5 home renovations worth completing this summer, and 2 that can wait until fall 2026
Lifestyle
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9:00 AM on Friday, May 22
By Josephine Cardenia for Hometap, Stacker
5 home renovations worth completing this summer, and 2 that can wait until fall 2026
Warmer temperatures, longer days, and drier conditions make summer one of the most practical times to tackle home improvement projects. 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.
The timing also connects to a broader shift in how Americans are thinking about their homes. 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. 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.
Whether or not a sale is on the horizon for you, summer is the time to get projects done and actually enjoy the results. Hometap shares five 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 2025 Fixr survey of 52 experts, 56% of home improvement experts said outdoor and backyard upgrades as 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.
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.
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 Journal of Light Construction’s 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.
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.
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.
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.
2. 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.
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 leverage into home equity.
This story was produced by Hometap and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
