Top 7 DIY Home Projects for Summer in Minnesota — and Their ROI Potential

Summer in Minnesota is the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and tackle home improvement projects—especially the ones that boost your enjoyment and your home’s value. Whether you're thinking about selling soon or just want to invest in your space, here are seven ideal DIY projects for our warm-weather months, plus insight into how they might pay off when it’s time to move.

1. Refresh Your Curb Appeal
ROI: High (up to 100%)
First impressions count. Summer is the ideal time to repaint your front door, install new house numbers, update exterior lighting, and freshen up landscaping with mulch, flowers, or planters. These low-cost upgrades can instantly make your home feel more inviting.

Inspiration: Add a bold front door color like navy or red, flanked by matching planters bursting with color.

2. Build or Upgrade a Backyard Patio or Deck
ROI: Moderate to High (60–80%)
Outdoor living spaces are a huge draw, especially in Minnesota where we savor our summer days. If you already have a deck or patio, give it a facelift with a power wash and stain. If not, consider building a small paver patio or a simple deck addition.

Inspiration: Add string lights, outdoor rugs, and planters to turn even a small space into a backyard oasis.

3. Install a Backyard Fire Pit
ROI: Moderate (50–70%)
Minnesotans love gathering around a fire, even on cool summer evenings. A DIY fire pit with pavers or stones is a weekend project that creates year-round ambiance.

Inspiration: Surround it with Adirondack chairs and twinkle lights for a cozy vibe that feels like an “up north” escape.

4. Upgrade Light Fixtures
ROI: Moderate (60–70%)
Modern, coordinated lighting throughout your home can dramatically boost appeal. Summer’s longer daylight hours make it easier to swap outdated fixtures for stylish new options.

Inspiration: Choose matte black or brushed brass finishes for an on-trend, timeless look.

5. Power Wash Your Exterior and Clean the Windows
ROI: High (indirect)
While this isn’t glamorous, it is impactful. A sparkling clean exterior and streak-free windows can make your entire home shine—perfect for showings and photos if you're planning to list.

Inspiration: Rent a power washer and enjoy the satisfaction of watching years of grime disappear in seconds!

6. Add or Refresh Garden Beds
ROI: Moderate (depending on upkeep)
Well-maintained landscaping adds beauty and a sense of care. Create new flower beds or veggie gardens using raised beds or edging. Native plants are especially appealing for low maintenance and environmental benefits.

Inspiration: Include pollinator-friendly flowers like coneflowers, bee balm, and black-eyed Susans.

7. Create a Mudroom or Entry Drop Zone
ROI: High (70–100%)
Whether it's inside the back door or in the garage, a DIY mudroom with hooks, shelving, and a bench is a big win for Minnesota homes with all our seasonal gear. Buyers love organization!

Inspiration: Use beadboard, open baskets, and labeled hooks for a charming and functional space.

Final Thoughts
Summer’s long days make it the perfect season to improve your home and increase its value at the same time. Not every project needs to be expensive or time-consuming to make a real impact. Choose one or two that inspire you—and don’t forget to take before-and-after photos!

Thinking of selling in the next couple of years? Let’s chat about which projects might give you the best return based on your home and your neighborhood.