Newsletter            June 2025

Summer is just around the corner, and if you’ve been counting the days since the first leaf fell last fall, you’re likely excited to begin planning for all the fun seasonal things you can do. If you’re a homebody or aren’t planning on making any great escapes, it might feel like your summer will end up low-key, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.  

For example, you can turn your backyard into a spot to be by putting in a backyard kitchen so you can enjoy the outdoors, even when it’s time to do chores. You may also be thinking about putting in a pool, which can be a significant upgrade, but there are some things you need to consider beforehand so that it becomes more of an oasis and less of a headache.

The summer is also a great time to start putting effort into other changes, such as adding eco-friendly upgrades to your home to reduce your carbon footprint, or cleaning and organizing your garage so when you need to find that tennis racket or ball hockey stick, it’ll be exactly where you left it.

Garage Upgrades to Have an Organized Summer  

Your garage doesn’t have to house only your car. It can be an excellent space for storing all your summer activity toys, such as canoes, tennis rackets, hockey sticks, bicycles, and more. But if the area is a mess, getting to these items will be more than annoying. To ensure that your summer and all the fun things you plan to do go off without a hitch, you’ll want to get things upgraded and organized in June.

Split Up into Zones

Your garage storage solutions can be split up into categories. That way, you can maximize space by being organized. For example, tools can be stored in one area, whereas outdoor toys can be put in another. It’s all about creating a flow that allows you to easily access what you need when you need it by giving everything its own dedicated spot.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Slat Wall

A slat wall is an excellent option if you want to utilize horizontal space, especially if your garage is small. With the right hanging organizers, it can hold large and even heavy-duty items, and everything will be off the floor, out of the way, but still within reach. You can also add or remove shelves and hooks as needed, so the entire layout will be completely customized to suit your needs.

Choose the Right Storage Solutions

Aside from using a slat wall, other storage solutions are right at home in a garage. A pegboard can be used to keep tools and equipment above a workbench, hanging nets will keep footballs, volleyballs, or basketballs you have put away, and overhead storage racks can be great for bicycles. It’s about taking inventory of what you have and choosing the best storage solution.

Getting your garage organized can feel like a chore, but once it’s done, it’ll save you the many headaches you’d develop looking for your stuff while you’re getting ready to go and do something you enjoy in the summer heat.

Building a Backyard Kitchen on a Budget  

Cooking meals during the summer can feel like an even bigger chore because you want to be outside in the heat, not working over a hot stove. So, if you want to take your culinary skills outdoors without spending a lot, you’ll have to be savvy about it.

Focus on the Right Appliances

Your backyard kitchen doesn’t need every high-end appliance. Instead, focus on a couple of basics that get the job done, such as a gas grill and stovetop. You may also want to try out prefabricated modular units with everything you need. They’re easier to install than custom-made and inexpensive.

Try to DIY

If you’re handy enough and have the confidence to build it out yourself, you’ll save on labour costs. You can build the framework, install shelves, or get everything set and ready for gas lines, electrical, and plumbing, so that when the professionals come in, they will only require payment for the tasks you can’t do yourself.

Start Small

If you want to save money now, you can build the kitchen in phases. You can do the basics first, and as you work throughout the summer cooking up some delicious meals, you will start to notice some things on your planning list that you can live without, and those that are musts. That way, you only get everything you need and avoid unnecessary upgrades or expensive additions.

An outdoor kitchen can really liven up your backyard while allowing you to spend as much time as possible soaking up the summer. If you can DIY some of it and focus on the necessities, you’ll be cooking outside in no time without having to spend an exorbitant amount of cash.

Things to Consider If You Want to

Install a Pool This Summer

Putting a pool in right before the scorching days of summer can be tempting. You want to have somewhere serene to cool off, and what’s better than walking a few steps from your home to get there? But there are some things you should consider before taking the plunge, so to speak.

Consider the Type

There are essentially two types of pools to consider—above or in-ground. Both come with pros and cons. For example, an above-ground pool will cost less, but it doesn’t offer the same visual appeal or permanence that an in-ground pool does. In-ground pools are also more of an investment and can add value to your home that above-ground pools just won’t.

Ongoing Costs

Regardless of the type of pool, there will be ongoing costs, such as chemicals, opening and closing for the season, and maintenance. These costs can vary depending on the size of your pool and how often you use it. Be sure to take note of your finances and whether the pool will add value or simply cost money.

Consider Timing

For some in-ground pool projects, starting in June will only give you a summer full of construction, whereas others will allow you to dive in within three weeks. Above-ground pools take a few hours to a few days to install. So, consider timing in the project, and that will help you determine which pool is right for you.

A pool can be an investment and a very enjoyable (and value-adding) feature on your property. But if you want to get the most out of a new pool, you’ll have to ensure that you know the ongoing costs, the timeline it takes to have one put in, and the type that’ll serve your needs.

Eco-Friendly Upgrades To Add To Your Home

This Summer 

Being environmentally conscious isn’t just trendy—it can actually increase the value of your home and help you save money. So, if you want to save three birds with one stone, adding some eco-friendly upgrades to your property is a great way to do that. 

Think Energy Efficiency 

Several things can be done to improve energy efficiency in your home. Buying appliances that use less power, improving your insulation, and switching out your lightbulbs for LEDs are all fixes that will conserve energy in the long run. Installing a Smart thermostat is another great way to use less energy because you can program it to turn on when you’re home or when you’re out, giving you the ability to set it and forget it while still saving energy.

Use Recycled Materials for Home Upgrades

If you have a renovation project coming up, using recycled materials can make it more sustainable. You can check out reclaimed materials, antique stores, or yard sales to find pieces and materials that speak to you, fit your aesthetic, and will generally cost less than brand new. 

Take Sustainability Outside 

Don’t overlook your outdoor property when making eco-friendly upgrades. For example, you can add a compost bin to your property and use the soil it produces to create a garden or help your lawn grow. You can also save on your water consumption by xeriscaping—a practice that utilizes drought-tolerant plants, rocks, gravel, and mulch to create your lawn instead of just grass. 

Improving your home’s carbon footprint can help save you some money and add value to your home, all while reducing environmental damage. It’s a win-win-win for everyone involved. 

If you want to have the best summer yet, installing a pool and outdoor kitchen, ensuring your garage is as organized as possible, and upgrading to a more eco-friendly property are excellent ways to do that. Just ensure that these decisions are right for you when it comes to personal enjoyment and finances.