As the harsh winters said goodbye to the ‘windy city,’ residents became overjoyed to feel the sun’s warmth again. Summer approaches—you no longer have to shiver due to the dangerously chilly Chicago winds. You’re probably excited to bike around the city, dine in the clutches of nature, and more.
One thing Chicagoans often overlook during the warmer months is getting their homes prepared for the new season. Irrespective of whether you own a bungalow, a two-flat frame, or the famous Chicago Greystone, it’s time to get your property ready for the sun.
Approximately 46% of housing units in Chicago are owner-occupied. If you’re one of them, this blog post is for you. Read on to learn more about enhancing curb appeal, applying fresh paint, and focusing on energy efficiency this summer.
#1. Clean Your Walkway and Spruce up Landscaping
Did you know you can welcome summer’s essence by clearing up the front of your house? Try removing the remnants of the harsh Chicago winter by pressure-washing your driveway. You can also rinse the surfaces of the walkway using a stone-safe cleaner.
Landscaping can also help enhance your property’s appeal. For example, you can prepare your patio by adding furniture, trimming the grass, planting summer flowers, etc. In the backyard, you can bring back the grill, add shades, and reopen your pool to enjoy the hot Chicago summers.
According to IBISWorld, the Illinois landscaping market was valued at USD 6.8 billion, with an industry employment of 39,277. Do you know what this means? It proves you can hire a professional landscaper to spruce up your home’s garden, backyard, and front lawn.
Forbes reports that you can find a landscaper only after curating a plan, researching contractors, and getting referrals. Chicagoans can also get total estimates in writing to look for the top prospects for the job.
#2. Embrace the Freshness of Summer With a New Paint Job
As a Chicago resident, you’ll know that the city gets floods, tornadoes, and snowstorms quite often. In September 2023, the South Suburbs of Chicago flooded due to heavy rainfall from a low-pressure system. Such natural yet extreme changes in weather can chip away at your home’s vibrant paint.
That’s why you should hire a well-trained Chicago painter to help embrace the season’s freshness with a summer-specific color palette. With their help, you can access high-quality professional painting to restore your home’s beauty.
A fresh coat will mean protection from the natural elements and the sun’s humidity. According to OnDemand Painters, the exterior painting process in Chicago might involve the following steps:
- Power washing, sanding, and scraping to remove loose paint and debris
- Filling cracks and holes to ensure a uniform surface
- Protecting plants and other home features with tarps
- Painting with high-quality and sustainable products
Perhaps you can choose different hues of blue and white to commemorate the city’s flag. Since it’s summer, consider contemporary (earthy neutrals) or classic colors (grey, brick red, etc.) that reflect the season’s dynamic spirit. Moreover, you can go with the hues that mimic Millennium Park’s unique, lush greenery or Lake Michigan’s peaceful tones.
#3. Make Your Home Energy-Efficient and Improve Insulation
It’s no secret that Chicago gets sweltering hot as the sun’s intensity becomes unbearable. The city witnessed the highest temperature of 100°F at O’Hare Airport in August 2023. That’s why industry leaders highlight the importance of insulation, especially during the summer months.
Hence, high-quality insulation features can offer immediate comfort and ensure long-term savings. This technique offers an enhanced quality of life and optimal comfort for any Chicagoan.
Ideally, people will think about HVAC systems for insulation. Yes, you should get them serviced or repaired before the heat intensifies. However, these are not necessarily environmentally safe, energy-efficient, or cost-effective in the long run.
Do you want a unique insulation method that’ll offer long-term durability, increase the home’s value, and have health benefits? In that case, you should check out these options:
- Install windows with low-emissivity glass.
- Look for insulated frames for your doors.
- Go for weather-resistant structures.
- Seal the openings to prevent any hot drafts.
These options will help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy bills. Similarly, it’ll prevent dry and hot drafts from entering and maintain cool air indoors.
With insulated windows and doors, any Chicago resident can achieve comfort and climate control during the hot summer days. You also get to reduce the carbon footprint in this bustling city and increase your home’s value.
In summary, you can transform your Chicago abode into a fresh and aesthetically pleasing summer oasis.
This article suggests getting your walkway cleaned and sprucing up the landscaping to enhance the curb appeal. Similarly, you should focus on installing energy-efficient products to reduce utility bills. Adding a fresh coat of paint will also enhance the property’s value during the summer months, making it the neighborhood’s gem.
By handling the demands of summer, you can easily enjoy indoor and outdoor activities. Are you ready to get started and embrace the joy of warm and humid Chicago summers?
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