No one is as eager as Michiganders to get outside and clean up their yard after a long, harsh winter. Spring offers the perfect weather to help strengthen your home’s curb appeal while preparing for the summer.
There are many different projects that you may decide to take on this spring, but here are a few to keep in mind if you’re looking to stand out in your neighborhood.
Clean out and refresh your landscaping
The quickest and easiest thing you can do to transform the exterior of your home this spring is updating your landscaping. Whether you just need to refresh your current landscaping or completely replace what you have, landscaping is an easy DIY project you can tackle if you choose to do so.
When picking plants, shrubs and trees, be sure to select one good for the zone you live in. A quick soil test can help you determine what, if any, alterations you need to make in order for your landscaping to thrive.
Doing a soil test on your lawn can also help you understand what fertilizer to use to help give you the lush, green lawn you’ve been wanting.
Install a new deck or patio
Nothing screams Michigan summers like sitting in the backyard on your patio or deck with your family and friends. Spring is a great time to build a new one before contractors get tied up in their summer jobs.
When deciding on what deck or patio is right for you, take cost into consideration. There are many ways to save while building them, such as choosing a broom finish over stamped concrete, or wood over a material such as Trex decking.
Most decks and patios require permits, so if you’re hiring a contractor to do the job, make sure they apply for the appropriate ones to ensure the job is done right.
Adding a shed for storage
If you’re like me, lawn equipment stuffed in your garage is one thing that drives you crazy. Building a new shed can allow you to utilize your space more effectively by giving you ample room to place things such as lawnmowers, weed whackers and other messy lawn equipment.
When planning for a shed, be sure to check with your city or township to verify the easements on your property. Easements are areas around the perimeter of your property that prohibit you from adding permanent structures due to city utilities being underground.
Some cities require concrete pads for sheds over a specific square footage. A quick call to your city or township can make sure you don’t run into issues later when installing a shed.
Adding fencing for privacy
Fencing contractors can get extremely busy in the spring and summertime. If adding a fence isn’t a job you want to DIY, getting on their schedule early can help ensure your fence gets installed in a timely manner.
Again, be sure to check with your local municipality on permitting your fence and to ensure you stay within your property line.
There are many projects you can decide to take on this spring, and if you have the confidence to DIY them, many can be done in a cost-effective manner to keep your property in tip-top shape.
Rob Kobylasz is a licensed residential builder in Michigan and owner of Cambridge Construction & Remodeling, LLC, a home renovation company in metropolitan Detroit. Contact him at 734-931-0017.
