When it comes to homeownership in the winter, it’s important to take steps that will ensure you and your family stay warm. Additionally, it’s important to make sure your house doesn’t encounter any serious problems due to inclimant weather. So, here’s a room-by-room guide on what items you can knock off your to-do list and what projects need an expert hand.
Kitchen
DIY – Tile backsplash. This relatively easy project requires little more than the ability to measure and layer grout and tile adhesive evenly.
Pro – Installing new lights. With up to 240 V of electricity flowing through the wires, installing new lights, plugs and switches, appliances, and thermostats should be left to the pros. Anything that’s hardwired into the walls poses a risk of electrocution if you are not familiar with wiring.
Bath
DIY – Replace outdated faucets. While plumbing, like electrical, requires extensive knowledge of your home’s systems, replacing an old faucet isn’t difficult. Lowe’s Home Improvement offers a step-by-step video guide on how to get it done.
Pro – Full renovation. Your bathroom is one of the most important rooms of the home. If you’re planning a full-scale remodeling project, it’s best to bite the bullet and spend the money on a professional contractor. Large-scale remodeling projects can last up to three months. If you try to tackle a major undertaking without the proper tools and knowledge, you will likely wind up spending much more time and money in the long run.
Bedroom
DIY – Paint and refresh. A few drop cloths, high-quality paint and paintbrushes, and a long afternoon are all you really need to give your sleeping space a facelift. You can always fix mistakes without causing major damage to your property. Plan to paint on a day when you can have the windows open, which will air things out and help your walls dry a little bit faster.
Pro – Add closet space. This is another major home renovation that is best suited for men and women who build things every day. Adding extra closet space requires much more than simply building a frame and hanging a new door. A contractor will know which walls are load-bearing and which can be altered to accommodate your ever-expanding wardrobe.
Living Areas
DIY – Crown Molding. Add a touch of elegance to your living spaces by adorning each room with simple crown molding. If you’re not comfortable making the cuts needed to properly line things up where walls come together, you can buy special corner pieces that eliminate the need for precision.
Pro – Chimney cleaning and inspection. Property Casualty 360 reports that residential fires are more commonplace in the cold winter months when more people wind down by the hearth after a long day. While there’s no denying that the soft orange glow of embers is comforting, it’s what you can’t see that poses a threat. Have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned at the onset of each fall to remove potentially-dangerous soot build-up. Your chimney sweep will alert you of any damaged brick or mortar and can usually do repairs on-the-spot.
Hidden Areas
DIY – Blown/rolled insulation. Insulation in the attic and the garage is a fairly easy project that you can do yourself. You can rent a blower from most major hardware stores and have your attic crawl space properly insulated in a matter of a few hours. This is, of course, if you don’t mind getting dirty and fitting into tight places. If you’re going to be leaving your vehicle in the garage while performing maintenance there, make sure to keep it covered. This way, it will be well-protected from harsh elements such as dust, and you won’t have to worry about getting it repainted.
Pro – Replace HVAC system/furnace. Your home’s HVAC system is your biggest ally against the cold. Don’t trust the installation of this vital set of appliances up to your own instinct or desire to save a few hundred dollars. Improperly installed systems may not last and it can take days and even weeks to have a heating repair professional on-site in what is most likely their busiest season.
Winterizing your home will take work and a bit of money. But taking steps to protect your home — as well as your family — will keep your home in good condition for many years to come.
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