Winter is a great time to tackle updates around the house. You can focus on indoor projects while staying comfortable and warm. Before this window of opportunity passes, here are some simple winter home improvement projects you can do yourself.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
If air is constantly moving in and out of your home, you’re spending more on heating expenses than you should. Carefully look for air leaks around your doors and windows. Use a lit candle or incense stick and move it around the door or window frame. If the flame jumps, it indicates an area where a draft is coming in.
Over time, weatherstripping will crack and begin to deteriorate. It needs to be replaced every 3 to 5 years. Remove old weather stripping and apply new material. Fill any gaps or cracks with silicone caulk. This improves your home’s energy efficiency and helps you save money on heating costs.
Upgrade Safety Features as Part of Your Winter Home Improvement
December and January are the two most common months for house fires to occur. This is because more homeowners are using fireplaces and space heaters to keep their living areas warm. People also spend a lot more time cooking, enjoying electric holiday lights, and using candles around the holiday season.
Because you’ll be dealing with a few more fire hazards at this time of year, test your smoke detectors and make sure your home has carbon monoxide alarms installed. Smoke detectors should be tested at least once a month to make sure the alarm will sound. Twice a year, replace the batteries in the detectors throughout your home. Most detection devices are designed to work properly for about 10 years. If your smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors are older, it’s time to replace them.
Update the Kitchen Faucet
An easy indoor home improvement project involves installing a new kitchen faucet. The sink is one of the focal points of your kitchen and a new attractive faucet will add style to the space. Most homeowners find they can install a new faucet themselves, however, if you have any doubts about your abilities, hire a professional plumber.
Paint a Room as One of Your Winter Home Improvement Projects
Painting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to add value to a home. It’s important to purchase quality paint, tools, and rollers for the best result.
Painting is a simple project that most of your family members can get involved with. Mask off the areas of the room that won’t be painted. Fill any holes in the wall with a spackling compound and sand the wall smooth. After preparing the walls, you’re ready to apply a coat of primer. The primer will thoroughly cover the old paint and help the new color to adhere well. After the primer is dried, apply your new paint to the wall.
Tackling a few basic improvements in the winter will give you a sense of accomplishment and keep you from getting bored on cold days. Take pride in your home with do-it-yourself projects and upgrades.
Aztec Home Inspections offers home inspection services to Waynesboro, Harrisonburg, and surrounding areas. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to schedule an appointment.