Clients overwhelmed with DIY projects? Try these tips

With summer in full swing, more homeowners are using the longer days as an opportunity to do some home improvement projects.

Whether they are planning on putting their home on the market, or just sprucing things up, there are a few ways to make the process easier for your clients, as it can become overwhelming.

“Prioritization is key,” said Kaitlin Krull of Modernize.com. “You will never get everything done before the season changes, so concentrate on the spaces in your home that see the largest amount of traffic over the summer months. Mudrooms and utility rooms, backyard entertaining areas, bathrooms, kitchens and front porches and entryways will be used by family, friends and possibly even the rest of the neighborhood this summer. That’s why you’ll want to spruce up these spaces first, and everyone who stops by will feel at home and wowed by your cozy and stylish home.”

Kroll said that with entertaining being a “huge” part of family life, she suggests an outdoor entertainment area as a top DIY project for homeowners. “Start with a level surface for dining made from paving stones, tiles or decking, and add a large farmhouse style dining table to accommodate as many guests as possible,” she recommended. “Decorate the space with all-weather cushions and accessories in a mixture of bright colors and geometric or floral patterns, and complete your space with solar powered lights. If you want to customize this area to suit your personal tastes, add a DIY barbeque station, an upcycled drink cart or a fire pit for a truly memorable summer get-together.”

If your clients (or you) are looking to make the outdoors more kid-friendly to enjoy the weather, Kroll said the most important aspect is safety.

“Secure all fencing, gates and doors. Next, you’ll need to cordon off pools and take extra precautions for trip hazards when necessary. Finally, install outdoor security cameras if it will make you feel more comfortable while children are outdoors. After your backyard is safe, think about the kinds of play your kids enjoy the most, and designate a few separate play areas to keep them entertained for hours on end. Treehouses or dens, mud kitchens, sandboxes and water stations will be instant hits with your kids. One final top tip is to make sure that your backyard has some shady space so everyone can cool off after a long day of playing in the hot sun,” she suggested.

Summer isn’t the only time for home projects. Kroll suggested to put some of the less-urgent ones off until fall, so homeowners aren’t overwhelmed with their to-do list.

“Prioritize the most urgent jobs and only take on tasks you know can be completed in less than a month. Bathrooms and kitchens that are looking tired can be given a quick overhaul with new fixtures and fittings for sinks, drawers, and cupboards as well as easily installed backsplashes or tiles. Upgrade the storage in your entryway, closet, and utility room by organizing and decluttering, installing modular shelves, and finding other creative solutions for shoes, coats, and bags. Finally, don’t be afraid to give some of the rooms in your house a fresh coat of paint in a bright, summery color—just choose a quick-dry paint and make sure to air out these areas completely before rearranging furniture and using the space again,” she said.