South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Summer projects to complete
With summer more than halfway over, you’ve probably completed your big jobs. But some work is actually perfect for the dog days of summer. Here are jobs you can get done before fall arrives and even get a jump-start on next year’s work:
Inspect, repair or replace your roof
New roof: $5,000$45,000 Inspection: $200 Your roof represents one of the single most significant investments in your home, and it arguably works harder than any other part of the house.
First, visually inspect it for any problems. You can identify many roofing problems from the ground. Look for spots that are out of place, missing shingles and lifted shingles.
Depending on what you find, it may be time to call an inspector. “Even quiet, sunny days take their toll on a roof over the years,” says Rupa Mehta, Outdoor & Everyday Services home expert at Angi. “That’s why you should hire a pro to conduct a roof inspection at least once every few years, even if you don’t suspect anything is wrong.”
If you decide to replace your roof, schedule the work ASAP. The busy season for roofers begins in September, so the earlier you get on their calendar, the better.
Install a sprinkler system
Average cost: $1,700$3,500
If you put down grass seed with the best of intentions but can never seem to remember to water consistently, it may be time to upgrade to an automatic sprinkler system.
Any time you can dig up your yard is an excellent time to install sprinklers, but by doing it in late summer or early fall, you’ll avoid the busiest time of year for sprinkler pros. A sprinkler expert can guide you through the available options, including underground sprinkler heads or low-flow drip irrigation.
Repair or replace your driveway
Installation: $2,500$7,000
Repair: $800-$2,600 Your driveway is susceptible to damage over the years — you drive cars on it, after all. Inspect your driveway for signs of damage, such as cracks and pitting, and hire a pro immediately to fix them before they expand.
“Small driveway problems tend to become bigger and more expensive problems faster than you’d expect, so call a pro as soon as you notice problems,” Mehta says. Alternately, you could replace your driveway entirely — or build a brand-new one. Concrete has a 40-year lifespan without much need for maintenance. Asphalt has about half the lifespan of concrete but offers a higher tolerance for temperature extremes.
Freshen up your exterior
Gutter cleaning: $160 Pressure washing: $300 Your home’s exterior makes a powerful first impression, so put the best image forward with a good exterior cleaning. Pressure washing and gutter cleaning aren’t glamorous jobs, but they play a major role in your curb appeal and regular maintenance.
A professional pressure washing job can blast away grime and make your siding, driveway, decks or patios look new.
Don’t overlook gutters, especially if you skipped on a spring cleaning. Regular gutter cleaning keeps your roof in good shape, stops unsightly debris from backing up and prevents water from pooling near your home, where it can damage basements or foundations.