that last. They can also complete home improvement projects more safely and efficiently, saving you from the potential risks, stress, and ballooning budgets sometimes associated with DIY projects.
Benefits of Working With Crescent Builds
At Crescent Builds, we’re proud to offer our incredibly skilled Service team as a resource for all current and prospective clients. In addition to years of experience with many types of handyman projects, we also have a dedicated Service department manager who can help guide your project from start to finish.
When you partner with us, you also get the benefit of working with a team that specializes in full-service design-build remodels. That means we’ll bring creativity and master craftsmanship to every project, and we have the capability to adjust and expand your project as needed.
Here are just some of the projects our Service department can handle for you:
Residential repair and maintenance
Residential carpentry
Cabinet repairs and replacement services
Mounting and assembly services
Drywall repairs and interior painting
Siding, exterior trim, and fence repairs
Interior or exterior door repairs and replacement services
Window repairs, replacement, and window screens
Deck and railing repairs and replacement services
Leak investigations and repairs
Electrical service and repairs, including lighting, Wifi, cable, solar, and electric vehicle charging
Annual general service and maintenance
HVAC installation and maintenance
Tile repairs and installation
Gutters and downspouts
Retaining walls, patios, and hardscaping
Perimeter drains and waterproofing
Don’t see the specific home improvement project you have in mind on this list? No worries! We’re always willing to talk through your project and service needs and see how we can help. And if we’re not the right fit, we’ll point you in the right direction.
Get Started on Your Home Improvement Project Today
If you’re in the Seattle area and you’ve got a home improvement project (or two) you want professional help with, give us a call! And while you’re at it, take some time to check our our Google reviews, too. We’d love to work with you and help you realize your vision for your home.