Dreaming of a summer home renovation? Summer is the season for relaxing, hosting gatherings, and enjoying the sunshine. Renovating your home might not be the first thing on your mind. But with longer days, warmer weather and a bit more free time, it can actually be one of the best times of year to tackle a home improvement project.
Whether you’re planning a small update or a major transformation, summer offers ideal conditions to get things moving. To help you make the most of the season, we’ve put together a quick guide to the best summer home renovation projects to consider.
Before we dive in, a quick reminder: for any electrical, plumbing, or structural work, always seek professional advice or engage qualified trades. This not only keeps you safe and protects your home, but also ensures your insurance remains valid, as unlicensed work can lead to serious complications down the track.
1. Raise your House
Summer is all about enjoying the outdoors, hosting barbecues, relaxing with friends, and making the most of the sunshine. If your yard feels too small or doesn’t quite work for entertaining, raising your house could be the perfect solution. By engaging a professional home renovation company like JM Homes, you can unlock valuable under-house space for outdoor living, storage, or even future additions such as a pool.
A great example is our recent Paddington house raise, where we transformed a modest 1920s workers cottage into a spacious modern family home. The project created generous new living areas and bedroom zones to meet the family’s changing needs. It was recognised a finalist in the 2025 HIA-IDA Brisbane & Toowoomba Renovation awards.
2. Build an Extension
If you’re looking to create more room for entertaining or simply need additional space for a growing family, a home extension is a smart solution. It allows you to tailor your home to your lifestyle without the stress and expense of relocating. An extension also provides the perfect opportunity to update adjoining areas, ensuring your home feels cohesive and beautifully finished. Your new space can take on just about any purpose, like an office, rumpus room, teen retreat, hobby area, or even an expanded dining zone for hosting guests.
Take a look at our Ferny Hills home extension project for some example, where we reimagined a dated family home into a modern, functional residence designed for elevated everyday living. The owners were seeking more room, improved flow, and stronger connections to the outdoors. The result was a complete transformation that delivered all of this and more.
3. Update your Kitchen
A kitchen refresh is one of the most rewarding summer home renovation projects. Whether you’re tackling small DIY updates like repainting cabinetry or engaging JM Homes for a full transformation, upgrading your kitchen can dramatically improve both functionality and the overall feel of your home. Our team specialises in creating luxurious, modern, and highly practical kitchen spaces tailored to your lifestyle.
A recent example is the stunning new kitchen in our Narangba house extension project. Centred around a generous island bench, the space features sleek stainless steel appliances and brushed nickel plumbing fixtures for a refined, contemporary finish. The addition of a walk-in pantry enhances everyday convenience, blending open shelving with closed cabinetry to maximise smart storage. We’re proud that this project was recognised as a winner in the 2025 HIA–IDA Brisbane & Toowoomba Kitchen & Bathroom Awards.
4. Refresh your Paint
Before it gets too hot, it’s a good idea to give your home’s exterior a fresh coat of paint. This will help to improve its curb appeal and to protect it against summer storms. It also helps to make your home look more inviting for backyard barbecues.
Not sure which colour to choose? Check out our handy guide to choosing the right paint colours for your home.
5. Clean your Gutters
Although this isn’t the most fun job, cleaning your gutters at the start of summer is important. In Brisbane, summer is also our storm season. Cleaning out your gutters means they are less likely to get blocked or overflow into your home. This helps to protect your home from water damage.
6. Refresh your Deck
If you’re anything like us, you’ll be wanting to spend more time on your deck in summer, soaking up that sunshine, so it’s worth making sure it’s in top shape. Start by looking for any loose or damaged decking boards and balustrades that may need repair or replacing. Next, give your deck a good clean with a pressure washer or deck cleaner. Sand where attention is needed such as mildew, fungus, or even splinters. Following this, you can refinish with a wood stain or decking oil to give your deck a fresh look. Finally, add your furniture and accessories. Now you can sit back and enjoy your summer!
7. Build a Shed
Summertime is also the perfect time to build a shed. It can add value to your home and provide storage space for all your hobbies. Make sure to check with your local council for approvals before you start. Then choose a flat, even piece of ground and prepare a solid foundation. You can purchase shed kits at your local hardware store to make it easier.
8. Spruce Up Landscaping
In summer, you’ll be wanting to spend more time in your backyard, entertaining family and friends. To make it appealing for your guests, you may want to spruce up the landscaping. It can be as simple as pulling out the weeds, planting new flowers, and tidying up walking paths.
9. Upgrade Outdoor Space
Enhancing your outdoor space can transform summer gatherings. Consider adding features like a fire pit or an outdoor kitchen for convenient entertaining. If space allows, installing a pool or spa can create a luxurious backyard retreat. Don’t overlook smaller upgrades like refreshing outdoor furniture or integrating smart lighting solutions for ambiance and functionality. These changes can significantly increase the aesthetic and resale value of your home.
10. Improve Curb Appeal
Summer is an ideal season to boost your home’s curb appeal. Revamping your landscaping with drought-tolerant plants, installing a new driveway, or upgrading your letterbox can make a big difference. Repainting your home’s exterior or updating the front door with a bold colour are cost-effective ways to enhance your property’s first impression. A well-maintained exterior not only increases pride of ownership but can also attract potential buyers if you’re considering selling.
11. Create a Home Office
With the rise of remote work and home-based learning, creating a dedicated space for productivity is a smart summer renovation. Whether it’s converting an unused corner into a study nook or transforming an underutilised room into a functional home office, this project can add both utility and value to your home. Include ample natural light, ergonomic furniture, and efficient storage solutions to make the space both comfortable and practical.
12. Integrate Smart Home Tech
Renovating during summer is a perfect time to integrate smart home technology. From automated lighting systems to smart thermostats, these upgrades make your home more efficient and convenient. Outdoor smart speakers, irrigation systems, or weatherproof surveillance cameras are particularly useful additions that enhance both security and entertainment.
Follow these tips to get the most out of your home and your renovation projects this summer.
