The tail end of winter in 2019 was among the coldest in recent history, bringing temperatures not seen in most locations for over 20 years and even setting some record lows. With the “polar vortex” now well in the rear view, consumers are gearing up for the summer season to kick off. This is an opportune time for many homeowners to tackle different remodeling projects around the house. Before the season officially begins on June 21, here are some tips for saving on these new additions.
Use longer light hours for landscaping needs
Graduation parties, barbecues, and holidays add up to a higher likelihood of hosting family and friends in the summer months. Early summer is a great time to get a head start on landscaping projects that will bring your yard to life. Although retail sales may be tough to find, opting to complete yard work on your own can bring sizable savings compared to hiring a landscaping company.
According to improvenet.com, the median cost for yard maintenance services in the U.S. is $226 per month but can cost up to $700 per month on the top end.
Exterior painting on a budget
With college students home for the summer, homeowners may look to student-run painting services for exterior paint jobs. While the quality might not reach the level of expensive professionals, serious savings can be had for a decent paint job.
Homeadvisor.com reports that the average homeowner spends between $1,714 and $3,682 to paint their house. Student-run services will often be in the lower price range and able to beat other professional quotes.
Rack up savings on an early-summer roof replacement
According to Angie’s List, late summer and early fall are the busiest times of the year for roofing contractors, giving homeowners an opportunity to rack up savings by scheduling their project for early summer. Unpredictable spring weather in the previous months makes June an ideal time to contact a roofing company and get the project underway.
Expect to pay between $3 and $7 per square foot, with the average total cost ranging from $4,900 to $14,100.
Save by strengthening home security
Though many summer projects can include a great deal of labor, one way to save without breaking a sweat is installing a home security system. The cost of installation can vary, with a DIY project ranging from $50 to $300, while a professional system can range $300 to $1,500.
Savings then come via reductions in your home insurance rates, with some insurance providers offering reductions of up to 25 percent for those with installed security systems. Before moving forward and counting on these savings, check with your current insurance provider on the discount offered and if only specific systems qualify.
Hot deals on cold weather needs
Products that are intended for winter use can have substantial savings in the summer months. One of the best areas for savings is in furnace inspections and replacement. By scheduling a furnace inspection in the summer, you will ensure that everything is running properly and may be able to score a discount on the inspection cost with lower seasonal demand for technicians. In the event that a replacement is needed, many installation companies will have unsold inventory from the previous winter available at a fraction of the price. According to Angie’s List, inspections cost as little as $60 to $85 while a new replacement gas furnace ranges from $2,250 to $3,800.
Also, look to score a deal on a snowblower in the coming months. While most consumers are shopping at the local power equipment store for lawn mowers and weed whackers, you can often pick up last year’s models on sale. Already in recent weeks, both Home Depot and Walmart have run sales of 30 percent off or more and expect these discounts to pop up throughout the summer.