Some of the perfect winter DIY home improvements could pay for themselves by saving money on big utility bills.
Winter home improvement projects tend to focus less on the outside of the house and more on making the inside more comfortable, energy efficient, and liveable. So, here are five ways to improve your home this winter that could save you money.
Photo by Roselyn Tirado on Unsplash
Fill In Cracks And Add Insulation
When the temperature drops below freezing, a home that is well-insulated will be warmer and have lower utility bills.
Have a top-rated insulation contractor in your area check your home to see where energy is escaping or where insulation is too thin. They’ll figure out the R-value, which shows how well your house’s insulation keeps heat from getting in or out.
The assessment may show that you need more insulation in your attic or windows that use less energy. You may also find that you need to use spray foam to seal up cracks around the windows and doors.
Give The Room A Fresh Coat Of Paint
It turned out that if you planned home improvement projects around the seasons, you could get some great deals. It is said that from late fall through winter, paint companies offer the best deals on their products because professional painters have less work to do.
These low prices are also good for people who want to paint their own homes, making this one of the best DIY home projects to do this winter. When it’s cold outside, not only is the material cheaper but there is also less moisture and humidity in the air.
That means the paint will dry faster and you can cross this task off your list sooner. You could also think about using peel and stick reclaimed wood as a feature wall.
In the same way that cold, dry air makes glue for flooring work better, the winter air is best for paint, which will dry faster than in the more humid months. Also, manufacturers usually sell paint at lower prices in the winter, which can save you money.
Look for paints with low VOCs (volatile organic compounds), so you don’t have to open all the windows and doors after painting. All you need is a heavy-duty fan to help move the air around.
Add Hardwood Flooring
The colder, drier months of winter are the best time to put in new hardwood floors. The dry air keeps new boards from getting gaps, and the lower humidity makes it less likely that water damage will happen.
Also, the winter air will make it take less time for any glue used in the installation to dry. As an added bonus, new wood floors are better at keeping the heat in than old, worn floors.
Remove Dead Trees
This is more of a do-it-yourself home project before winter. Before the heavy snow and dangerous ice come, make sure to trim and get rid of any old or dying trees in your yard.
Yes, you might have to pay money for professional service if you have larger trees that are sick or dying. But this one will save you money and could even save your life since trees and big branches often fall on top of houses during winter storms.
Change Up The Laundry Room
Most of the time, you can make great changes to your laundry room without tearing down walls. You don’t have to worry about dust anymore, so you can keep your windows shut.
Add shelves, paint the walls a happy color, and buy some new laundry bins to keep your clothes and supplies organized. And if your 10-year-old washer is about to give up the ghost, you should know that most appliances go on sale from September to November and then again in January.
Get A New Thermostat
In the last ten years, thermostats have changed a lot. Before you turn up the heat this winter, you might want to install a smart, Wi-Fi-connected thermostat like a Google Nest or a Honeywell.
With a smart thermostat, you can use your heat more efficiently and when you want to. This is one of the easiest things you can do around the house this winter to save money right away.
Change The Hardware
Even though it seems like a small thing to do, changing all the knobs, handles, and even bathroom faucets can make a big difference in how your home looks as a whole. And it doesn’t take long to complete.
Do you have any DIY tasks that you are completing this winter? We’d love to hear about them in the comments
