Tips, Trends & Living June 18, 2024

9 Fun Summer DIY Projects for Your Home

Sun’s out…fun’s out!  Our glorious PNW summer is coming in hot with endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.  Here are some fun and easy project ideas to help you make the most of it!

 

1. Backyard Movie Theater

Outdoor movies are a great way to enjoy your yard and entertain a crowd (and keep the mess outside, too!).  Looking for affordable and easy?  You can find portable, outdoor, Bluetooth enabled projectors for under $100; hang up a white sheet or inexpensive screen, grab your portable Bluetooth speaker, and BOOM…it’s movie time.  Ready to take the leap and create something more lasting?  Here is a great how-to for a wooden frame with pull-down screen + helpful tips for your AV setup.

 



 

2. Fire Pit

Who doesn’t love a good s’mores roast?  Creating an attractive fire pit may be easier and cheaper than you imagined.  One beautifully simple method we love is to create a ring of stacked bricks, stones or cinder blocks on top of a level pea gravel base, then place a store-bought metal fireplace bowl in the center (here is the full how-to).  It’s remarkably fast and you don’t even need mortar!  You can also go for a modern square look with cinder blocks, use a reclaimed metal receptacle, or find a full kit at the hardware store.  Check out this list of 31 DIY fire pit ideas from the Spruce.

 



 

3. House Number Planter

Looking to add some instant curb appeal to your home? This elegant, inexpensive design may just be the “WOW!” you’re looking for.  Choose modern house numbers for an updated look and then a little wood, some pretty plants, and a couple hours of work is all it takes to make your neighbors jealous.

 

Photo courtesy of ana-white.com


 


 

4. Giant Backyard Jenga

We LOVE this idea for summer BBQs, and it’s so easy!  All you need are some 2×3 boards, a miter saw, and sandpaper (or a power sander, if you have one). Bada bing bada boom…jumbo Jenga to entertain kids and adults alike. Here are full instructions courtesy of Her Tool Belt, including the option to go fancy with colors and a DIY carrying crate that also doubles as a stand.

 



 

5. Decorative A/C Screen

If you’re lucky enough to have central A/C, you’re also unlucky enough to have an unsightly metal unit sitting in your yard.  Fortunately, you can build a simple cover for less than $100 and in less than a day.  Here is an easy plan from This Old House, designed with widely spaced slats for air flow and 1 foot of clearance (do your homework on your specific A/C unit before you dive in—you may need to size up).  You can paint it to match your house color if you want to go incognito, or stain it for a stylish natural wood look.

 

Photo courtesy of tarynwhiteaker.com


 


 

6. Vertical Garden

Taking advantage of vertical space for planting means that even the smallest of patios can host a garden. It could be as simple as attaching pots to a trellis/rail or framed chicken wire, or something more elaborate like this beautiful living wall by This Old House. Vertical gardens can also double as privacy screens for your yard, porch or patio. Veggie enthusiasts can even build this easy vertical ladder planter with its own drip watering system. For the ultimate quick fix, felt pocket planters offer instant gratification—just attach to your fence or wall, add potting soil + slow release fertilizer + drought-tolerant plants, and water every 2 days. Using freestanding shelves for your container garden is another great option, especially for tenants who need something that is easily removable.

 



 

7. Leopold Bench

We love conservationist Aldo Leopold’s simple and iconic wooden bench plan, designed to be used both forward (with a backrest) or backward (where the backrest becomes an elbow rest for using binoculars). Here is a super easy DIY plan with cutting instructions from Construct101. Even amateurs can build this in less than a day, and all it takes are three boards, 6 carriage bolts, and some screws!

 

Photo courtesy of etsy.com


 


 

8. Hose Storage Planter

This ingenious project will boost your curb appeal in two ways, both by being an attractive planter AND by stowing away unsightly hoses in a clever hidden storage compartment. There are a few different styles and plans out there. We like this version from DIY Candy with a hinged front that allows you to access the hose without having to lift up the heavy planter. It can be crafted from a pallet or any other reclaimed wood. The Kim Six Fix also has this version made with cedar fence boards instead.

 

Photo courtesy of diycandy.com


 


 

9. Rain Garden

Did the April showers leave your yard (or basement) a little soggy? Sump pump working overtime? A rain garden is a beautiful way to channel water away from your house while also helping the environment by keeping chemical runoff out of rivers and lakes. The concept is pretty simple: create a below-grade garden bed planted with deep-rooted species that help capture and drain water rapidly into the soil. If you’re serious about improving drainage, you’ll also want either a stone channel or buried PVC pipe to help guide water from your downspout into the garden. Collect some friends to help with the digging! Here are full instructions from the Family Handyman.

 

 

If you’re considering selling your home, some of these projects—like planters and vertical garden privacy screens—can help maximize your curb appeal. A rain garden might also be a beautiful solution for drainage issues that need to be resolved before your house can go on the market. Looking for more ideas or advice? Reach out to me any time…I’m never too busy to help!


 

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Real Estate July 12, 2023

Preparing to Sell Your Home: A Complete Checklist

Getting your home ready to sell can feel like a circus act. Without the right organization, juggling the countless moving parts involved in this stage of the selling process can take its toll. This is the perfect opportunity to create a checklist to keep yourself on track and within your budget. The following information will illuminate the key responsibilities you face as a homeowner as you prepare to hit the market.

We’ve included a comprehensive checklist below of the common tasks required to get your home ready to sell. It is also available as a downloadable pdf here:

Home Prep Checklist PDF

EXTERIOR

This list of value-adding curb appeal projects will help to form buyers’ first impressions of your home and make your ever-important exterior listing photos stand out amongst the competition.

  • Remove peeling and chipped paint; replace with a fresh coat
  • Fix loose trim and fencing
  • Clear gutters and downspouts
  • Make sure there is good exterior lighting and all walkway lights and front-door lanterns work
  • Clean and repair the roof as needed
  • Clear garage of clutter and tidy shelves
  • Inspect chimney for cracks and damage

Yard

  • Mow and trim grass; re-seed and fertilize where necessary
  • Prune all overgrown trees and shrubs
  • Weed flower beds
  • Remove or replace dead or diseased plants, shrubs, and trees
  • Clean grease and oil stains from driveway

Decks/Patios

  • Paint or stain worn areas on wood decks
  • Remove grass growing in concrete cracks; sweep off debris from shrubs and trees
  • Clean all deck rails and make sure they’re secure; replace missing slats or posts
  • Clean outdoor furniture

Front Door

  • Add a fresh coat of paint to get rid of nicks
  • Clean the glass on the storm door; make certain the screen is secure
  • Make sure the doorbell operates properly and there are no squeaks when the door opens and closes

Windows

  • Clean all windows inside and out
  • If needed, add a fresh coat of paint to the window trims and sills
  • Make sure all windows open and close easily
  • Replace cracked windowpanes and those with broken seals
  • Make sure window screens are clean and secure; replace any screens with holes or tears

Front Entry

  • Clean entryway floors and area rugs
  • Downsize clutter in the entry and entry closet to give the appearance of spaciousness
  • Double-check entry lighting to make sure it works

INTERIOR

Not only will these interior projects get your house sparkling clean, but they’re also preparatory steps for staging your home and hosting open houses.

General Interior Cleaning

  • Clean all floors, carpets, walls, and trim
  • Replace burned-out light bulbs
  • Empty trash
  • Remove family photos, valuables, and prescription drugs
  • Tidy up clutter

Kitchen

  • Fix dripping faucets
  • Organize pantry and cupboards so they appear clean, neat, and spacious
  • Make sure the refrigerator and freezer are defrosted and free of odors
  • Clean the oven and cooktop thoroughly
  • Set the table

Living/Family/Dining Rooms

  • Give rooms a fresh coat of paint as needed
  • Repair cracks and holes in ceiling and walls
  • Make sure all wallpaper is secure
  • Repaint any woodwork that is worn or chipped
  • Clean or replace draperies and blinds; open them to maximize light
  • Make sure draperies and blinds open and close
  • Steam-clean carpets
  • Clean rugs and wood flooring, and remove any stains or odors
  • Position the furniture to showcase the size and space of the room
  • Remove and replace any attached items, such as chandeliers and draperies, that you wish to move with you
  • Put away toys and hobby supplies; remove extra magazines and books from tables

Bathrooms

  • Make sure sinks, tubs, showers, and countertops are clean and free of stains
  • Repair any leaky faucets
  • Remove grout and soap stains from tile
  • Replace any missing or cracked tiles or grout
  • Make sure all joints are caulked
  • Make sure all fixtures, including heat lamps and exhaust fans are operating
  • Install a new shower curtain and buy matching towels
  • Store all supplies, such as toilet paper, shampoo bottles and cleansers, out of sight

Bedrooms

  • Repair cracks in ceiling and walls
  • Apply a fresh coat of paint if necessary
  • Make sure all wallpaper is secure
  • Clean draperies and blinds; open them to maximize light
  • Put away toys, clothes, and clutter
  • Neatly make up the beds

Basement

  • Check for water penetration or dampness; call for professional repairs if necessary
  • Get rid of musty odors
  • Clean furnace, hot water heater, and drains
  • Make sure light fixtures work
  • Arrange storage area in a neat and organized manner
  • Make sure stairway handrail is secure

Tidy Extras

  • Use air fresheners or bake treats to make the house smell good
  • Plant flowers to brighten the walkway and enrich the entry
  • Remove any indoor houseplants that are brown or losing their leaves
  • Remove all “fixer” cars, campers, and boats from the property
  • Tidy and declutter all closets
  • Hide or get rid of worn-out throw pillows
  • Store pet supplies
  • At night, turn on the porch light and outdoor lighting

For more information on preparing to sell your home, visit my Home Selling Guide:

 


This article originally appeared on the Windermere blog June 29th, 2022. Written by: Sandy Dodge.

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