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3 Outdoor Projects to Get a Head Start On Before Spring
As winter rolls on, there is a longing for warmer weather. Warmer weather means spending more time outdoors doing the things you enjoy with friends and family. Even though spring feels so far away, planning ahead gives you something to look forward to and a head start preparing for the warmer months to come. If you’re considering tackling some home projects, begin the planning process soon so that you can fully enjoy the renovations when the warm weather returns.
When it comes to making changes to your home, they don’t have to be major, but if they are, it takes time to figure out what you want and how to go about it. For some ideas about what you could improve around your home before Spring, continue reading to learn more.
Photo by Andy Dean Photography / Shutterstock
1. Schedule Exterior Painting
Repainting the exterior of your home can have a large impact on the home’s overall appearance. Whether it be a fresh coat of the existing paint color, or even changing the color completely, an exterior paint job can give your home the facelift it needs.
If you’re unsure whether you should repaint the exterior of your home, look for signs of wear and tear such as:
- Rotting
- Weather damage
- Fading
- Peeling paint
If the issues mentioned above are not addressed, it can lead to damage to your home, as the exterior paint layer acts as a barrier between the inside and outside. Keep in mind that regardless of signs of wear or damage, it’s wise to repaint the exterior of your home every 5–10 years, depending on the type of paint that you have on your home.
2. Have a Pool Put In
If you’re looking for a larger home improvement project and have been thinking about installing a pool, then it’s wise to make that decision before spring arrives. Installing a pool can take around 6–12 weeks to complete. That being said, getting ahead on the planning portion of the process can help to ensure that it goes smoothly once it comes time for installation.
You’ll first need to determine how you want to customize your pool, meaning the size, shape, color, and if you want freshwater or saltwater. All of these decisions take time and will require proper research to ensure that you’re looking at all of your options carefully.
Keep in mind that building a pool can be a costly investment, as prices normally range from $28,000 to $55,000 and higher depending on your desired features. When making an investment as large as this one, it’s important to consider the upfront costs, as well as any variable or unexpected costs that may come along. Take time to break down all the potential scenarios so that it’ll be easier to determine what your total investment will be.
In addition, explore different financing options that can ease the burden of an expense such as a pool. One financing option to look into is a home equity line of credit. A line of credit allows you to borrow money against the equity in your home and put it toward home improvement projects, such as building a pool. This type of loan is beneficial, as you'll only pay interest on the specific amount that you borrow, so you're not stuck with a high-interest rate for the entire loan term as you would be with other types of financing.
3. Spruce Up Your Landscaping
Landscaping plays a large role in the overall appearance of the exterior of your home. It can also help to improve the curb appeal of your home if you’re looking to sell in the future. In addition to improving the appearance of the exterior, landscaping can also act as an outlet for those who find joy in creating something themselves.
If you’re looking to completely redo your landscaping, it’ll take time to figure out what you want. Research different types of landscaping designs, and then narrow down which design best suits your style. It’s important to plan ahead when it comes to big landscaping projects because spring is the most popular time to start revitalizing your outdoor living areas. Due to that, everyone will be working on their own home improvement projects around the same time, leading to a limited amount of supplies and assistance.
If you’re considering a smaller landscaping project such as adding new mulch to your garden or planting new flowers, then you won’t have to plan ahead as much since it’s not as intensive as other projects. Other easy project ideas include hanging string lights, planting a potted herb garden, or building a DIY fire pit.
On the flip side, if you’re looking to install a new walkway, get a new fence, or build a retaining wall, then it’ll take more time to plan those projects. It may also be beneficial to hire a landscaping professional to help with the ordering and installation process. Landscapers tend to book up quickly due to the high demand once the weather turns, so make sure you’re planning ahead if you require the expertise of a pro. If you do, hire someone sooner, rather than later, to ensure that your projects will be completed on time.
