Late summer and early fall at Smith Mountain Lake, with cooler temperatures and a less hurried pace of life, are perfect seasons for a DIY project.
Home improvement projects can be fun and add value to your Smith Mountain Lake home — whether you’re making your space more usable, more attractive, or more comfortable. Here are three project ideas to get your creativity flowing.
Novice: Paint your entry door
Painting your front door can improve curb appeal for your SML home and offer a feeling of newness to your entryway. Choose your color in a glossy exterior paint – a quart should be enough. You may want to test a few colors in various lighting before you make your final decision.
Be sure you paint on a dry SML day with moderate temperature so the paint can dry and not blister.
Start by either removing the door and any hardware or by taping off the areas that aren’t receiving paint. Scrape off any chipping paint, sanding the door if needed. Brush off any dust, dirt, or debris and apply paint with primer, or prime first and then paint it once dry.
Intermediate: Install a paver walkway
Pavers come in all shapes and sizes and can create a flat parking space for an RV, more design and aesthetic to your entry, or even a whimsical path to outdoor space, which we all try to take advantage of at Smith Mountain Lake!
Quickly spruce up an area, such as a garden, with a border. Or, dig a 5-inch deep trench set with compacted class V gravel and sand to create a long-lasting foundation for decorative pavers.
Other ideas: Consider adding outdoor lighting along your new path or end it with a patio. An outdoor fireplace and seating area will make the space perfect for entertaining at SML.
Expert: Do a mini-makeover
Kitchen and bathrooms are where we spend most of our time, and a mini-makeover can create a more beautiful or usable space for your Smith Mountain Lake home.
Replace hardware, add a tile backsplash, or install a new counter or sink to instantly transform your space. Install drawer roll-outs to increase storage and reduce clutter.
Local hardware stores and online tutorials are sure to inspire and instruct you on your makeover. And all these projects can be completed over a weekend.
Need assistance?
Don’t have the time or skill to do it yourself? Contact me about in-home services from a qualified Smith Mountain Lake-area handyman, plumber, or electrician.
Remember, late summer and early fall at Smith Mountain Lake are ideal times to get your home in top shape. It’s also a wonderful time to put your home on the market. Please let me know if you’re considering a late summer or early fall at Smith Mountain Lake home listing. I’d be happy to help!
