There is something about the longer days and warmer weather that makes us look at our homes with fresh eyes. Summer is prime time for tackling the home improvements you’ve been dreaming about all winter. But whether you are planning a simple backyard refresh or a major layout overhaul, figuring out how to fund those projects is usually the hardest part of the blueprint.
If you've owned your home for a few years, the answer might be sitting right under your roof. By tapping into your home equity—the difference between what your home is worth today and what you owe on your mortgage—you can unlock the cash needed to get your projects moving.
In this guide, we highlight six smart summer improvements that don't just make your space more enjoyable today but actively build your home’s long-term value.
1. Energy Efficient Windows and Doors
If your home has older, single-pane windows or a front door that has seen better days, you’re likely feeling it in your wallet. Over time, constant exposure to the elements—from relentless summer heat to shifting humidity—takes a toll. Doors warp, window seals crack and suddenly the cool air is slipping right out of the gaps, sending your energy bills soaring. Beyond the draft, those tiny leaks can invite moisture, leading to hidden water damage or mold. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows and sturdy new exterior doors isn't just a cosmetic fix; it’s a smart protective barrier that keeps the elements out, keeps your utility costs down and adds instant curb appeal.
2. Outdoor Deck
An expertly designed outdoor deck is more than just a home improvement project—it’s an extension of your daily living space that allows you to host summer barbecues, unwind with family after a long day or savor a quiet cup of coffee on a Saturday morning. When planning your build, you can choose between the classic warmth of traditional wood or the low-maintenance longevity of composite decking. To truly elevate the space, consider popular modern upgrades like integrated smokeless fire pits for cooler evenings, motorized screens to keep summer glare at bay, or a louvered roof system that adapts to both sudden rain showers and bright afternoon sun.
Building an outdoor deck can provide a solid ROI. Wood decks typically have an ROI of 95%, while composite decks have an ROI of 89%.1 Whether choosing wood or composite, adding an outdoor deck can improve your outdoor space and the market value of your home.
3. Manufactured Stone Veneer
Manufactured stone veneer can add elegance and sophistication to the interior or exterior of your home. Also known as faux stone, it mimics the appearance of natural stone while being lighter and more affordable. Available in a variety of colors and styles, manufactured stone veneer lets you choose an option that complements your home's aesthetic.
Depending on your home improvement goals, manufactured stone veneer can be used in a variety of popular applications. Indoors, it can enhance accent walls, frame a fireplace, or provide a natural look for a kitchen backsplash. Outdoors, stone veneer can serve as complete siding for a house or as part of a facade. It can also beautify entryways, columns, retaining walls, and barbecue pits.
Best of all, it is an elite financial move. According to recent housing industry data, an exterior makeover using manufactured stone veneer boasts a massive 208%2 return on investment at resale. It is one of those rare, high-yield home improvements that allows you to more than double your money in equity while completely elevating the look of the home you live in today.
4. Minor Kitchen Remodel
Summer is an ideal time to undertake a minor remodel of your home's kitchen, which is less extensive and less costly than a major renovation. The warm weather makes it easier to plan around temporary disruptions. For instance, you can barbecue outdoors, grab takeout or dine at your favorite restaurants.
A minor kitchen remodel, as its name suggests, does not involve major construction, such as moving or altering walls, plumbing lines or electrical systems. Instead, it typically includes replacing flooring and appliances, as well as replacing or refinishing cabinets. A new backsplash or decorative trim and molding may also be installed.
And best of all, a minor kitchen remodel can enhance your home's overall look while yielding a positive return on investment, offering an ROI of 113%.3
5. Garage Door Replacement
On average, a garage door opens and closes approximately 3 to 5 times each day, totaling around 1,500 times per year.4 Easily the hardest-working moving part of your entire home, over time that relentless daily strain combined with constant exposure to the elements takes a major toll. Steel doors lose their luster, while wood finishes can warp, swell, or crack from seasonal humidity. Behind the scenes, the motorized opener quietly wears down, leading to sluggish, noisy operations that signal a breakdown is just around the corner. Upgrading to a modern, well-insulated garage door doesn't just eliminate a daily headache and restore quiet efficiency; it redefines your home's exterior aesthetic, offering a massive upgrade in both security and pure curb appeal.
Upgrading to a new garage door can boost your home's curb appeal, increase energy efficiency, and deliver one of the biggest ROIs of any home improvement project - an impressive 349.3%.5 Installing a new garage door and opener typically won't interfere with your summer plans, as a professional garage door installation company can usually complete the job in one day or less.
6. New Interior Paint
If your home's interior walls have scuffs, marks and faded colors that have built up over the years, or if the colors are outdated and no longer fit your current aesthetic, a fresh coat of paint could be the ideal solution. New interior paint can rejuvenate your living space, making it feel up to date and welcoming.
You can choose colors that express your personal style and that match your furniture and fixtures. In addition, interior paints are available that contain little or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), helping reduce paint odors and off-gassing and improving indoor air quality.
Summer is an ideal time to paint your home's interior walls. The warm temperatures allow paint and caulking to dry more quickly, and you can open your windows for proper ventilation. When done professionally, interior painting can yield a 107% return on investment,6 making it a wise choice for home improvement.
Starting your home improvement projects in the summer can ensure they are completed in time for the fall holiday season. If you are thinking about tapping into your home's equity to finance your projects, reach out. Ameris Bank offers home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) to qualified borrowers. Contact us today to speak with one of our knowledgeable mortgage bankers.
Sources:
1-3 https://www.zillow.com/learn/best-home-improvements-to-increase-value/
4-5 https://garagedoor-lv.com/10-fun-garage-door-stats-that-will-surprise-you/
6 https://www.angi.com/articles/does-interior-paint-increase-home-value.htm
Disclaimer:
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
