10 Must-Do Winter Home Improvement Projects

Short days and chilly temps are a sure sign that the official start of winter is right around the corner. If you hired a contractor to help you tackle your list of fall home improvement tasks, your house is likely in great shape for winter weather. But don’t feel like you need to put additional projects on hold!

Winter can be a great time for a variety of home projects that tend to get overlooked during the summer.

Check out our list of ten home improvement projects to take on this winter, and be sure to work with Best Pick contractors so you can rest assured that the work will be done correctly the first time.

10 Must-Do Winter Home Projects

1. Update plumbing fixtures

Replacing your old plumbing fixtures adds an immediate visual appeal and functional benefit to your home, and winter is a great time to do it (provided the temperatures haven’t dipped too far below freezing).

New plumbing fixtures use water more efficiently than older fixtures, so on top of the aesthetic improvement, this project will also help you save money and reduce your impact on the environment. And another bonus: The winter is typically the slowest season for plumbers and other home service providers, so you’re more likely to have your choice of dates.

2. Replace flooring

If professional cleaning no longer brings your carpet back to life, winter is a great time to replace it. Since the work will be done almost exclusively indoors, you won’t need to worry about inclement weather derailing the plans.

Your flooring contractor will measure the space and, depending on whether you’re sticking with carpet or making the switch to hardwood or another hard-surface option, make recommendations on padding and shoe moldings.

Be prepared to move furniture and other items off the floor and out of the way of the installers. On installation day, you might not want to plan on spending the day at home. Flooring removal and installation can be a surprisingly noisy process, and any adhesives used can be quite pungent.

3. Store power lawn equipment

Come springtime, you’ll give yourself a pat on the back for accomplishing this task. Give your mower, weed eater, and other gasoline-powered lawn equipment a good cleaning and drain the fuel from their tanks before storing them for the winter.

4. Redo interior lighting

With less daylight available, winter is the perfect time to take a good look at your lighting. Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs, and hire a licensed electrician to update old or outdated lighting fixtures with newer, energy-efficient models.

The combination of LED light bulbs and new fixtures will help lower your utility bill and increase the value of your home.

5. Get organized

When the weather keeps you indoors, take the opportunity to clear out clutter and organize what’s left. Commit to eliminating what you no longer use and develop a system to keep what’s remaining orderly.

A professional closet and garage organizer can help you design the organization system of your dreams, and a junk hauler can help you get rid of items you no longer need.

6. Stop drafts and unwelcome critter guests

Find and plug any holes in your home that might cause heated air to leak from your house (and, in turn, cause cold outdoor air to make its way in).

Nuisance wildlife and insects often seek shelter from the cold, and any accessible point in your home can function as a welcome sign. Pest control experts can help you eliminate any existing pest infestation and ensure that critters and bugs won’t return.

7. Paint interior rooms

A fresh coat of paint can enliven your home’s interior, and the winter is an excellent time for this type of work. Extreme temperatures won’t deter your painting crew, and since the winter is considered the off-season for most professional painters, you probably won’t encounter scheduling delays.

If you’re not quite sure which colors to choose, ask your painter if they offer color consultation services. Selecting the right paint color and finish for a particular room is an art, and the help of a pro can give you direction and confidence as you decide.

8. Check concrete and masonry for cracks

Cold weather is a good time to investigate cracks in the concrete and masonry around your property. Cold, dry air will naturally cause any cracks to expand and be slightly more prominent than they might be at other points during the year, so take this opportunity to note areas that might need repair.

Some cracks are normal (and necessary), but have a foundation repair contractor or masonry specialist take a look. Cracks don’t get better or repair themselves with time, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

9. Replace windows and doors

A home improvement project that can help boost the resale value, efficiency, and curb appeal of your home is window and door replacement. This is a large project that can get complex easily, so always work with an experienced professional window and door replacement company.

If the idea of replacing windows and doors in cold weather makes you wonder exactly how high your heating bill will climb, don’t panic. Most contractors replace one window or door at a time to minimize heat loss during winter jobs.

10. Update your home with tile

Tile is an attractive, weather-hardy material that can add character to your house. Consider a tile backsplash in your kitchen to help protect your walls from water damage and inject some of your personal style into the room.

Consider tile as a durable alternative to carpet, laminate, or hardwood. The up-front cost will likely be higher than more traditional flooring options, but tile’s ease of care and durability is hard to beat.

The Bottom Line: Let Your Imagination Run Wild

Wintertime is a great time to get creative and initiate home improvement projects that make your house a more inviting place to seek shelter from the elements.

This winter, don’t sit inside waiting for the sun to start shining! Get busy planning and working with experience, reputable home service pros to improve your space. Home contractors are typically a little less busy in the winter, so this chilly season can be a great time to consult with experts on the best ways to increase the value of your home.