People tend to spend more time indoors throughout the cold winter months. So, it’s a perfect time to tackle some projects you may have been putting off. Or, it could be a good opportunity to improve your home for the winter season to make sure you’re comfortable and safe.
No matter your budget or your “handyman skills,” there are plenty of winter projects you can tackle to improve your home this season.
Whether you own your home or rent, you’ve got improvement options. So, put down that cup of cocoa for now, and let’s cover some big and small winter home projects that will help to keep you busy while preparing your home for when the weather outside turns frightful!
Keeping Things Toasty
You might take on some winter projects out of necessity – or at least to stay warm and comfortable when it’s cold outside. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to increase the warmth in your home and keep drafts from turning things frosty.
As a small-scale project, consider sealing off your windows and doors. Not only is it an easy project, but an inexpensive one. You can even do it as a renter without having to worry about breaking your lease agreement. As a bonus, sealing your windows and doors will save you money on your heating bill since it makes your home more energy-efficient, but the real benefits of using sealant or weather-stripping include:
- Noise reduction
- Better humidity control
- Less dust and debris will enter the home
- Lower chance for ice dams on the roof
You might even want to walk around the outside of your home and check for any gaps in the siding. If you notice any, be sure to seal those up, too. It will only take a few extra minutes of your time but will make a big difference when it comes to “leaks” in your home.
If you want to tackle something bigger to improve the temperature of your home, try installing insulation. If you don’t want to insulate the whole house, at least consider doing the attic. Doing so can help to lower your energy bill by 5-10% since most of the heat in your home escapes from the roof. While insulating your home (or attic) is an investment, you’ll see a return quickly, and there’s no substitute for feeling warmer and more comfortable.
Add a Fresh Coat of Paint
Whether you own your home or rent, adding a fresh coat of paint to your interior walls is a great winter project. While most people think about spring when it comes to sprucing things up, winter is a perfect time to do it for a few important reasons.
First, the air in your home is likely to be drier in the winter. That will help the paint to dry faster, so you can get done with your project quickly.
Second, you might be able to get your paint and supplies for a lower price if you buy them in the winter. Hardware stores don’t typically sell a lot of paint in the winter, so they’re more likely to lower prices to get their products off the shelves. With a little bit of hunting, you should be able to find some great deals.
Finally, sprucing up your walls with bright paint colors can add a much-needed dose of cheer and brightness. It’s not uncommon for people to feel down and/or sluggish in the winter. Changing your paint colors can help to improve your mood throughout the season.
Build Something from the Ground Up
If you think you’re ready to tackle a big project, consider building something from scratch. Whether you have experience with construction or not, these short days and long months offer a perfect opportunity to learn a new skill.
Not sure how to get started? Consider building something practical that’s needed around the home, such as:
- Closet doors
- Cabinets
- Shelves
- A spice rack
- A stool or chair
Since many people switch their wardrobes out in the winter, you might even try building a place to store seasonal clothing or a full wardrobe. Buying containers is an option, of course, but when you build your own, you can ensure that your belongings will stay safe and dry throughout the season.
It’s very easy to get hooked on building something of your own, especially when you see it getting put to good use. So, if you have some extra time on your hands this winter, consider finding ways to use your creativity and skill that can benefit your home and family.
As you can see, you don’t have to wait until summer to improve your home, and these ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. While winter can absolutely be a time for rest and relaxation, staying active, creative, and busy can also help to improve your mood and energy levels – something we could all use this time of year.
