Three summer home improvements give Connecticut homeowners the most for their money: new replacement windows, sturdy new railings and a retractable awning over the deck or patio. Summer is when you use the outside of your house the most, with cookouts, parties and family gatherings, so it is a good time to invest in projects that make the home more comfortable, safer and easier to enjoy.
1. Vinyl Replacement Windows
Think back to last winter. Did you notice more drafts than usual? Do you hear a lot of outside noise? Are your windows hard to open or close? If so, the warm months are a convenient time to deal with it.
Installed correctly, vinyl replacement windows help keep drafts and outside noise out while making your home more energy efficient. That matters in July as much as in January, because a tight window keeps cooled air inside too. There are many window styles to choose from, so you can match the look of your house.
2. New Railings for Steps, Porches and Decks
If you plan to have guests over, your railings need to be strong enough for everyone who leans on them, from small children to older relatives. A railing that wobbles or has rusted at the base should be replaced before the season gets busy.
There are a few kinds to choose from. We recommend wrought iron or aluminum railings. Aluminum in particular is strong and holds up well outdoors, and both materials add a finished look to front steps and porches.
3. A Retractable Deck or Patio Awning
Retractable awnings provide shade from a hot sun and cover from light rain showers, so a barbecue does not have to move indoors when the weather shifts.
The best part is in the name. When the shower passes or you want the sun back, you roll the awning in, either by hand with a crank or with the push of a button on a motorized model. Our guide on how to choose the perfect patio awning covers what to consider before you buy.
If you would rather have shade that stays in place all season, a fixed patio cover is another option worth comparing.
How to Plan Your Summer Home Improvements
You do not need to do all three at once. Start with whatever bothers you most. If safety is the concern, begin with the railings. If the deck is too hot to use in the afternoon, begin with shade. If comfort and energy bills are the issue, begin with the windows.
It also helps to plan early. Windows, railings and awnings are measured and made to fit your home, so the sooner you start the conversation, the more of the season you get to enjoy the result.
Get Your Project Started
Aladdin Inc installs windows, railings and awnings for home and business owners throughout Connecticut. Tell us which of these projects you have in mind and we will come out, measure and go over your options. Call (203) 776-9996 or request an estimate online.