The 4 Best Winter Home Projects to Plan for Now

Ever feel like you get nothing done during the colder months? Well, winter home improvement projects are a fantastic way to keep busy while also improving the value of your home.

Not only do you have more time on your hand, but winter can often be a more affordable time for projects. In winter, there tend to be more contractors available, lower costs on materials, and faster permit approvals.

In this article we will discuss the kinds of home improve projects that are best for the winter months, whether you’re DIYing or using a professional.

Winter Home Improvement Projects

In need of some winter home improvement tips? We’re happy to help. Here are some projects that will increase the value of your home and give you a sense of enjoyment once complete.

1. Do Some Interior Painting

Winter is the best time to apply a fresh coat of paint to the interior of your home, largely because you don’t have to go outside. This is a great way of increasing the value of your home without any major investment on your end. Paint typically costs about $30 a gallon, and you’ll pay even less if you opt for white paint (as you won’t have to do multiple coats). Follow the tips below before you begin.

• Move all the furniture and fixtures you can
• Apply painters’ tape to protect your moldings, windows, and doors
• Put down canvas or plastic drop cloths
• Prime your walls and sand them (if going from dark to light walls)

When to Call a Pro

While there are times that painting can be a DIY project, the help of a professional may be needed. If you have walls that need repair or areas that are too high to reach, a professional may be a better choice.

2. Add a Tile Backsplash

Tile backsplashes can make any kitchen or bathroom look much more appealing and modern. They’re a great way to add a pop of color and some personality to your room. The color you choose can also be used to emphasize the look of your countertops and cabinets.  Before you begin, follow the steps below to prepare.

• Measure your wall to purchase the correct amount of tiles
• Remove appliances and cookware from the countertop
• Smooth the surface using spackling paste and sandpaper
• Pre-lay the tiles’ starting and endpoints

When to Call a Pro

While you may be able to do this project on your own, you may want to call in professional help if you want a larger backsplash or aren’t comfortable cutting or hanging tile.

3. Renovate Your Doors

The doors inside your home can be just as beautiful as your exterior doors. Paying outright to replace them can be costly, so why not refurbish them instead? You can renovate your doors to suit your desired aesthetic through any of the methods below.

• Installing decorative doorknobs
• Adding molding to create dimension
• Applying a fresh coat of paint

When to Call a Pro

If your doors are unconventional sizes or not in the best shape, they may need replacement. A professional can help you measure, order, and install the new doors. If you are adding new hardware, a professional can be used to ensure everything lines up correctly.

4. Replace Your Cabinet Hardware

Having loose or missing cabinet hardware can make your kitchen feel unwelcoming and run down. You can use your free time this winter to replace them all, effectively transforming your kitchen in the process. Replacing cabinetry hardware like knobs and pull handles may seem costly, but it’s quite affordable when you buy the hardware in bulk. If you haven’t replaced cabinetry hardware before, here are the first steps to take.

• Loosen screws to remove the existing hardware
• Mark drill holes for any new hardware
• Drill holes and install new hardware
• Use wood-filling putty to fill leftover cabinetry holes if necessary

When to Call a Pro

If your cabinet hardware is a size that is challenging to find or no longer in production, you may need to add new holes to your cabinets. A professional can help you add new holes, brackets, and find the correct hardware for your specific cabinets.

Final Thoughts

With extra time in the winter, taking on a home improvement project can be the perfect way to fill your days. These projects can increase your home value, improve the aesthetic of your home, and free up the time you may have spent on them in warmer months. Whether you DIY or use the help of a professional, you’ll be all set by springtime!