An open concept living area with white window shades on windows looking out on a blue pool

Prep Your Home For Sun And Fun With These Summer Renovations In Raleigh

June 08, 2026

If you love the extended daylight and fun in the sun of summer, why not take full advantage of it? The best summer renovations to your Raleigh home can make this your best summer yet. Explore the following ideas and get started on projects suited for summertime enjoyment, like creating a better space for guests or keeping your home cooler in steamy weather.

Give Your AC A Break With Heat-Blocking Window Treatments

White Polywood shutters on doors and windows in a kitchen eating nook

As much as you appreciate the summer warmth in Raleigh, you don’t want your home to get sweltering. The higher temps can make your HVAC system work overtime. Give your AC a break this summer by adding energy-efficient window treatments. Window treatments that minimize harsh UV rays and exterior heat help keep your home cool without running your AC constantly.

Your top choices for this style of summer renovation in Raleigh are:

Polywood® plantation shutters with their unrivaled insulating capabilities

Practical “honeycomb” cellular shades that keep heat against the window

Motorized shades that close automatically during the steamiest time of the day

Install A Pool Or Poolside Retreat

A couple lounging under a freestanding awning next to a backyard pool

Nothing cools you down like a dip in the pool. If you have the budget for this beloved summer renovation in Raleigh, put in a pool for a season of fun and relaxation. Your builder can walk you through different features to create a fantastic custom pool you’ll appreciate for years. A pool also adds value to your home.

Have a pool already? Think about adding a poolside bar, pool house, or just a shade structure for a poolside gathering place. Planters, lounge chairs, and tables for beverages and snacks make your pool feel like a vacation getaway.

Stay Cool With Outdoor Shade

A back patio with furniture and a striped awning over it

If you’ve been avoiding your deck or patio on sweltering days, put up a shady awning. A retractable awning connected to your house is the most convenient solution. Using a hand crank or electrical switch, you can extend your awning for immediate relief on bright, sunny days, making your exterior space more enjoyable.

If you have a covered patio or porch but still want additional privacy or shade, look into exterior screen shades. You can pull down these screens like large window shades to protect against bugs, sun glare, and debris. Your friends and family will enjoy hanging out and playing outside without excessive sunlight.

Enhance Your Three-Season Room

Tan window shades on windows and skylights in a large sunroom

Whereas many Raleigh residents update their primary living areas, sunrooms and three-season rooms don’t always get the same attention. These more casual areas are often overlooked, but you’ll love yours much more this summer when you make some simple upgrades. To begin, some comfy furniture sets the stage for both entertaining and relaxing. Add your own style with a rug and accent pillows, but don’t overdo it.

Three-season rooms and sunrooms are excellent for keeping a couple of houseplants. To top it off, add some practical but trendy window treatments that open to offer you a view outdoors but also close effortlessly to safeguard against sun glare and heat.

Summer Fun Starts At Sunburst!

Begin your Raleigh summer renovation with a call to the window treatment professionals at Sunburst Shutters Raleigh. We have a range of high-quality products built to block the most intense sunlight and UV rays throughout the summer. Give us a call at 919-887-9198 or submit the form below to arrange a free in-home consultation. We’ll help you find the right window treatment for enjoying summer and all times of year in your Raleigh home!

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