10 Summer Home Improvement Projects Worth Completing (and 2 That Can Wait Until Fall)

With mortgage rates hovering near 6.5% and the cost of moving still steep, more homeowners are choosing to stay put and invest in the homes they have through renovations.

According to the 2026 U.S. Houzz & Home Study — the largest annual survey of residential renovation activity — 44% of homeowners now describe their current home as their "forever home," and nearly two-thirds plan to remain in their homes for 11 or more years. Renovation activity held steady through 2025, with a median spend of $20,000 among homeowners who completed projects. And while there’s never truly a bad time to make an update that will improve your quality of life or add value, summer home improvement projects tend to make a lot of sense for several reasons.

Why Summer?

When it comes to renovations and home improvements, summer has a lot going for it. Warmer temperatures, longer days, and drier conditions make it one of the most practical times to tackle these projects. Plus, fewer weather delays mean that both homeowners who DIY and hire contractors can complete work faster, and many materials — from concrete to caulk — will perform better.

Whether or not a sale is on the horizon for you, summer is the time to get projects done and actually enjoy the results. Here are ten renovations worth scheduling before the season ends, plus two that are better left for fall.

1. Improve Your Outdoor Patio or Seating Area

Outdoor improvements are among the most popular projects right now. In a recent Fixr survey, 56% of home improvement experts said outdoor and backyard upgrades are a growing priority for homeowners. For those without the budget or yard space for a full deck addition, a simpler outdoor seating area can deliver much of the same value. Low-cost DIY options, such as furniture built from concrete blocks and foam pads, can create a functional space without a major investment. Adding a fire pit makes the space even more flexible for cooler evenings.

Difficulty level: Easy-moderate

Estimated cost: $400-$16,000+, depending on size and extent of project

Estimated ROI: Up to 95%

2. Replace Your Windows

Drafty or damaged windows can significantly increase a home's energy costs. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that upgrading to ENERGY STAR-qualified windows can reduce annual household energy bills by 7% to 15%, for savings of roughly $71 to $501 per year, depending on location and window type; for homes with older single-pane windows, it can be even more. Signs that windows are due for an update include visible warping or breakage, opening and closing difficulties, and persistent drafts even after caulking has been applied.

Difficulty level: Moderate

Estimated cost: $300-$2,500

Estimated ROI: 70-85%

3. Fix or Install a New Door

Doors commonly swell and stick in summer's heat and humidity, making the warmer months a natural time to notice and address problems. Minor sticking can typically be resolved with sanding and varnishing. Sagging doors may require hardware replacement. If a door is significantly damaged, have a new, climate-appropriate door properly installed.

Entry door replacement is also among the highest-ROI projects in the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report: a steel entry door replacement returned approximately 216% of its cost at resale, meaning the typical project more than pays for itself in added home value.

Difficulty level: Moderate

Estimated cost: $500-$2,000

Estimated ROI: Up to $216%

4. Upgrade or Repave Your Driveway

Driveways add to curb appeal — and summer's dry conditions are ideal for asphalt or concrete work, which requires warmth for proper curing. Projects might include refinishing an existing surface, widening the driveway for additional parking, or switching materials entirely. Gravel, pavers, and specialty materials like crushed shell work well in certain climates and architectural styles.

A well-maintained or newly paved driveway can improve a buyer’s first impression of a home, so it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re considering a sale.

Difficulty level: High

Estimated cost: $1,400-$12,100

Estimated ROI: Up to 50%

5. Pressure Wash Your Home's Exterior

One of the lower-cost, higher-visibility projects on any summer list, pressure washing removes built-up dirt, sediment, mold, and mildew from a home's exterior surfaces. Beyond aesthetics, regular pressure washing can prevent organic buildup from causing longer-term damage to siding, decking, and masonry.

You can rent equipment for a DIY approach, though professional services reduce the risk of surface damage and ensure thorough coverage of hard-to-reach areas.

Difficulty level: Moderate

Estimated cost: $241-$418

Estimated ROI: Varies by market and property condition; some industry estimates suggest average returns of 178% on cost in home resale impact

6. Get Your HVAC Serviced

When your HVAC is maintained, it runs more efficiently, lasts longer, and costs less — so it pays off to stay on top of it. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends having heating and cooling equipment serviced annually. A properly maintained system can reduce energy consumption by up to 15%. A service visit usually includes coil cleaning, refrigerant level checks, electrical connection inspection, and filter inspection. While these are small tasks, they can extend your system’s lifespan by years and prevent expensive problems.

Difficulty level: Easy

Estimated cost: $150-$350

Estimated ROI: Varies depending on the system’s condition

7. Do Landscaping Work

Landscaping doesn’t just boost curb appeal; it can actually add measurable value to your home as well — in some cases, from 15-20%. Fall and spring are ideal times to aerate lawns, trim overgrown shrubs, add mulch to garden beds, and address any grading issues that allow water to pool near the foundation — a common cause of basement moisture problems. Neglected landscaping not only detracts from your home's appearance, but can lead to more serious structural concerns if you leave it unaddressed.

Difficulty level: Moderate-difficult

Estimated cost: $1,440-$6,000

Estimated ROI: Up to 217%

8. Schedule A Roof Inspection

The roof is one of your home's most important — and most expensive — elements, but it tends to be out of sight and out of mind until an issue arises. Experts recommend inspecting your roof at least twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall. A professional inspection can catch early signs of damage such as cracked or missing shingles, deteriorating flashing around chimneys and vents, and sagging areas that could indicate underlying structural issues. Catching problems early can mean the difference between a minor repair that costs a few hundred dollars and a full replacement that can run $10,000 or more.

Difficulty level: Easy

Estimated cost: $150-$500

Estimated ROI: Varies, but can save thousands of dollars if issues are spotted early

9. Build (or Refinish) Your Deck

Outdoor decks take a beating from the elements year-round, and postponing maintenance can turn a small surface issue into a costly structural repair. A thorough seasonal inspection should include checking for soft or rotting boards, loose fasteners, wobbly railings, and any signs of pest damage. Pressure-washing and re-sealing the surface every one to three years helps protect the wood from moisture, UV exposure, and cracking. And according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report, a wood deck addition recoups approximately 94.9% of its cost at resale — making upkeep a worthwhile investment in protecting that return.

Difficulty level: Moderate-difficult

Estimated cost: $4,341-$12,586 (building), $900-$2,720 (refinishing)

Estimated ROI: 95%

10. Update Your Kitchen Or Bathroom

Kitchen and bathroom renovations consistently rank among the home improvement projects with the highest return, though the scope and budget can vary widely. A minor kitchen remodel — which might include refacing cabinets, replacing countertops, and updating fixtures — recoups roughly 112% of its cost at resale on average, while a midrange bathroom remodel returns around 80%. Even smaller updates like swapping outdated hardware, re-grouting tile, or installing a new vanity can meaningfully refresh a space without a full gut renovation. Buyers consistently prioritize kitchens and bathrooms, making these rooms among the most impactful areas to invest in before listing a home.

Difficulty level: Moderate-difficult

Estimated cost: $24,000-$130,000+ (kitchen), $5,000-$30,000+ (bathroom)

Estimated ROI: 80-112%

Plan Ahead: Two Projects Better Left for Fall

1. Paint Your Home’s Exterior

While painting crews are active in summer, it's not actually the optimal time for this work. Most exterior latex paint performs best when applied between 50°F and 90°F — but in peak summer heat, surface temperatures can climb well above the air temperature, causing paint to dry too quickly and resulting in poor adhesion or visible streaking. Cooler fall days, before temperatures drop below 50°F, generally produce better results.

Difficulty level: Difficult

Estimated cost: $1,500-4,000 per 1,000 square feet

Estimated ROI: 50-60%

1. Repair and Refinish Your Floors

Summer heat and humidity can temporarily expand or warp hardwood floors, making it difficult to accurately assess the full scope of damage. Waiting until fall — when floors have contracted back to their normal state — gives you a better idea of what actually needs repair versus replacement. Fall's lower humidity also creates better conditions for adhesives and finishes used in floor refinishing.

Difficulty level: Moderate

Estimated cost: $120-$8,000+, depending on square footage

Estimated ROI: Up to 147%

How Can You Fund Summer Renovations?

Homeowners who want to tackle multiple projects at once, or take on a larger renovation, often turn to their home equity to fund the work. According to ICE Mortgage Technology's June 2025 Mortgage Monitor report, American mortgage holders collectively held a record $17.6 trillion in home equity entering Q2 2025, with $11.5 trillion of that considered "tappable," meaning available to borrow while maintaining at least a 20% equity cushion. The average homeowner with a mortgage sits on $212,000 of tappable equity. Home equity loans, home equity lines of credit, cash-out refinances, and home equity investments are all popular ways to tap into home equity.