Some people can feel that the winter months are generally less appealing for home improvements, however, this is not exactly the case. While it may be colder and you might not want to spend time going in and out of the house, there is actually a flurry of advantages for getting things done at home in the off-season. With fewer warm-weather distractions, and a couple of notorious days with big sales for you to take advantage of, completing your renovation projects in the winter may be more beneficial. With these 6 winter-friendly home improvements, you can get more done in a shorter period of time, and finish with money in your pocket, and less of a headache at the end of the day.
The winter months can affect our bodies in a myriad of ways. We deal with physical changes like dry skin and chapped lips while trying to maintain our health and stay well during cold and flu season. What may be the most significant of all is that winter can have a great effect on our mood due to the general lack of sunlight. This is why proper lighting is essential during the winter months. Using this time to update old light fixtures and replace them with bright lights is not only a great improvement to your home’s aesthetic, but it can also help keep you bright and cheery during the darkened days of winter.
It is unfortunate that the Laundry Room doesn’t garner more attention in terms of home renovations. A well-done laundry room can be a game-changer in the house. Leveling up the organizational features of this room by adding in proper baskets, platforms, storage, and shelving can be a fun winter project that gains much attention from friends, family, and potential home buyers if you are looking to sell your home down the road.
While it is good practice to test out or replace your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors each daylight savings time, many people still have not adopted this potentially life-saving habit. The winter months are peak timing for house fires, which can be devastating for families who may be displaced in the cold season. Upgrading your home’s safety features this winter by purchasing fire extinguishers, ridding yourself of expired detectors, and upgrading to newer models. These could be life-saving home improvements that you will be happy to never have to use.
Kitchen upgrades can have some of the highest Return on Investment rates compared to any other home improvement. However, in the winter months, you may want to limit the number of contractors you have in and out of your home, mucking up your floors and disrupting your day-to-day. Instead of doing the entire kitchen, begin with putting in a nice backsplash to brighten up your space and give the room that is most central to your home a winter facelift on a cold weekend at home.
Closets are generally the forgotten space in your home that gets little attention in terms of detail and upgrades. Fortunately, a closet renovation is simple enough to undertake in the winter months and can provide your home with an upgrade you will appreciate all year long. Whether or not you do it yourself or hire a company to come in, this small project levels up your home’s organization and aesthetic without breaking the bank.
The cold season is definitely ideal when it comes to identifying spots in the home that are lacking proper insulation. Windows and doors are generally to blame if you are feeling a cold draft inside. If cool air makes its way into your home, this can send your furnace into overdrive and your heating bills through the roof. It’s beneficial to get on top of this as soon as you can to stay cozy all winter long.
Whatever you choose to do in terms of home improvements, it’s important to create a budget, make a plan, and hire help if or when needed. Contractors are typically more available come winter, so if a project you have in mind is too much for you to DIY, there should be no hassle in getting an expert on-site. Getting active in home improvements, especially in slower months can really exemplify pride of ownership and keep your home looking its best all year round.