As the winter season starts most people turn to warm blankets, mugs of cider, and Netflix with the family. However, instead of being sedentary this winter, why not consider some home improvement projects instead? Contrary to popular belief, there are a few maintenance and renovation projects that are best performed in the winter, especially if you plan to list your home for sale in the spring.
Best Home Improvement Projects In The Winter
If you have to be in the house 40% more than usual due to the cold weather, it is best to put this extra time to good use. Also, the cost of many materials and even skilled labor is as much as 60% less in the winter months which is good news for saving money. Here are our top picks for easy home improvement projects you can complete over the winter.
Install Insulation
For homes in cool climates, houses may already have adequate insulation. For everyone else, winter is the perfect time to insulate. An amazing amount of heat and cold is lost through the attic which can drive up energy cost regardless of the season. Start with air sealing to reduce the air loss and then call in a contractor to tackle your insulation. A professional will be able to identify which areas are losing heat or air and select the right type of insulation to fix the problem. You can also insulate the foundation and the ducts in your home for extra protection.
Paint Projects
Painting is one of the most affordable upgrades for any home. You can hire a professional crew, or you can paint yourself with a very small budget. The winter is the best time to paint the inside of your home thanks to the low humidity levels in the air. You can paint the walls, kitchen cabinets, or even paint old tiles to give your interior an updated look over the winter. Also, most paint is discounted during the end of fall and over the winter. If you were considering a fancy wall treatment during the summer that was not in your budget, take another look to see if prices have dropped.
Seal The Cracks In Your Home
Cracks are one of the main reasons homes lose heat in the winter and cool air in the summer. Cracks can also let in moisture which will slowly degrade your paint and walls over time. Instead of adding another layer of blankets, search out the cracks and fill them in. Find cracks in your doors, outer walls, vents, and windows. Don’t forget to check your attic and your foundation as well. Plug those cracks and watch your energy cost drop and your comfort level increase all year long.
Perform Maintenance On Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system gets the most use during the winter, which is when you should also give it some TLC. Make sure there is enough water in your broiler and change your filters for clean air all winter long. It is a good idea to change the filters in the furnace once every season or every three months. Homes that have pets, smokers, a large family, or a fireplace should have the filters changed more often for optimal efficiency.
Lawn & Garden Maintenance
Taking proper care of your garden and lawn in the cooler months ensures that come spring you will have a lush lawn and colorful garden. Make a point to aerate your lawn and lay down a generous layer of fertilizer on your garden. If you have flowering plants or fruit trees, make sure to winterize them to protect them from frost. It is also a good idea to clear your sprinkler system of water ahead of the first winter freeze to avoid burst pipes in the middle of winter.
Graves Development Resources | Land Developer in Omaha, Nebraska
Graves Development Resources (GDR) has been designing and building the market’s finest neighborhoods since 2000, with over 5,000 homesites and important commercial development projects throughout Douglas and Sarpy Counties.
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