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12 DIY Home Projects to Tackle Before Summer

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Summer's just around the corner and we've got a few household tasks you should knock out before it gets too hot. Tackle these projects and you’ll be more than ready for impromptu party-throwing.

HGTV Spring House 2016 Striped Throw Pillows on Patio Sofa

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Prep for Spring With These To-Dos

Get your home in tip-top shape with these quick and easy spring spruce-ups. From cleaning your patio furniture to giving your exterior some fresh curb appeal, take your home straight into the warm-weather months with our quick refresh tips.

HGTV Spring House 2016 Hands Unzipping Cushion Cover to Remove It

Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Inspect Outdoor Cushion Covers

Indoor/outdoor cushions and pillows take a beating, so give them a good once over to make sure they’re still in decent condition. Consider removing covers and washing them. If some are in really rough shape, you may be better off replacing them altogether.

HGTV Spring House 2016 Hand Wiping Down Wicker Patio Furniture

Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Wipe Down Outdoor Furniture

This one sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how often it’s overlooked. While rain showers wash away some dirt and pollen, a thorough wipe down, including the nooks and crannies, goes a long way to keeping outdoor furniture looking its best.

HGTV Spring House 2016 Glass-and-Metal Table on Top of Outdoor Rug

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Clean Outdoor Rugs

An outdoor rug will last a lot longer if you periodically vacuum it, hose it off, then let it dry out thoroughly. Even when it’s considered an “outdoor” rug, it needs the occasional TLC, too.

HGTV Spring House 2016 Man Using a Pressure-Washer on the Sidewalk

Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Pressure Wash the Patio

If you like instant gratification, pressure washing is going to be your new favorite hobby. Seriously. And a pressure washer doesn’t have to be intimidating. When you rent one, the rental center will show you how to use it. A few minutes of pressure washing can remove YEARS of dirt and grime off your patio and walkways. Get the Full How-To >>

HGTV Spring House 2016 Entryway Decor and Lemon-Yellow Front Door

Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Re-Paint Your Front Door

Summer sun and heat can do a number on a wood door, warping and cracking its surface over time. Re-painting your door not only helps seal the wood and protect it from the elements, but it gives your entry a nice little facelift.

HGTV Spring House 2016 Hand Using Scrub Brush on a Grill

Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Get That Grill Ready

If you cook out often, a deep clean twice a year is necessary to keep your grill in top form. It’s amazing what a good scrub-down of cooking grates, burner protectors and the cook box will do for your grill. And don’t forget to keep the grill’s exterior wiped down, too. Note: Always disconnect the gas before you do a deep clean! Get the Full How-To >>

HGTV Spring House 2016 Hand Using Tool to Repair Torn Screen

Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Repair Damaged Screens

Even the smallest tear in a screen can let dozens of mosquitoes and flies into your screened-in porch or patio. This year, shut them down by fixing those screens once and for all. It’s surprisingly easy to do with just a few tools. Get the Full How-To >>

HGTV Spring House 2016 Ceiling Fan Hanging From Exposed-Beam Ceiling

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Switch Direction on Ceiling Fans

Most fans are designed so you can flip a switch at the base of the fan to change the direction of the rotation. In the summer months, the blades should run forward — or rotate counter-clockwise — to move the air down, creating a breezy effect.

HGTV Spring House 2016 Hands Holding Caulk Gun Outside Windows

Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Re-caulk Windows + Doors

Keeping your home cool and comfortable during the summer months can be a challenge. Keep your air-conditioning costs down by re-caulking windows and doors in the spring. Maintaining a properly sealed house helps keep the cool air in which means lower energy bills for you and your family. Get the Full How-To >>

HGTV Spring House 2016 House Numbers on Side of House

Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Update House Numbers

If you plan on doing a lot of entertaining this season, make sure your house numbers are in full view. Consider replacing them with numbers that are larger in scale, and position them under a light fixture for better visibility after the sun goes down.

HGTV Spring House 2016 Cylindrical Outdoor Sconce

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Update Fixtures

Spring is a good time to consider upgrades and check exterior light fixtures to make sure they’re functioning properly. If you plan on doing a lot of outdoor entertaining you’ll need proper task lighting, as well as fixtures for walkways, entries and ambiance.

HGTV Spring House 2016 Green, White and Pink Bedding in Green Bedroom

Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Guest Room Spruce-Up

Consider upgrading your guest room’s bedding or adding a few new accessories to freshen the look. Guests will feel completely pampered and totally impressed.

12 DIY Home Projects to Tackle Before Summer

Prep for Spring With These To-Dos

Inspect Outdoor Cushion Covers

Wipe Down Outdoor Furniture

Clean Outdoor Rugs

Pressure Wash the Patio

Re-Paint Your Front Door

Get That Grill Ready

Repair Damaged Screens

Switch Direction on Ceiling Fans

Re-caulk Windows + Doors

Update House Numbers

Update Fixtures

Guest Room Spruce-Up

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