Most of us have had plenty of time in the past year to get familiar with every corner of our homes. You might even have mixed feelings about your home right now. On one hand, you’re grateful that your home has served as your family space, your office, maybe even a school or college campus. On the other hand, over the course of months at home, you’ve become aware of every ding and dent, every wobbly doorknob, and every drafty corner of an otherwise perfect office space.
If your home improvement list is growing, good news! Winter home improvement projects are a great way to boost curb appeal and improve your home’s comfort and function. A winter remodel can be cheaper than in other seasons, and completing indoor home improvement projects now can give you a freshened-up space in time for spring cleaning.
Why Winter Home Renovations Are Smart
Many homeowners get excited about renovation projects in spring, which means homeowners taking on winter home projects may score better deals on supplies and services in the “slow season” before the spring rush. Look for discounts on paint, or browse landscaping services that may see less demand in winter.
Homeowners who live in temperate climates can take advantage of the mild weather, too. If you live in the Midwest you may prefer to avoid winter home improvement projects that involve sawdust or paint fumes. But California homeowners may have an easier time throwing a few windows open, so you might be able to take on more ambitious projects without sacrificing comfort.
Top Home Improvement Ideas for Winter
Need inspiration, or just an idea of what to tackle first? Check out these winter home improvement tips. Whether you’re hoping to keep your energy costs down or improve your cold weather curb appeal, you’ll find something on this list just for you.
Seal up cracks
An irritating draft does more than break your concentration during work hours. Leaks add to your energy bill by forcing your house to work harder to maintain its temperature. The EPA estimates that you can save 15% on heating and cooling costs by sealing cracks around doors and windows, in your attic space, and in the foundation of your home.
Add insulation
Houses in colder parts of the country probably have thorough insulation already, but homes in milder climates may not have a fully insulated attic, duct system, or foundation. Adding insulation or replacing degraded insulation in older homes can keep you snug and help you save money on utility bills by using air and heat more effectively.