The time for warm summer rays beaming in through your skylights is slowly making way for the fresh snow to lull you to sleep gently. If you’ve noticed some areas around your home in need of sprucing up, now’s the time to get it done!
There are rumors that summer’s too busy to hire contractors or too hot to remodel the bathroom, but that couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to home renovations.
Keep reading to discover the top seven home renovations to get in before the snow starts to fall!
The Weekend Projects
Renovating your home doesn’t have to cost you an entire month’s salary or take weeks to complete. In fact, investing a few dollars into your house may even increase your home’s value much more than you’d expect!
There’s no denying that the winter months ramp up your heating bill and cause you to wear more layers than you would like. And this brings us to our first weekend home renovation you can complete before the winter.
Insulate Your Attic
If your house is older, then it’s likely that your attic uses fiberglass insulation. However, when you remodel, you want to use the best so the quality holds over time.
The best material you can use to insulate your attic is spray foam. Out of all the materials used, spray foam beats out its competition in regards to performance.
Once you spray the foam, it expands and seals any openings, discouraging moisture or pests from getting in. Spray foam insulation helps to trap the heat during colder months. This is because, during colder months, warm air tends to rise and seep through the cracks.
That’s not going to happen with spray foam.
Paint the Exterior
The exterior of your home is the real MVP that often doesn’t receive the love it should. Depending on the climate where you live, you can expect to see wear and tear after the first five years.
The average cost to paint the exterior can vary wildly from $1,500 to a little over $4,000. Of course, the final price depends on several factors, including the location and the current condition of the paint.
It’s not a bad investment considering it brings an ROI of about 51 percent.
Upgrade the Kitchen and Bathroom
Not a complete remodel, but look for any worn-out areas that you could replace. These can include any countertops, cabinets or vanity sets in the bathroom.
Every homeowner has unique tastes, so before you start your remodel, ask yourself if you’re planning on staying in the same house for the long haul or if you plan on selling it soon.
It’s safe to say that if you plan on selling your house soon, you’ll want to keep the remodels to a minimum and follow trends.
Replacing or Fixing Skylights
You may notice your skylights more in the sunnier months when the sunshine beams through, lighting up the room. Who’s to say that you can’t use it to the fullest during winter?
Skylights typically have a long life, but they do get dirty and need care from time to time. Take a few hours to get your skylight crystal clear to watch the snow gently fall as you lie down to sleep!
During the winter months, a skylight can help reduce your energy bill with the solar heating it provides. Solar heating takes place when sunlight enters the room, causing the temperature to rise.
Other than adding a new layer of insulation in your attic, you can help insulate your home by installing skylight shades. They act as excellent insulators in the winter and keep your home colder in the summer by preventing solar heating. It’s like a two-for-one deal!
Speaking of insulation, if your skylights are old, then you’ll want to check to see if the trim has come loose. If it’s time to replace your skylight and you need a custom size, your best bet is to opt for self-flashing skylights.
Replace the HVAC
Another way to save on heating in the winter and cooling in the summer is to splurge on replacing the old HVAC. Not only will it help save significant amounts on your energy bill, but it adds value to your home when you decide to sell it.
Convert Your Basement or Attic
You know that empty space that you’ve been using as storage for the past five years?
If you’re going to be stuck inside when you’re snowed in, you might as well have a space dedicated to playing games, watching movies or even crocheting!
Make it a space that’s yours or a family space that everyone can enjoy.
Source: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com
Blazing Warm Fire Pits
What better way to spend a chilly fall or freezing winter than sitting by a blazing warm fire pit?
It’s a quick weekend renovation that you can build for less than $100. And the best part is, it’s not limited to the winter months. Relive the moments camping in the summer roasting s’mores in your own backyard.
Keep It Small
Home renovations don’t always involve digging holes, climbing roofs, hammering nails or getting covered in paint.
Modifying a room by moving a photo from one wall to another or rearranging furniture can do wonders to freshen up a room.
Winter’s the time to relax and enjoy the holidays. And the more home renovations you get done now, the less you’ll get hassled for when winter finally comes around.
