Summer Is Here! Consider Tackling Key Home Improvement Projects While The Weather Is Good!

Summer time means barbeques, baseball, camping, and yes, Home Improvement Projects! As the weather gets nice and the days get longer so do lists of home improvement projects. Here are a few projects which are best done in the summer maximizing the long days and the good weather!

Gardening/Landscaping: Depending on which part of the country you live in it may be too late to plant a garden from seed, but you most likely still have time to get your garden going using starters. Plant now, be sure to properly weed and water and you will enjoy your vegetables all fall.

Many landscaping projects can be done throughout the year but it can be easier and more enjoyable during the summer. Build a rockwall, plant some perennials, or put down a fresh layer of mulch. Working in the summer ensures the soil will be easy to work with and completing these projects now allows you to enjoy them for the remainder of the summer and fall.

Exterior Painting: In many parts of the country 80% of exterior painting gets done between the end of June and middle of September. The reason is the weather is more predictable and warmer; you don't have to worry as much about getting rained on in the middle of applying the second coat of paint. The summer months are also a popular time for staining decks. Not only do most people spend a lot of time on their decks during the summer and thus want them to look nice, but the long days are ideal for completing a re-staining job in a weekend.

Roof replacement: Summer is the perfect time to replace your roof because there is no chance of getting snow and the weather is more predictable so you can plan the best time to tear the roof off. There is nothing worse than tearing off your roof right before a large rain fall! Also, in the summer you don't have to worry about losing the heat from your home as you would during the cold winter months.

Screening in your Porch: To fully enjoy the outside without the bugs, screening in your porch is the only way to go. This project can actually be competed almost anytime during the year but will be enjoyed during the summer.

Get Air Conditioning unit tuned up: If you haven't already done so you should get your AC tuned up. Many units use close to 50% more energy when they are not running properly. With the rising cost of energy you can't afford to keep your Air Conditioner running below its peak.

The preceding is a list of projects which are best completed during the summer months. There are many other projects that are also completed during the summer but the ones above should be moved to the top of your list to maximize the weather during the summer.

Good luck and don't forget to make time to go swimming too!

This article was written by Gregg Hicks of http://www.reliableremodeler.com which provides Internet-based home improvement information and services. Offering homeowners a simple, quick, and free way to access, qualified home improvement remodeling contractors.

In The News:

Yahoo! News: Top Stories

Palestinians pray over the bodies of  people killed near a United Nations school Tuesday, during their funeral in the Jebaliya refugee camp, in the northern Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009. Israel's military paused its Gaza offensive for three hours Wednesday to allow food and fuel to reach besieged Palestinians, and the country's leaders debated whether to accept an international cease-fire plan or expand the assault against Hamas. With criticism rising of the operation's spiraling civilian death toll and Gazans increasingly suffering the effects of nonstop airstrikes and shelling, Israel's military said it opened 'humanitarian corridors' to allow aid supplies to reach Palestinians.(AP Photo/Hatem Moussa)AP - Israel resumed its Gaza offensive Wednesday, bombing heavily around suspected smuggling tunnels near the border with Egypt after a three-hour lull to allow in humanitarian aid. Hamas responded with a rocket barrage.



President-elect Barack Obama gestures during a news conference at his transition office in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, where he introduced Nancy Killefer, not shown, to the newly created position of chief performance officer. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)AP - Pointing with concern to "red ink as far as the eye can see," President-elect Barack Obama pledged Wednesday to tackle out-of-control Social Security and Medicare spending and named a special watchdog to clamp down on other federal programs — even as he campaigned anew to spend the largest pile of taxpayer money in history to revive the sinking economy.



Illinois U.S. Senate Appointee Roland Burris, left, meets with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev., Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)AP - Senate Democrats beat a hasty retreat Wednesday from their rejection of Roland Burris as President-elect Barack Obama's successor, yielding to pressure from Obama himself and from senators irked that the standoff was draining attention and putting them in a bad light. Burris said with a smile he expected to join them "very shortly."



Rescue workers evacuate residents from a flooded neighborhood along  McCutcheon Rd. near Orting, Wash. Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009. The rapidly rising Puyallup River forced hundreds of people in the area from their homes. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)AP - Rain and high winds lashed Washington state Wednesday, causing widespread avalanches, mudslides, flooding and road closures as the heavy snowfall that has buried parts of the state began to rapidly melt.



President-elect Barack Obama is welcomed by President George W. Bush for a meeting at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, with former presidents, from left, George H.W. Bush, Bill  Clinton, and Jimmy Carter.  (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)AP - Confronting a grim economy and a Middle East on fire, Barack Obama turned Wednesday to perhaps the only people on the planet who understand what he's in for: the four living members of the U.S. presidents' club.



Workers put bullet proof glass on President-elect Barack Obama's Inaugural Reviewing Stand on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House in Washington, Monday, Jan. 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)AP - The upcoming inauguration of Barack Obama is an attractive target for international and domestic terrorists, but U.S. intelligence officials have no information about specific threats to the Jan. 20 event.



AP - You've heard of making cheese from goats' milk, but prescription drugs? In what would be a scientific first, an anti-clotting drug made from the milk of genetically engineered goats moved closer to government approval Wednesday after experts at the Food and Drug Administration reported that the medication works and its safety is acceptable.

Ellen DeGeneres accepts the favorite funny female star award at the 35th Annual People's Choice Awards on Wednesday Jan. 7, 2009 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)AP - Ellen DeGeneres and "Dancing with the Stars" were early winners at the People's Choice Awards.



Harvard's Jeremy Lin (4) drives for the basket in front of Boston College's Rakim Sanders in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)AP - Jeremy Lin scored 27 points to lead Harvard to an 82-70 upset over No. 17 Boston College on Wednesday night, three days after the Eagles upset previously top-ranked North Carolina.



In this Nov. 30, 2008 file photo, New York Jets coach Eric Mangini looks up at the scoreboard during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Cleveland Browns have agreed to hire Eric Mangini as their head coach, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)AP - Eric Mangini is the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, a week after being fired by the New York Jets. A person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press that Mangini will be introduced Thursday at a news conference at the team's headquarters in Berea.



An Israeli soldier stands next to blindfolded Palestinian prisoners after they were arrested during an Israeli military operation in the northern Gaza Strip January 7, 2009, in this picture released by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on Wednesday she had pressed Israel to seriously consider an Egyptian ceasefire plan as the U.N. Security Council weighed action to end Israel's attack on Gaza. (IDF/Handout/Reuters)Reuters - Israeli warplanes bombed the Gaza Strip on Thursday and tanks pounded Palestinian guerrillas on the ground as U.S. backing for a proposed truce raised expectations of an end to the offensive.



President Bush greets President-elect Barack Obama at the White House, November 10, 2008. (Joshua Roberts/Reuters)Reuters - The U.S. budget deficit will swell to a record $1.186 trillion in fiscal 2009, congressional forecasters said on Wednesday, the result of an economic recession that has cut tax receipts and caused massive government bailouts of banks and automakers.



Senate-designate Roland Burris talks with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in Reid's office on Capitol Hill, January 7, 2009. (Larry Downing/Reuters)Reuters - In an abrupt switch, Democratic leaders began talks on Wednesday to swear in Roland Burris, appointed by embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate.



United Auto Workers (UAW) President Ron Gettelfinger (C) addresses the media as UAW Vice-Presidents listen at the UAW Solidarity House in Detroit, Michigan December 12, 2008. (Rebecca Cook/Reuters)Reuters - United Auto Workers bargaining teams are arriving this week in Detroit as the union gears up for negotiations with General Motors Corp and Chrysler LLC, which are mandated to cut labor costs under a $17.4 billion federal bailout.



Reuters - U.S. cities are vulnerable to an attack like the gun-and-grenade assault that terrorized Mumbai for three days and killed 179 people, the White House homeland security adviser said on Wednesday.

Ali al-Marri, who has been held for 5-1/2 years at a U.S. military prison in South Carolina, is seen in this undated photograph released to Reuters on January 6, 2008. An early test for President-elect Barack Obama will be the case of suspected al Qaeda 'sleeper' agent Marri, which will force Obama to take a position on his predecessor's claim that anyone the president deems a national security threat can be imprisoned indefinitely without charges in the United States. (Handout/Reuters)Reuters - The case of Ali al-Marri, accused of being an al Qaeda "sleeper" agent and held for 5-1/2 years at a U.S. military prison in South Carolina, will be an early test for President-elect Barack Obama.



Eggs are stacked up at an egg farm in San Diego County, July 29, 2008. (Mike Blake/Reuters)Reuters - An outbreak of salmonella food poisoning has made 388 people sick across 42 states, sending 18 percent of them to the hospital, U.S. health officials said on Wednesday.



Bernard Madoff is escorted in a vehicle from Federal Court in New York, January 5, 2009. (Lucas Jackson/Reuters)Reuters - Accused swindler Bernard Madoff should be jailed for violating a court order by mailing $1 million worth of diamonds, watches and other jewelry to friends and family, U.S. prosecutors told a court on Wednesday.



Shoppers at a Lenovo outlet in Beijing. The Chinese computer giant has announced it is set to cut about 2,500 jobs, roughly 11 percent of its worldwide workforce, after suffering losses due to the global economic crisis.(AFP/File/Teh Eng Koon)AFP - Chinese computer giant Lenovo announced Thursday it would cut about 2,500 jobs, roughly 11 percent of its worldwide workforce, after suffering losses due to the global economic crisis.



Smoke billows following an Israel air strike in Rafah near the Gaza Strip's border with Egypt. Israel on Wednesday approved an even tougher war on Hamas, warning residents to flee southern Gaza ahead of planned bombing of cross-border tunnels, as the Palestinian death toll passed 700.(AFP/Said Khatib)AFP - Israel on Wednesday approved an even tougher war on Hamas, warning residents to flee southern Gaza ahead of planned bombing of cross-border tunnels, as the Palestinian death toll passed 700.




A Guide to Portable Dehumidifiers

The United States Environmental Protection Agency says that the way to control... Read More

Help With Buying A New Ceiling Fan

When you are choosing a new ceiling fan there are a couple... Read More

Improving Your Bottom Line Through Vastu

The design of your office and home has a great influence on... Read More

Buyers Guide To Heavy-Built Mailboxes

If you are tired of replacing your mailbox every few months due... Read More

Why Should You Need Tools for Everyday Living

How often you have used tools for your everyday living? The advantage... Read More

The $27,000 Toilet Seat - Funny DIY Story

This story was told to me by a plumber I know and... Read More

Tips for Choosing Log Furniture

If you just love that rustic look, and are finally ready to... Read More

Deck Design - Why Firm Foundations Are Essential

Preparing a deck design for your backyard is all the rage as... Read More

Things to Consider when Buying a Hot Tub or Jacuzzi Tub

We recently purchased a new Hot Tub and Gazebo from Cal Spas... Read More

A Few Concrete Suggestions

Up until a few years ago, my professional experience was in industries... Read More

Aluminium Window Frames

When double glazing first became a popular window choice in the 1960s,... Read More

Plastic Applied to the Picnic Table?

There are many styles of picnic tables on the market, but what... Read More

Do-it-Yourself Roofing, Is It Advisable? Some Tips and Guidelines

Many do-it-yourselfers pride themselves in their handiwork, you can just see their... Read More

Repairing Putty Window Glass

Have you ever thought about fixing a broken window in your house,... Read More

How to Replace the Rollers on Your Patio Sliding Glass Glass Door

Hiring a professional to replace your rollers could cost you around $100... Read More

Home Automation Enhances Your Lifestyle and Saves Money - Exciting Home Automation Applications

Wouldn't it be nice to have your home take care of things... Read More

The Advantages of Steel Buildings

Use of steel as a construction material has seen phenomenal growth in... Read More

Seven Energy Conservation Tips to Help Homeowners Save Money

In an effort to help consumers in the Atlanta area combat high... Read More

How to Build a Home Sauna - Three Important Questions to Answer Before Building

Considering that home saunas are believed to produce numerous health benefits and... Read More

The Art of Ice Dam Removal

You may have noticed long icicles hanging from your gutters and not... Read More

Replacing Your Sliding Glass Door Rollers

If the sliding glass doors in your home are more than 10... Read More

Hardwood Floors - 7 Tips For Selecting Perfect Flooring

DESIGN STYLESWith thousands of colors and styles to select from today it... Read More

Solar Energy Advantages Disadvantages

Many of us know that solar energy is a good thing, but... Read More

Whats Underfoot? A Quick Guide to Patio Surfaces

Patios and terraces have always been popular outdoor spaces. Whether a Parisian... Read More

Remedies for a Wet Basement

A wet basement can be just a nuisance or even real nightmare.... Read More

Get Your Home Ready To Sell

Have you been considering selling your home in the near future? If... Read More

Successful Motor Protection Formulae

As we have discussed before, all overload relays have one major limitation... Read More

Choosing Window Frames

There are three main types of material used to manufacture window frames.... Read More

10 Quick Ways to Change Your Fire-less Fireplace from a Black Hole to a Worthy Focal Point

Everyone loves a fireplace aglow with a roaring fire or flickering embers.... Read More

Kitchen Remodeling Guide

A kitchen can make or ruin a family life. A badly designed,... Read More

If You Want to Bring Your Bathroom Up to Date, Consider Fitting a Shower Stall

Modern shower stalls look sleek and stylish. If you have the space,... Read More

Professional Asphalt Paving Contractors In California

Choosing an asphalt paving contractor can be a major event if you... Read More

A Guide to Commercial Steel Buildings

Commercial steel buildings are prefabricated and custom-designed for use as offices, stores,... Read More

What Two Words Will Double the Space in Your Home?

Just two words and a bit of explanation about them will help... Read More

Where?s the Care Label for my New Bedspread?

I love bedspreads, don't you? A comforter can be used for the... Read More

Refrigerators Electric Consumption - Lower It In 15 Minutes

I recently had a customer ask for my advise about cleaning her... Read More

Log Home Basics

As we start to research log homes, it quickly becomes apparent that... Read More

How to Buy a Home with Good Feng Shui

Buying a home is usually a stressful experience. So much rides on... Read More

Hardwood Floor Care Will Keep Your Hardwood Looking Fantastic

Hardwood is still the homeowner's favorite choice of flooring and caring for... Read More

How to Be Your Air Conditioner?s Best Friend

There are a few things you can do to take care of... Read More

Maintaining Your Hot Tub

Purchasing a hot tub is a big investment and one that should... Read More

Prepare for Winter Before It Arrives

Even though we are still enjoying warm weather and winter seems far... Read More

Sump Pump Installation for Do-It-Yourselfers

According to recent surveys, over 85% of all homes with basements will... Read More

Feng Shui, Design Psychology and Bed Placement

I love Feng Shui! Whether you believe this ancient Asian design method... Read More

Corrugated Roofing Materials Used for Roofing Any Structure

The roof is a very essential element of the house, building or... Read More

Ridding Your Home of Geopathic Stress

Just as there are solar magnetic stresses that come from the sun... Read More

Contractor Referral

"As a contractor with 16 years of experience and speaking on behalf... Read More