Getting the garden in shape is top of many summer to-do lists. But, there are also plenty of other jobs that are best done before the warm weather hits. Find out what these summer home improvement jobs are, and why you should prioritise them, below.

1. Service your boiler

One of the many great things about summer is that our heating bills most likely go down, as we’re using our boilers less. You shouldn’t put your boiler to the back of your mind though! It’s a great idea to get it serviced in the summer, before the gas and heating engineers in your area get booked up in winter and autumn. That way, you’ll avoid the risk of your boiler breaking down during the cold weather. Don’t forget, there are plenty of grants and other financial support to help you make your home more energy efficient.

A gas and heating engineer can let you know if your boiler’s efficient too. This is a good indicator as to whether you could save more money on your heating bill. Read more about how to find out if your boiler is efficient and whether you could save money on your energy bills.

2. Install or upgrade your CCTV

You might think that security cameras are most useful during the winter, due the longer evenings, not to mention the fact that our Christmas presents can attract the attention of burglars. But they’re just as valuable in the summer because we aren’t in our homes as much, whether that’s due to warm evenings spent in a beer garden or a well-deserved holiday abroad. For true peace of mind whilst you’re out having fun, get a security specialist to install CCTV and secure your home.

There are plenty of advanced CCTV systems on the market that’ll help you create a smart home. The options include models that connect to your smartphone, so you’ll know exactly what’s going on in your home in real time.

3. Insulate your pipes

Pipes are the last thing you’re thinking about during the hot weather. However, you’ll thank yourself for sorting them out once winter kicks in and you have no problems to sort out.

Summer is a good time to get a plumber to:

• Insulate indoor and outdoor pipes to reduce heat loss.
• Fix dripping taps and leaky pipes, to protect them from the winter frost.
• Fit a smart leak detector or automatic stop valve.

4. Replace inefficient windows

It’s a well-known fact that double and triple glazing stops heat from escaping your home, which is essential for the colder months. But did you know that it also helps your home stay cool during hot weather? Double and triple glazing your windows means that heat will stop transferring from one side of the window to the other. That means heat from outside won’t pass through and into your home. If you often get frustrated because you find it too warm to sleep during summer, but can’t keep your windows open for security reasons, upgrading to double or triple glazing should help. It’ll also make your home more energy efficient.

To keep your home even cooler during summer, install blackout blinds for a quick fix. Motorised blinds are also a good option, as you can lower them at the touch of a button to bring shade into your home. Plus, you can set a schedule so they open at a certain time in the morning. That means you’ll enjoy a relaxing wakeup call courtesy of the morning sun – much less stressful than your phone’s alarm tone!

5. Install new worktops

Replacing your worktop is a cost-effective modern kitchen makeover hack that’s recommended by the experts. A kitchen fitter will need to carry out the old one, and it’s safer for them to do that when the path, driveway or street outside your home isn’t icy and slippery due to snow or rain.

17% of homeowners are planning to renovate their kitchen in 2021, according to The Rated People Home Improvement Trends Report: 2021. If you’re one of them, but you haven’t gotten around to renovating yet, installing a new worktop is a great starting point.

6. Repaint your rooms

You might think it’s better to paint when you’re spending more time indoors during the winter. However, it’s also a fun DIY project to do with the kids whilst they’re off school for the summer. If you’re looking for more easy summer home improvement jobs, check out our blog post on DIY jobs to do whilst social distancing.

If you’re working from home and want to revamp your workspace, a fresh lick of paint will invigorate you even on the hottest of days when you’d rather be outside!

The post 6 jobs to do in summer (that you might think are better done in winter) appeared first on Rated People Blog.

There’s something about the start of a new year that gets us in the mood for home improvements and renovations. Looking to solve niggling issues such as loose roof tiles? In need of a home clear-out to signal the end of 2020 and the arrival of 2021? Want to make your home makeover or kitchen renovation dreams a reality? Our tradespeople are ready to help. If you’re not sure where to start – scroll down for interior design trends and inspiration for home improvements, including bathroom and kitchen decor ideas.

1. Sort those emergency jobs

Don’t start the new year on the wrong foot. Get those ‘to-do list’ jobs done before bad weather sets in and starts causing problems. Remember to get your boiler serviced and ​protect your pipes ahead of cold January weather.

2. Get your roofing done

It’s not the most glamorous thing to spend your money on, but a well insulated and tiled roof will help keep your home warm and dry throughout the winter months. High winds and storms mean loose tiles can easily lift and fall from your roof, causing damage and leaks. One of our specialist roofers can inspect your roof and let you know what needs replacing.

Looking for a roofer? ​Find a qualified roofing professional by posting your job on Rated People​.

3. Do a deep clean

Dust off the cobwebs and get your home feeling fresh for 2021. Our cleaners can help with those hard to reach places – whether it’s dirty windows, grubby post-Christmas ovens or bathroom and kitchen grime. Next up: organise cabinets, shelves and wardrobes for a tidy home and tidy mind.

4. Update your bathroom

Dreaming of going to the tropics or to a luxurious spa? Perhaps it’s time to renovate your bathroom instead. Tropical, spa-like bathrooms, are on trend for 2021. Think lots of greenery, natural materials, open walk-in showers and freestanding baths.

5. Renovate your kitchen

Pantone has revealed not one, but two colours for 2021 – Ultimate Grey and Illuminating Yellow – which could look great together, especially in a modern kitchen. We love the sunny optimism of yellow and the balancing, refined feel of grey. If you’re not sure about bright yellow, introduce touches of this adventurous hue in the form of crockery or furniture.

Looking for a kitchen specialist? ​Find a vetted professional to help you out by posting your job on Rated People​.

6. Spruce up your outdoor space

The ‘new normal’ will continue in 2021 with outdoor socialising and social distancing. Host small groups of friends and family (if rules allow) safely outside in your garden. Add seating, plants and decking to create an inviting space. Tidy up the garden and flower beds and when the darkness and cold sets in, make it cosy with candles, fairy lights, heaters or fire pits.

7. Upgrade your driveway or front porch

Sometimes the exterior of our homes can get forgotten about. Repave your driveway or smarten up your front porch ready for those doorstep catch ups with friends and neighbours. If you cycle, find a clever way to store your bike. Finally, don’t forget smart security lights and fencing to keep your home safe and sound.

8. Go green

Help the planet and your bank balance with eco-friendly home improvements. In 2021, we’ll see a continuing demand for green home updates. Stay ahead of the curve and think about installing smart heating and lighting, solar panels or better insulation.

Are you thinking of making your home greener? Find a recommended tradesperson to turn your home into an eco haven – post your project on Rated People today​.

9. Convert your shed or build garden studio

Remote working is another trend that’s set to continue in 2021. Up your WFH game and turn your shed into a studio or build your dream garden office. You could even convert your garage into a dreamy work space. We love these home offices!

10. Build an extension to create more space

Reinvent your home and prioritise what you love doing most – watching films, working out, or cooking incredible food – with a home extension. Not only could a home gym, film room or extended kitchen add value to your home, but it could increase your home life satisfaction – especially if you found yourself experiencing cabin fever in 2020. Maximise square footage and building costs with a two-storey extension.

Dreaming of a house extension? Turn your vision into a reality with the help of a local builder – ​post your project on Rated People today.

The post Top 10 home improvement ideas for 2021 appeared first on Rated People Blog.