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!