Moving into a new house is exciting, but let’s be honest— it takes time for a house to truly feel like home. If you’re staring at blank walls and wondering how to put your personal stamp on your new space without breaking the budget, these summer DIY house projects are perfect for you. Not only are they budget-friendly and beginner-friendly, but they’ll help transform your new house into a space that truly reflects your personality and style.

Why Summer is Perfect for DIY House Projects

Summer offers the ideal conditions for both indoor and outdoor projects. The longer daylight hours give you more time to work, warm weather makes outdoor projects comfortable, and if you’re a new homeowner who moved during the popular summer season, these projects will help you settle in and connect with your new neighborhood.

4 DIY Projects to Transform Your New House This Summer

01. Create Instant Curb Appeal with Front-of-House Updates

What you’ll do: Combine multiple small projects for maximum impact

• Fresh mailbox: Replace that builder-grade mailbox with something that reflects your style
• Neighborhood pride: Add a subtle neighborhood flag, welcome sign, or house number upgrade
• Power washing magic: Clean your driveway, walkways, and front porch – you’ll be amazed at the difference
• Front porch furniture: Add a small bistro set, planters, a door wreath, or a welcoming bench

Why it matters: Your front entrance is the first thing you and your neighbors see every day. These updates immediately make your house feel like yours while helping you connect with your new community.

Budget: $100-300 | Time: One weekend

02. Paint Your Way to Personality (Interior & Exterior Touch-ups)

What you’ll do: Strategic painting for maximum impact

• Accent wall: Choose one wall in your main living space to make a bold statement
• Fresh paint touch-ups: Address any scuffs or nail holes from moving
• Front door refresh: A bold front door color instantly adds personality
• Cabinet hardware upgrade: Swap out builder-grade cabinet knobs and pulls for something more stylish

Why it matters: Paint is the most cost-effective way to transform a space. An accent wall adds personality without overwhelming the room, while fresh paint throughout makes everything feel clean and intentional.

Budget: $75-200 | Time: One to two weekends

03. Build Your Garden Oasis

What you’ll do: Create outdoor growing space that fits your lifestyle

• Raised garden bed: Perfect for herbs, vegetables, or flowers
• Container garden: Great for renters or those with limited yard space
• Porch planters: Add greenery to your front entrance
• Herb garden: Start with easy herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary

Why it matters: Nothing says “home” like growing something yourself. Fresh herbs from your own garden make cooking feel more special. Plus, gardening is a great way to meet neighbors and enjoy your outdoor space. In Atlanta, it’s not unheard of to have neighbors welcome the new neighbor with homemade pickles or a basket of freshly-picked squash from their garden. 

Budget: $50-250 | Time: One weekend to set up, ongoing maintenance

04. Design Your Perfect Outdoor Living Space

What you’ll do: Create an inviting backyard retreat

• DIY fire pit: Build a simple stone or brick fire pit for evening gatherings
• Outdoor seating area: Arrange comfortable furniture for your deck or patio
• String lights or lanterns: Add ambient lighting for evening enjoyment
• Weather-resistant storage: Create storage for outdoor cushions and supplies

Why it matters: Your backyard should feel like an extension of your indoor living space. A fire pit becomes a natural gathering spot for making new friends and creating memories in your new home.

Budget: $150-400 | Time: Two weekends

Tips for Success with Summer DIY House Projects

Start Small: Choose one project that excites you most and complete it before moving to the next.

Shop Smart: Check local Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, and estate sales for affordable materials and furniture.

Get Social: Share your project plans on neighborhood apps – you might find neighbors willing to lend tools or offer advice.

Document the Process: Take before and after photos to track your progress and share your transformation journey with friends and family.

Know When to Call Pros: These projects are designed to be beginner-friendly, but don’t hesitate to consult professionals for electrical work or anything involving structural changes. When in doubt, call a pro, especially if you’ve gone down a DIY rabbit hole that could potentially require a permit.

Making Your House Feel Like Home Takes Time

Remember, transforming a house into a home doesn’t happen overnight. These summer DIY house projects are just the beginning of your journey. Each small change you make helps create a space that reflects your personality and lifestyle.

The best part? Many of these projects will help you meet neighbors and become part of your new community. Don’t be surprised if your garden becomes a conversation starter or your fire pit becomes the neighborhood gathering spot.

Ready to get started on your summer DIY house projects? Pick one project that speaks to you and dive in. Your future self (and your house) will thank you.

Just moved to the Atlanta area? I’d love to help you find the perfect house to transform into your dream home. Contact me to start your home buying journey.

The post 4 DIY Projects You Can Do This Summer to Make Your New House Feel More Like a Home appeared first on Sage and Cedar.

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

01. Check Your HVAC System – Before the summer heat arrives, make sure your HVAC system is working properly. Replace your air filter and schedule a professional maintenance appointment to make sure everything is in good working order.

02. Inspect Your Windows and Doors – Check your windows and doors for any cracks or leaks. Replace any damaged weatherstripping, and consider installing new windows or doors if they are old and inefficient.

Follow these tips and you can ensure that your home is in top shape for the rest of the year

03. Clean Your Outdoor Space – Finally, spring is a great time to clean up your outdoor space. Sweep your patio or deck, and remove any debris from your yard. Plant some flowers or vegetables in your garden to enjoy throughout the summer.

Below is the full spring home maintenance checklist. Use it every year to help keep your home in tip top shape! Ready to work with an S&C agent? Click here to get started!

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We understand if the extended lockdown put a damper on your annual spring cleaning inspiration, but all that time indoors probably means your house is in greater need of TLC than usual since we’re spring cleaning during and after a Global Pandemic. Don’t worry, we have a spring cleaning checklist — which include a bunch of time-saving tips — will let you breeze through deep-cleaning your kitchen and bathroom, give tips for organizing your home!

Before cleaning, close off areas visited by any infected persons. Wait 24 hours (or as long as practical) before cleaning and disinfecting.

01. Clean high-touch surfaces regularly (for example, daily) and after you have visitors in your home.

02. Focus on high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, handles, light switches, and countertops.

03. Start at the top and work your way down. Do this by dusting all the way from the ceiling fans and vents and working your way down to the baseboards.

04. Ask unvaccinated visitors to wear masks.

05. Have everyone in your household wash hands often, especially when returning from outside activities.

06. Grab an extendable duster and attack ceiling fans, hanging and recessed lights, moldings, and more.

07. Take down your curtains and wash or dry clean. Soft surfaces collect dust and smells.

08. Dig out the granite polish to restore shine and help repel stains on your kitchen surfaces.

09. In addition to wiping down your fridge’s interior shelving on a regular basis, give the removable bins and shelves a deep clean every now and again.

10. Use your appliance’s self-cleaning function to remove stubborn, baked-on grime.

11. Stick plastic or vinyl shower curtains along with a few bath towels on the gentle cycle with your favorite detergent.

12. Go through clothes and shoes from the season that’s just ended — and remove anything stained, in need of repair, or worn out,

13. Pair ‘like’ tasks to expedite the process. Use this tip for sweeping and mopping but also for the smaller tasks like dusting and tidying.

How do you keep your house tidy for the rest of the year? Make a maintenance plan! Make a list of tasks that you want to maintain and put it on the fridge with dates beside each. It will keep you on task and organized so you won’t miss a beat! Looking to get started with an S&C agent? Contact us here!

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