Long, sun-soaked days and warm evenings make West Monroe summers perfect for tackling the home renovations you’ve been dreaming about all year. With hurricane season peaking in mid-August, completing projects in time safeguards your property, lowers energy bills, and creates comfortable spaces for your loved ones.

Below, we break down the 10 summer home improvement projects you can definitely finish before humidity rises too much and tropical storms hit the area. So get ready to decide which ideas you’ll DIY and which ones you will team up with Mejia Construction General, LLC, West Monroe’s trusted local contractor.

1. Plant Your Own Garden

Who says you can’t tackle some of your yard work? A DIY garden delivers fresh produce, vibrant colors, and increased curb appeal. Plus, it’s one of the easiest home improvement weekend projects to check off this list. We recommend planting heat-loving crops such as okra, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. If you prefer flowers, pollinator-friendly blooms like zinnias and marigolds are perfect. You can establish a small space in your lawn with raised beds made from rot-resistant cedar, landscape fabric, and organic mulch. Add a drip-irrigation system, and you’ll beat the droughts that will arrive after the Fourth of July.

2. Design and Build a Shed

A shed keeps lawn equipment, fishing gear, and holiday decorations out of your garage while withstanding Louisiana humidity. Designing and building one is a great project for the summertime. However, before digging postholes, confirm placement with Ouachita Parish zoning because you’ll need at least a five-foot setback from property lines.

For this particular renovation, we suggest working with pressure-treated lumber, installing a moisture barrier under the subfloor, and topping it all with reflective metal roofing to deflect the heat. Mejia Construction General, LLC, helps you with the framing and roof so that you can enjoy your brand-new shed in your outdoor space in no time.

3. Book Inspection Appointments

Summer home improvement projects also include inspection and, if needed, replacements or repairs. While it’s not as elaborate or hands-on as the other ideas in this list, it’s one that you should schedule yearly to avoid costly damages and stress down the line (especially during hurricane season).

Book an inspection for your air conditioning, windows, plumbing, electrical system, and roofing. Our team can easily spot missing shingles, problems with the ventilation, flashing failure, water damage, and more. And we’ll provide a swift solution to the issues. If possible, you should also replace old shutters with energy-efficient windows and corroded pipes with new ones.

4. Replace Your Roofing System

Even the best roofs in the industry don’t last forever. If you notice curled shingles, moss patches, or sunlight peeking through attic boards, roof replacement should be one of your top priorities for summer home projects. Don’t wait for winter to arrive. June and July are underrated months for replacing a failing roofing system, with longer daylight hours and manageable temperatures.

When it comes to advice, we recommend choosing a material resistant to high winds and reflective of sunlight to maximize energy efficiency in your property while withstanding our intense storms. Hire our specialists for the job; we’ll not only assist you through the material selection process but also help you design a roof tailored to your needs, budget, and preferences.

5. Refinish Your Basement

Don’t feel like battling the summer heat with outdoor renovations? No problem. Basement refinishing is one of the summer home improvement projects you can complete indoors. We highly advise you to request the help of experts in the field for this job, as it will allow you to let your imagination run free. Add remote-controlled LED lights to set the mood. Or do a full remodel and turn your old basement into a movie theater. What if you need an extra guest room? Your basement can function as one. Or maybe you want to expand the upgrades to other spaces in the house? Bathroom remodel and kitchen remodel are options as well.

6. Paint Your Home’s Facade

Exterior painting is a project you can complete when you’re on a budget. A fresh facade not only protects your siding but also creates picture-perfect first impressions and brings to life a house you’re proud to call your own. Opt for neutral, sun-reflective hues. Those usually stay in style for years and reduce the strain on your AC system. And remember to wash away pollen and mildew, patch cracked caulk, and prime before whipping out the brushes. Watch out for the warm weather, as paint adheres to surface temperatures of 85°F max. Begin early in the day to avoid the scorching sun or paint under the shade.

7. Install a Screen on Your Porch

Let's-be-honest,-Louisiana-mosquitoes-are-no-jokeaLet's-be-honest,-Louisiana-mosquitoes-are-no-joke

Let’s be honest, Louisiana mosquitoes are no joke. Converting your open porch to a screened retreat is one of the best summer home improvement ideas in this blog. Savor your sweet tea without the bites at any time of the day by framing openings with decay-resistant wood and adding fiberglass or aluminum screening.

You don’t have to sacrifice your comfort either. In fact, you can upgrade it with a damp-rated ceiling fan and dimmable LED lighting, turning the space into a year-round lounge. Mejia Construction General, LLC will handle the framing for you!

8. Power-Wash Outdoor Areas and Exteriors

Not all summer home improvement projects have to be extensive. If you prefer a quick refresh this season, pressure washing offers the perfect opportunity. Pollen and algae dull any siding and outdoor feature after spring downpours, so summer’s sun is ideal for cleaning them thoroughly.

Pre-treat stubborn mildew with an eco-friendly cleaner, and power-wash patios, walkways, vinyl siding, fences, and decks until they’re left sparkling. After rinsing, seal decks with a penetrating oil-based stain and apply a clear siloxane sealer to concrete surfaces to resist future stains and humidity.

9. Declutter Your Property

Spring is the de facto decluttering season, but the summer months are just as good for cleaning your property. So, homeowners, roll up your sleeves and sort storage bins, donate or sell unused furniture, and place bulk trash curbside ahead of the monthly pickup schedule. The nice weather even allows you to organize a garage sale and clear gutters before storms hit West Monroe. Decluttering also reveals subtle foundation cracks or pest entry points early, saving money on costly repairs down the road.

10. Upgrade Your Backyard

Your outdoor living spaces aren’t the only ones that need extra care during the summer. Your landscaping, more than anything, requires a lot of attention these scorching months. Water, mow, fertilize, and target weeds properly to maintain the health of your lawn. If you’re considering bigger upgrades, sod installation, a brand new patio, or functional pathways are renovations that don’t take weeks to complete, only a few days. What about a weekend DIY project? Solar lights are the go-to option for enhancing your outdoor space at night..

Complete Your Summer Home Improvement Projects with Mejia Construction!

Summer home improvement projects don’t have to be too complex. From planting your own vegetable garden and fertilizing your flowers to replacing your entire roofing system and refinishing your basement, there’s a wide range of options for a variety of skill levels and budgets. Just choose the one that fits your conditions best!

Ready to start renovating your house? Mejia Construction General, LLC brings the industry and local expertise your vision needs to become a breathtaking reality. Enjoy 5-star solutions and personalized attention for our roofing and framing services. Contact us today to request your free estimate!

Get A Quote

10 Summer Home Improvement Projects for West Monroe Residents