What Summer Projects Can I Still Complete?

Installing a new sprinkler system is a great late-summer project. Pedro Antonio Salaverría Calahorra/Dreamstime/TNS

By Paul F. P. Pogue From Ask Angi

With summer more than halfway over, you’ve probably completed your big jobs and may be kicking up your feet before you start to think about fall prep.

But some work is actually perfect for the dog days of summer. Here are jobs you can still get done before fall arrives and even get a jump start on next year’s work:

Roof Inspection, Repair or Replacement

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 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 — or even if your roof looks fine to you — 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.

Tweet your home care questions with #AskingAngi and we’ll try to answer them in a future column.

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