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The 5 Most Important Home Projects to Start Before Winter is Over

It’s easy to assume that home improvement can only be done in the warm summer months with so many projects requiring outdoor activities. That said, plenty of projects can be started and completed during the wintertime! It’s not too late to get started. Shake off the winter slump and get to work on these home improvement projects before you get too busy to start something new in spring!

1. Improve Your Home’s Insulation

While this project is best started at the beginning of winter, there’s no harm in getting started on it now. You’ll have cozier winters to come next year and beyond. This is one of the best home upgrades; not only will it help you save money on energy and heating bulls but it also increases home value for environmentally conscious buyers should you want to sell your house in the future.

This is not a project you can DIY. Hire a professional home energy auditor or insulation contractor to assess where you’re losing energy and heat. They can guide you on what areas to address first. Seal up those cracks in your windows and doors and consider adding more insulation to your attic to keep energy and heat from escaping.

2. Change Smoke Detector Batteries

This is a simple and easy one. Make it a habit to change your smoke detector’s batteries during winter, and replace the smoke detector altogether if it has a date on the back that has already passed. Many households do not properly check their smoke detectors which can lead to very dangerous situations down the road.

3. Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

Almost anything in your home can be updated with a new coat of paint: walls, floors, cabinets, tiles, shelves, trim, and so much more. Paint actually dries faster in the winter due to the low humidity which makes it a perfect home upgrade for the colder months. Be sure to use a Low-VOC paint so you don’t even need to open any windows to ventilate the room; just turn on a fan and let the air circulate.

4. Upgrade Your Lightbulbs

Changing dull light bulbs during winter is a good idea especially since there’s usually less sunlight and less natural lighting this time of year. If you want your home to be more energy efficient, consider switching over to LED lightbulbs. They save energy and last longer than normal incandescent lighting, so it’s definitely a worthwhile investment.

5. Take Care of Your Landscaping

It may be a surprise since no one wants to be outside in the freezing cold, but now is the perfect time to take care of any dead trees hanging around your yard. The colder ground keeps surrounding vegetation in place so removing dead trees during the winter will be better for the rest of your yard. It’s also wise to remove any dead or sick branches before spring blossoms make them harder to see and identify, hidden behind the new leaves. We always recommend Woodeez Tree Service to any of our clients who have tree trimming or removal needs.

If you happen upon a less freezing day, you can also fertilize and trim your lawn before the ground fully thaws and spring begins. By preparing your lawn now, it will grow even stronger and greener once spring is in full swing.

BONUS TIP: Don’t be Afraid to Hire a Contractor

Not everyone has the time or skills to DIY every home renovation project. In fact, it may even become dangerous to attempt some of these projects without professional assistance! Quality Homes of Rochester has been serving Rochester area homeowners for decades and has the knowledge and experience for all of your interior and exterior renovation projects. Get in touch with us today for your free estimate!

Your bathroom can be more than a space for personal care—it can be a refreshing mini-retreat.

Spa-Like Touches

Introduce design elements like river rock tiles in the shower, a teak bathmat, or a freestanding tub with a window view. Add an outdoors element by choosing a rainwater showerhead and allowing the water to feel like soft rainfall.

Natural Ventilation

Add an operable window or solar-powered skylight to naturally promote airflow and reduce humidity. A ventilation system or fan is essential for reducing moisture. Clean your vent of dust or buildup to ensure moisture is not trapped in your bathroom, which can lead to mildew or mold buildup.

Soothing Scents

Essential oil diffusers or lavender bundles in the shower smell incredible, mirroring nature’s sensory experiences. Try tying eucalyptus in your shower, releasing a minty, relaxing scent once the steam and humidity rise.

Styling with Biophilic Design in Mind

You don’t need a significant renovation to bring the benefits of biophilic interior design into your home. Wise styling choices can go a long way.

Incorporate Natural Forms

Curved lines, imperfect shapes, or patterns inspired by leaves, waves, or tree bark all show nature’s organic beauty. Look for these shapes in furniture, rugs, and light fixtures.

For example, a naturalistic style can be achieved by pairing an L-shaped couch or sectional in natural colors with a dark wooden coffee table and an earth-toned rug beneath.

Declutter and Let Spaces Breathe

Nature has rhythm and flow, and your space should, too. Avoid crowding surfaces and leave space around or between key features to create a sense of calm and openness.

Drawers or closets that blend in with the features of your room can be great places to put away essential items while keeping them close at hand.

Naturalistic Home Additions for Outdoor Access

sunroom before

sunroom after

A sunroom could be the perfect solution if you have a growing family or have always wanted a special place to retreat. This type of addition fits right in with naturalistic design principles, allowing access to sunlight, the breeze, and the outdoors while inside.

A sunroom or screened-in porch is the perfect combination of indoor coziness and the natural world’s beauty. Additionally, it can be a great place to host friends and family as the evening goes on without the annoyance of bugs.

At Quality Homes, our expert team has the knowledge and experience to handle all home additions and configurations. Whether you need an office, another bedroom, garage, screened-in porch, sunroom, or something different entirely, we can help!

Learn more about home additions in Rochester, NY.

Biophilic Decor

Consider elements like a tabletop fountain, driftwood sculptures, or art that features landscapes and natural scenes. Mirrors can reflect light and views, enhancing the presence of the outdoors. If you like fish, a fish tank or an outdoor koi pond (if it is warm enough for them year-round) would be a great addition to this style.

The Quality Homes Difference

Biophilic and naturalistic design invites nature’s essence into our daily lives. You can create a home that feels alive and supports your well-being. It can inspire everyone who enters with sunlight, wood, plants, and innovative design.

Start your home improvement journey with something easy. You could add a hanging plant or choose natural wood furniture in the kitchen. Then, build out from there, guided by nature’s wisdom and your vision.

Are you ready for a complete, naturally inspired redesign or addition? Contact us at Quality Homes and schedule a consultation with our designers today!

Get your quote today!