Summer is one of the most popular seasons for home improvement, and for good reason. Longer days and warmer weather make it easier to refresh your space, boost curb appeal, and complete projects that can make your home more comfortable for years to come.
Whether you’re updating a kitchen, replacing aging windows, remodeling a bathroom, or reimagining your backyard, the right improvements can offer both everyday enjoyment and long-term value.
Home Improvements That Add Lasting Value
Home improvement projects come in many forms, and the best investment depends on your goals. Some upgrades improve daily livability, some help lower utility costs, and others may strengthen resale appeal. According to Opendoor, several popular projects are known for strong cost recovery at resale:
- Minor kitchen remodel – returns about 96% when you sell.
- Mid-range bathroom remodel – returns roughly 74% of the cost.
- Updated steel entry door – returns roughly 188% of the cost at resale.
- Wood deck addition - returns roughly 83% at resale.
- Garage door replacement - typically returns about 194% of the cost.
- Vinyl window replacement - returns about 67% at resale.
- Thoughtful landscaping and curb enhancements – typically at 100% cost recovery.
While each project has its own advantages, one improvement is especially relevant for Colorado homeowners this year: water-wise landscaping.
Why Xeriscaping Makes Sense This Year
With Colorado facing another dry year, many homeowners are reconsidering how much water it takes to maintain a traditional lawn. Keeping grass green through the summer can require significant irrigation, which may increase water bills and put additional strain on local resources.
Xeriscaping Offers a Practical, Attractive Alternative.
By incorporating native plants, decorative rock, mulch, efficient irrigation, and drought-tolerant landscaping, homeowners can create outdoor spaces that are beautiful, lower maintenance, and better suited to Colorado’s climate. Making the switch isn’t just about saving money on a monthly water bill; it’s also about building a landscape that can thrive with fewer resources.
If you’re not sure what plants to start with, look for Plant Select, a nonprofit program known for identifying plants that perform well in the Rocky Mountain region. These selections are tested and evaluated for resilience in dry conditions, harsh weather, and pollinator-friendly landscapes (Shortall, 2026).
Examples of xeriscaping-friendly plants include:
- Apache Sunset
- Autumn Sapphire Sage
- Kannah Creek Buckwheat
- Little Trudy Catmint
- Chocolate Flower
Investing in Your Home and Your Community
Water conservation starts with everyday decisions at home. Choosing landscaping that works with Colorado’s environment helps protect an important natural resource while creating outdoor spaces that are functional, welcoming, and beautiful.
If you’re considering a home improvement project this summer, it may be a smart time to include xeriscaping in the conversation. Whether you’re updating the inside of your home or improving the outside, projects that increase efficiency, sustainability, and curb appeal can continue to pay off long after the work is complete.
Financing Your Next Project
Home improvement projects can come with big upfront costs, but the equity you’ve built in your home may help make those plans more manageable.
Credit Union of Denver’s Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) gives qualified homeowners flexible, revolving access to cash for home improvements, unexpected expenses, or future plans. Our limited time HELOC special offers rates as low as 4.95% APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for up to 80% CLTV (Combined Loan to Value) for the first 12 months, with no closing costs in most cases.
Visit cudenver.com/heloc to learn more and explore how it may help you move forward with confidence.
This summer, think beyond what you’d like to update now and consider which improvements can keep adding comfort, efficiency, and value for years to come.