Summer Home Improvement Projects You Can Still Book on Cape Cod
In order to plan your home remodeling project efficiently, it’s a good idea to know when the best times are to start planning your project. In general, Spring is the peak time for home remodeling projects; however, Summer is right behind it as the second most popular time to begin planning home remodeling projects. It makes sense since warm weather and longer days allow contractors to do their jobs faster and more efficiently. However, even though there is typically less time available for completion than in the spring, it’s not too late to get started on those smaller and medium-sized projects. For example, installing new windows, new siding, adding a deck, roofing, or finishing a basement will all have a significant impact on both the function and curb appeal of your home.
The main reason why we at Encore Construction are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of Cape Cod residents who want to improve their homes is because we offer a design/build service. This means that we don’t just provide the labor necessary to build out your plans — we assist in designing them as well. We believe this allows us to give each client a greater deal of control over the final product and provides a more comprehensive solution. As experienced builders of custom homes and remodelers, we understand what works in Cape Cod and what doesn’t. Our years of building experience also provide us with the expertise needed to design buildings that last.
One of the key factors that contributes to why Summer is an optimal time for construction on Cape Cod is the nice weather. When the sun comes up early and sets later, it makes it easier for workers to construct exterior elements of your house (such as decks) or to install new siding, windows, etc. Summer is an ideal time for completing both indoor and outdoor projects. Summer is the prime season for both indoor and outdoor projects in Cape Cod. As homeowners generally spend more time outside in the warmer weather and entertaining guests, they will want to ensure that their outdoor living spaces are comfortable and safe.
Advantages of Completing Summer Home Improvement Projects
There are many advantages to completing your summer home improvement projects. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Nice Weather: The pleasant weather conditions present during summer months enable construction workers to finish their job in fewer days.
- Long Days: Because of the longer days, construction crews are able to put in extra hours which enables them to finish projects sooner than if they had shorter days.
- Better Use of Outdoor Space: By creating additional space outdoors (for example by building a new deck), homeowners will be able to take advantage of the beautiful scenery that surrounds them.
- Ability To Get Repairs Done Prior To Winter Storms: Since winter brings high winds and heavy rain that can cause serious damage to a home, getting minor repairs done prior to the stormy months can greatly benefit a homeowner.
Window and Door Upgrades
Regardless of whether the project is small or large, it has been proven that homeowners who upgrade their windows and/or doors see increased energy efficiency and improved insulation. Additionally, having new windows and doors installed will enhance the look of your home, let in more natural light, and improve ventilation. On Cape Cod, where older homes are prevalent, window and door replacements can have a huge positive effect on the overall aesthetic appearance of a house.
Because of all of these reasons, window and door upgrades are very popular among homeowners in Cape Cod.
Examples of Window and Door Projects Common During Summer
- New front entry doors
- Sliding patio doors
- Energy-efficient replacement windows
- Larger window openings for increased natural lighting
Deck Additions and Outdoor Living Spaces
It goes without saying that having an expanded outdoor living area is a wonderful way for homeowners to extend their enjoyment of their home. Expanding your deck or other outdoor structures increases functional space for hosting family gatherings, parties, etc., improves indoor/outdoor flow and increases overall property value. Additionally, many homeowners choose to use durable composite decking products that will withstand the harsh coastal environment of Cape Cod.
Common Deck Projects
- Building a brand-new custom deck
- Adding onto existing decks
- Upgrading composite decking material
- Installing new railing systems
- Installing new staircases
Finished Basements for Added Living Space
Finishing a basement continues to be one of the smartest ways for homeowners to expand their livable square footage without extending the size of their home. Finishing a basement can create versatile space for:
• Family rooms
• Guest bedrooms/suites
• Home offices
• Fitness rooms
• Entertainment areas
Basement finishes can seamlessly blend into the rest of your home when carefully considered with regards to:
- Moisture management
- Proper insulation
- Lighting/ceiling heights
- Storage
Professional finishing of a basement can significantly increase your comfort level and long term property value.
Roofing Projects Before Fall Weather Arrives
Summer is an excellent time to address any roofing issues before fall storms arrive. Even relatively small improvements can help prevent bigger structural/moisture problems down the road.
Indicators that your roof may need attention include:
- Missing or curled shingles
- Water stains or leaks
- Visible signs of age/discoloration
- Damage from recent storms
Improving your roof protects your home while giving it an updated exterior look.
Roofing Projects Before Fall Weather Arrives
- Replacing roofs
- Repairing roofs
- Architectural shingle upgrades
- Ventilation upgrades
Siding Improvements for Coastal Durability
Siding helps protect your home while also determining its overall look. Many Cape Cod residents update their siding to improve weather-resistance while at the same time enhancing curb-appeal.
Popular Siding Choices
- Hardie plank siding
- Cedar shingles
- Composite siding materials
- Decorative trim upgrades
Many homeowners are currently using combinations of different siding types such as Hardie plank on the front façade and cedar shingles on the sides to achieve a balance between modern durability and classic Cape Cod style.
Updating your siding offers several benefits including:
- Improved protection against coastal weather conditions
- Lower maintenance requirements
- Enhanced architectural character
- Increased property value
Smaller Summer Projects Can Still Have Big Impacts
It doesn’t always have to be about completing a total renovation to improve your home. Smaller focused upgrades can still produce significant changes in how your home looks, feels, and performs.
Advantages of smaller summer projects include:
- Quicker completion schedules
- Less disruption to day-to-day life
- Lower investment costs
- Immediate visual/functional improvements
By doing so, homeowners will be ready for the demands of fall/winter weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of projects can I accomplish quickest during the summer?
Projects with most potential for rapid completion during the summer would primarily include exterior improvements such as installing new windows, new siding, building new decks, repairing roofing, etc. These projects are preferred by homeowners during the summer months due to the favorable working conditions associated with them.
Are there still smaller summer projects that I can schedule?
Yes. There are many smaller/mid-size projects that could likely still be scheduled depending upon contractor availability and project scope.
Will spending money on siding & roofing upgrades pay off?
Spending money on these two items will not only make your home safer from coastal weather conditions but also make it appear better on the outside (curb appeal). Both improvements contribute to increasing your long-term property value.
Does finishing my basement add value?
While it does depend on how well you decide to finish your basement, completing this type of project can definitely add useful square footage to your home and make it much more attractive to others.
Why should I hire Encore Construction for my summer home improvement project?
At Encore Construction, we utilize a design-build approach for all clients. That is – we not only complete all aspects of the actual construction process but also serve as designers for each client. This allows each homeowner more control over their end result while providing a more integrated solution.
NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO START PLANNING YOUR SUMMER PROJECT
This is a great opportunity to plan for a summer home improvement project as many small- and medium-size projects may still be able to be scheduled in this season based upon availability of our construction schedules and scope of work.
We would like to invite you to meet with the Encore Construction Team so we may discuss your summer project ideas, objectives, timelines and design preferences. Do you have plans to replace your windows and doors? Add some decking? Replace your roof? Siding? Finish your basement? We will be happy to assist you in the decision-making process and make recommendations for products that best suit your home and budget.
Contact Encore Construction today to arrange a meeting to begin making plans for your summer home improvement project here on Cape Cod.
