Tackle Your Home’s Winter To-Do List with These 8 Renewal Tips

Winter is the ideal time to confront that revolving to-do list that comes along with homeownership. Consistent home maintenance or a good freshing up can not only make your home more comfortable, but even the smallest of improvements can add value to your home.

1. Want to save energy while cutting heating and cooling bills at the same time? Install a programmable or a smart thermostat. Either is a fairly quick and easy improvement that can make a huge difference year-round. Both of these options generally use your existing wiring and most come with simple-to-follow, step by step instructions. CNet lists a few of their favorites including a well-reviewed programmable for around $32. Personally I was thrilled to find YouTube videos that convinced me I could tackle the installation of smart thermostats all by myself!

2. In Kitchen & Baths – Replacing faucets and cabinet hardware may require a bit of patience but the practical value and visual transformation are well worth the trouble. Leaky faucets can eat away grout and cause staining and mildew, not to mention the hidden damage under and behind sinks and cabinets. Make your cabinets look like new with updated handles and knobs. Grout is another cheap and easy fix. Cracked, soiled grout around sinks, toilet base, tubs and showers can spoil the look of even the most sparkling clean bathroom or kitchen.

3. Looking to add a little style but don’t want to break the bank? Installing crown moldings and wide baseboards can give your home a subtle touch of elegance without changing another single thing. You can even save a ton of time by purchasing pre-finished or vinyl stock at your local home improvement warehouse store, then cut and tack your way to your new custom look.

Five More DIY Winter Home Repair Hacks

(RIS Media Family Features)–Even if you’re not terribly handy, there are lots of simple household repairs that you can take care of on your own. This is especially true in the winter, when small improvements can make a big difference.

If you’re like most of us, your home is a valuable investment. It’s not uncommon to be apprehensive about tackling home repairs if you have little experience. However, learning to do some basic home maintenance is a smart way to protect and maintain your home’s value without having to locate, schedule and supervise (not to mention, pay) a contractor.

These everyday household fixes and winter-proof projects in your home are easy enough for a novice, but might just give you the boost of confidence you need to tackle bigger projects.

4. Painting. There’s no time like the dull, dark days of winter to make you realize how lifeless a room can be. When you’re spending more time indoors anyway, you might as well be productive. Whether you update an entire space or simply add an accent wall, painting is a low-cost, entry-level way to improve your home’s aesthetic appeal, along with your mood. Elle Decor gives us a rundown of color trends for 2019.

5. Seal air leaks. This one’s more of a Must Do than a Can Do. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average home has a half-mile of gaps and cracks where air and moisture can enter, and these air leaks account for the loss of 25-40 percent of the energy used for heating and cooling a typical home. Filling gaps and cracks brings immediate savings while making the home more comfortable and environmentally friendly. It actually takes little time or skill to fix air leaks, which are especially common around doors and windows. Start here on the energy.gov website to find out the most efficient and effective way to seal your home.

6. Add insulation. Another energy-saving idea you can tackle by yourself is improving your home’s insulation. A great deal of the home’s heat escapes through the attic, but adding more insulation can help trap warmth, making your home more energy efficient. Insulation also helps resist moisture infiltration and condensation, which is particularly concerning during the winter months. The U.S. Department of Energy has some great information available on insulation including R-Factors and definitions.

7. Tile accents. If you’re overwhelmed by the idea of laying your own tile floor, starting with some accent tile is a smart first step. A bathroom or kitchen backsplash is a compact space that requires a relatively small amount of material and provides a well-defined workspace. When selecting your tile, be conscious of how many trim pieces you’ll need, to accommodate features like electrical outlets; choosing a smaller tile or using sheets of connected tiles might make that step easier.

8. Add storage. Spending extra time inside your home is likely to remind you just how cluttered some areas have become. Take advantage of the time indoors to organize and add storage elements to help keep your space neat and easy to clean. Organizer shelves and closet systems are typically easy to assemble and can serve as decorative as well as functional additions to your home.