As the leaves fall and the temperature drops, it’s easy to retreat indoors and hibernate until spring. But why not use the colder months as an opportunity to give your home a refresh? Whether you’re looking to save money on your energy bills or simply want to make your living space more comfortable and stylish, there are plenty of home updates to tackle this winter. And with the slower pace of the winter season, you’ll have the time and energy to focus on these updates without the distractions of summer. If you are not sure where to start, don’t worry because we’ve got you covered. We’ve scoured the internet for expert tips and advice, so instead of letting the winter blues get you down, roll up your sleeves and get to work on these top home updates.
This winter, tackle these home upgrades.
As the winter months approach and the weather becomes colder, it’s tempting to spend more time inside, snuggled up with a warm cup of cocoa. However, the winter season can be the perfect time to tackle the home improvement and maintenance projects you’ve been putting off. Not only are builders and contractors typically less busy during the winter, but the cost of building materials and labor for home renovations tends to be cheaper between October and March.
Plus, with the extra time spent indoors during the winter, it’s a great opportunity to make use of that extra time in a productive way. This is especially true if you’re planning to sell your home in the spring or summer because now is the perfect time to start preparing it for the market. But let’s cut to the chase – here are the top six home updates to tackle this winter.
ADVERTISEMENT
#1 Insulate your attic
One of the most cost-effective and impactful home updates you can do is to insulate your attic. Insulating your attic can help keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, saving you money on your energy bills. It can also help to reduce noise and make your home more comfortable.
To insulate your attic, you’ll need to choose the right type of insulation for your home. There are several options to choose from, including fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to do your research and choose the one that’s best for your needs.
However, if you are not comfortable doing this on your own, you should definitely let the pros do it. And not just for that, since you’ll first need to empty out the attic, hire movers to help you move items you shouldn’t move by yourself. During winter, both contractors and movers have discounts and special offers.
ADVERTISEMENT
#2 Refinish your floors
If your hardwood or tile floors look worn, consider refinishing them this winter. This can be a time-consuming project, but the results are well worth it. It’s one of the renovation projects that add the most value. On average, they give a 102% return on investment.
You’ll need to clear the room of all furniture and cover the floors with drop cloths to protect them from any spills or accidents. Then, sand down the surface of the floor, apply a new finish and allow it to dry completely before returning the furniture to the room. Or, you can always reach out to professionals and have them do it for you.
#3 Replace your old windows
Old windows can be a major source of heat loss in your home. If your windows are drafty, single-paned, or difficult to open and close, it may be time to replace them. New windows are more energy-efficient and can help to reduce your energy bills. You should also consider the type of window that’s best for your home, such as double-hung, casement, or sliding windows.
ADVERTISEMENT
#4 Install a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat is one of the most sought-after smart home features that can help you save money on your energy bills. It does this by allowing you to set the temperature in your home based on your schedule. For example, you can set the thermostat to turn down the heat when you’re not home and turn it back up just before you return. There are many different types of programmable thermostats on the market, so it’s important to do your research and choose one that’s easy to use and compatible with your heating and cooling system.
#5 Give your walls, cabinetry, or paneling a fresh coat of paint
A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a room, and winter is the perfect time to do it. With the colder weather keeping you inside, you’ll have the opportunity to focus on this project without the distractions the warmer months bring with them. Plus, painting during the winter can actually be more cost-effective, as many painting contractors have slower business during this time and may offer discounted rates.
In addition to painting walls, consider updating paneling or cabinetry with a new coat of paint for a fresh, updated look. Nothing can make your home look outdated like warn-out kitchen cabinetry. If you decide to paint them, just make sure to properly ventilate the room and use low-VOC paints to minimize any impact on indoor air quality. Overall, painting during the winter can be a great way to save money and give your home a fresh, new look.
#6 Declutter and organize your belongings
Even though it’s not a home upgrade per se, decluttering your home can bring a range of benefits, including reduced stress, increased productivity, and a more cohesive and attractive living space. Winter is the perfect time to tackle this project, as the colder weather keeps you inside.
Start by going room by room and getting rid of anything you no longer need, use, or love. Invest in storage solutions to help keep everything organized, and take the opportunity to tidy up your home by cleaning and organizing surfaces such as countertops, tables, and desks. Decluttering your home can be time-consuming, but the results are well worth it. Your clutter-free home will look and feel more attractive.
Which home upgrade will you tackle this winter?
As you can see, there are plenty of home updates to tackle this winter. From insulating your attic and replacing your windows to decluttering and painting, now is a perfect time to handle everything you’ve been putting off for a while. The best part is that, with the slower pace of the winter season, you’ll have the time and energy to focus on these updates without the distractions of summer. So don’t let the colder weather get you down; take advantage of this opportunity to give your home a much-needed update. With some planning and hard work, you can transform your living space into a more comfortable, energy-efficient, and stylish place.
