30% Cut Home Improvement DIY Ideas vs Panels

Answer: The most effective summer DIY projects are exterior painting, landscaping upgrades, deck extensions, energy-efficient window replacements, and smart-home installations. They combine high ROI with quick turnaround, letting you enjoy fresh looks before fall.

Summer’s long daylight hours and warm temps make it the perfect window for projects that need paint to dry or soil to settle. According to a recent Forbes list, 13 best summer home improvement projects boost both value and style without breaking the bank.

1. Refresh Your Curb Appeal with Paint and Landscaping

When I tackled my own front yard last June, the first thing I noticed was how a faded porch door stole the whole look. A fresh coat of paint and a few strategic plants turned the façade from drab to inviting in two days.

Here’s how to replicate that transformation:

1. Assess the surface. Walk the perimeter and note peeling paint, cracked stucco, or weeds. A quick visual audit saves time later.
2. Choose the right paint. For exteriors, low-VOC acrylics offer durability and low odor. Benchtop Labs rates Sherwin-Williams Duration as top-scoring for adhesion (4.7/5).
3. Prep the area. Power-wash walls, scrape loose paint, and mask windows. Use a garden hose on low pressure to avoid water damage to foundations.
4. Paint. Apply a primer if the surface is raw wood, then two coats of your chosen color. Rollers with ¾-in. nap work best on textured walls.
5. Landscape. Plant native shrubs that need minimal water - e.g., Utah’s sagebrush works well in Salt Lake City’s 199,723-population climate (Wikipedia). Add a drip-irrigation line to keep maintenance low.

Cost breakdown (average US prices):

Overall, most homeowners spend under $800 for a full front-yard refresh.

Key Takeaways

• Exterior paint gives the biggest visual ROI.
• Choose low-VOC paints for health and durability.
• Native plants cut water use and maintenance.
• Drip-irrigation adds $60 but saves $150 annually.
• Full front-yard makeover stays under $800.

2. Upgrade Your Kitchen Backsplash in a Weekend

During a holiday break, I swapped my dated white tiles for a subway-style glass mosaic. The kitchen felt modern instantly, and my realtor noted the upgrade as a "highlight" during a showing.

Step-by-step:

1. Measure the wall. Use a laser measure for accuracy; note any outlets that need relocation.
2. Select material. Glass mosaics are easy to cut with a wet saw and reflect light, raising perceived space. According to Forbes contributor Amanda Lauren, glass backsplashes rank high for style impact.
3. Prep the surface. Remove old tiles, clean the substrate, and apply a thin-set mortar.
4. Lay the tiles. Start at the center line to keep symmetry. Use tile spacers (1/8") for uniform grout lines.
5. Grout and seal. Choose a non-shrinking grout for durability. Seal both grout and glass to resist stains.

Typical costs (per square foot):

• Glass mosaic tile: $12-$18
• Thin-set mortar: $15 per 50-lb bag (covers ~40 sq ft)
• Grout: $10 per bag
• Tools (wet saw rental, spacers): $45

For a 30-sq-ft backsplash, total expense ranges $500-$700. The visual upgrade can add up to 5% to resale value, per the Forbes "Smart Renovations" list.

3. Build a Small Deck or Patio Extension

My sister in Provo added a 120-sq-ft deck last summer, and the project paid for itself within a year through higher rental rates. A modest deck is one of the few DIY projects that truly blend function with curb-appeal.

Materials and tools you’ll need:

• Pressure-treated lumber (2×6 joists, 5-inch decking boards)
• Composite deck boards for low maintenance (optional)
• Concrete deck blocks
• Impact-driven drill, circular saw, and carpenter’s level

Construction steps:

1. Plan and obtain permits. Check your city’s building code; most municipalities require a permit for decks over 100 sq ft. In Salt Lake City, the combined statistical area of 2.8 million residents (Wikipedia) has a streamlined online permit portal.
2. Lay out the footprint. Use string and stakes to mark corners. Verify square by measuring diagonals.
3. Install footings. Place concrete deck blocks on compacted soil, spacing them 4-ft apart.
4. Build the frame. Attach joists to the ledger board on your house using galvanized joist hangers. Double-check level.
5. Attach decking. Fasten boards with stainless-steel screws to avoid corrosion.
6. Finishing touches. Add railings, lighting, and a weather-proof sealant.

Cost estimate (average US market):

A basic deck can be completed for under $3,000 if you opt for pressure-treated lumber, making it a cost-effective way to increase living space.

4. Install Energy-Efficient Windows

When I swapped my single-pane windows for double-pane Low-E glass, my utility bills dropped 12% in the first quarter. Energy-efficient windows are a favorite on the Forbes "Smart Renovations" list because they improve comfort and resale value.

Steps:

1. Measure each opening. Record width, height, and depth. Use a digital caliper for tight tolerances.
2. Select a certified product. Look for ENERGY STAR® labels. Brands like Pella and Andersen score high in independent user reviews.
3. Prepare the site. Remove interior trim, old sashes, and clean the opening. Apply a foam backer rod for insulation.
4. Install the new unit. Apply a continuous bead of silicone sealant, set the window, and shim to level. Secure with fasteners per manufacturer specs.
5. Re-install trim and caulk. Finish with paint-grade caulk for a weather-tight seal.

Typical cost per window (including labor): $450-$750. For a three-bedroom home needing 12 windows, total investment ranges $5,400-$9,000. According to a Realtor.com ranking, homes with upgraded windows sell 6% faster.

5. Add Smart Home Features That Actually Increase Value

My neighbor installed a Nest thermostat and a Ring video doorbell, and his home appraisal noted a $7,500 bump. Not all gadgets boost value; the Forbes article by Terri Williams highlights the ones that matter.

Prioritize these three upgrades:

• Smart Thermostat. Programs itself based on occupancy; average ROI 5%.
• Video Doorbell. Adds security and curb-appeal; resale boost up to $3,000.
• Whole-Home Wi-Fi Mesh. Improves connectivity, a selling point for remote workers.

Installation guide for a Nest thermostat:

1. Turn off power. Shut off the HVAC breaker to avoid shocks.
2. Label existing wires. Use masking tape to mark each terminal; take a photo for reference.
3. Connect the base. Attach the Nest base to the wall, aligning the wires with the diagram.
4. Mount the display. Snap the screen onto the base and restore power.
5. Configure via app. Follow the on-screen prompts; the system learns your schedule in a week.

Cost snapshot:

• Nest Thermostat: $250 (hardware) + $120 (installation)
• Ring Video Doorbell: $200 + $80 (professional install)
• Mesh Wi-Fi system (3-pack): $350 + $0 (DIY)

Total outlay under $1,000, with a potential resale bump of $5,000-$8,000, according to Forbes.

Across these five projects, I’ve seen homeowners transform dull spaces into high-value assets while staying under $5,000 total spend. The key is picking upgrades that pair visual impact with proven ROI.

"Exterior paint, a modest deck, and smart thermostats are consistently among the top five DIY projects that increase home value," says Forbes contributor Amanda Lauren.

FAQ

Q: How long does a typical summer DIY project take?

A: Most projects listed here range from one weekend (backsplash, smart thermostat) to two weeks (deck build). Planning, permits, and weather can extend timelines, so allocate a buffer of 10-20%.

Q: Which DIY project offers the highest return on investment?

A: Exterior paint and landscaping consistently rank highest, delivering up to 12% ROI per Realtor.com data. Smart thermostats and energy-efficient windows follow closely, adding both comfort and resale appeal.

Q: Do I need a professional for window replacement?

A: While DIY-savvy homeowners can install windows, many opt for professional installation to guarantee proper sealing and warranty compliance. The average labor cost is $150-$300 per window.

Q: Are there tax incentives for energy-efficient upgrades?

A: Yes. The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit covers up to 30% of qualifying window and insulation upgrades, capped at $1,200 per year, per IRS guidance.

Q: How can I stay within budget for a deck?

A: Choose pressure-treated lumber over composite, source reclaimed wood when possible, and do the labor yourself. This can reduce material costs by 30% while keeping the deck safe and sturdy.

Pro Tip

Before you buy any material, order a small sample and test it in your space. Light, humidity, and surrounding colors can dramatically shift how a finish looks. I once chose a bright teal tile that looked perfect in the showroom but clashed with my kitchen lighting. A 4-inch sample saved $500 in returns.