Garden DIY Tips for the Summer

The greatest joy for most homeowners is the ability to entertain their friends and family. Summer is a prime season for such entertainment as the weather becomes tolerable enough for sitting outside and the sun makes more frequent appearances. But before you start phoning the neighbors about what dish to bring you may want to consider some home improvements that can make your backyard a key congregating location.

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Decks, Porches & Patios

As much as most people enjoy the great outdoors and the view of a lush green backyard, lazing on the lawn just doesn't rate that highly in most people's comfort zone. When entertaining outdoors, a patio, porch or deck offers a much more comfortable experience all round.

For those living in a particularly hot climate a covered or screened porch can make all the difference to being able to sit outside without suffering from heat stroke or any other ill effects from spending long periods of time exposed to the heat. Because these improvements effectively extend your home's entertaining and living area, they are a great way to add appeal and often yield a good return on the investment necessary to construct them.

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For the handymen and women amongst us, building a deck makes for a great little DIY project. Websites such as DeckPlans.com and the DIYNetwork can provide you with information and plans for constructing your own deck.

Pools

Adding a pool can transform your back yard from a boring patch of grass into a summer paradise. While you may be worried about the upkeep costs it's good to keep in mind while in the planning phases that adding a little salt water pool requires a larger initial investment but quickly pays for itself over its lifetime.

A salt-water pool requires far less maintenance and supplies than a traditional chlorine system, saving you time and money. It's important to note that in most markets homeowners do not see a good return on the investment of adding a pool, so if you're planning one in order to increase your home's value this probably isn't the best idea.

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In most markets a pool typically only adds about $5,000 to $8,000 to a home's appraised value. So this particular improvement is better served for personal comfort and enjoyment rather than increasing market value.

Making improvements to your back yard such as these can completely change the feel of your property and often increases your outdoor spaces' functionality and livability. Other improvements such as landscaping, play areas and outdoor storage can also add functionality as well as appeal for prospective buyers when you get ready to sell.

Article source: MSNBC