Keep your DIYing going year-round with these indoor winter home improvement projects.
Just because it's winter doesn't mean you have to hang up your tool belt. You can keep the DIY going with winter home improvement projects. Do these without propping open doors or freezing your fingers off setting up shop in the garage.
The middle of winter may not seem like a good time to start a renovation project, but the season has a surprising amount of DIY appeal. Without vacations, outdoor activities, and other warm-weather distractions, homeowners can often get more accomplished in a shorter amount of time. And while you can’t really work on your garden or install a new deck during the winter, there are still plenty of satisfying projects you can tackle when you’re stuck inside. Let’s face it: You need something to do besides binge-watching the latest hot series on Netflix. So, get those DIY juices flowing by working on one or more of these 10 parts of the home you can—and should—renovate during the winter.
Let the indoor work begin with these TEN value-adding projects:
#1 Laundry room spruce up
Update Your Laundry rooms in need of an upgrade tend to suffer from a lack of features, so this is typically a sledgehammer-free project. That means no windows propped open on a seven-degree day to let out dust out – so make them easy. Updated paint, try some colorful wallpaper, or add some functional storage.
#2 Kitchen Countertops
Replacing the countertops can make a huge impact on your kitchen's appearance, and the job doesn't require a lot of trips back and forth outside so it's an ideal cold-weather upgrade. And if you decide to go with a contractor instead of doing it yourself, you might snag a good deal because contractor prices tend to decrease in the slower winter season.
#3 Add Crown Molding
Putting crown molding along the top of a wall where it meets the ceiling instantly frames a room and gives it a more formal appearance. This classic touch is particularly effective in a dining room, living room, or bedroom. Whether you choose to paint it or stain it, a band of crown molding also offers you the opportunity to accent the color scheme of the space.
Frame windows or add at the top of your kitchen cabinets to give it a new updated look
#4 Change light fixtures
Winter really does a number on our bodies, drying out our skin and leaving our lips chapped. Winter even messes with our mood, with early sunsets and a general lack of sunlight that can trigger seasonal affective disorder. Fight back by swapping out tired old light fixtures for bright, cheery ones that will improve illumination—and your spirits.
#5 Paint
Many homeowners like to take on interior painting projects during spring or summer, but late winter is actually a great time to change your wall colors. That same dry interior air that affects your skin in winter can help a fresh coat of paint dry more quickly, and you may also find better deals on paint at your local hardware store, which means you can get a fresh look for less.
#6 Update your cabinets
Dial up the style in your kitchen by replacing outdated drawer pulls and knobs on your cabinets. Especially during the winter months when you spend so much time cooped up inside, adding cabinet hardware that has a dash of color can make the kitchen extra homey and cheerful. Best of all, this is one cheap and easy DIY project that you can complete in your pajamas!
#7 Faucets
The mess and disruption of a gut renovation of the bathroom may be more than you want to deal with in the winter. Instead, focus on something small that makes a big impact: replacing the bathroom faucet. This simple afternoon project is great for tackling in the colder months, and it not only refreshes the space, but can also help conserve water, which is important in any season.
#8 Add insulations to attic or crawl space
Protecting you from the cold is one of your house's primary functions. One way of ensuring that your interior spaces stay as warm as possible, even in the coldest weather, is to reinsulate your attic or crawl space. This easy project can have a big impact on indoor comfort.
#9 Add Safety Features
December and January are the peak months for house fires, which is why you should kick off these colder months by evaluating and upgrading your home's safety features, such as carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested monthly and replaced every five to seven years. Pay attention to the expiration dates on your smoke detectors, and when it's time to replace, upgrade to a newer model with better safety features.
#10 Add a Splash to your kitchen
The cold, dark days of winter make us crave colorful, warm spaces that distract us from the dreariness outside. Replacing the kitchen backsplash is a great way to introduce color or playfulness into a kitchen without spending too much money. This project packs a hefty punch and can be a productive activity for a bleak January weekend.
For information on how much these home improvements will increase the value of your home contact Nashville's Real Estate expert Wendy Dyes to find your homes value. 615-807-0340