Don’t let being stuck inside from the cold keep you from enjoying some DIY winter home improvement projects this season. Here is how to ring in the new year and save a few bucks with some simple changes and upgrades.
Winter Home Improvement Projects You Can Do Yourself
1. Put Insulation on Your Water Heater
One way to save energy during the winter months and throughout the year is insulating your hot water heater. Adding a thick blanket or insulation around your water heater will ensure that the water stays hot even when it’s not in use. Insulation kits are available at most home improvement stores. You can also turn down the temperature a few degrees to save energy and money.
2. Put in a Programmable Thermostat
The first utility bills you receive after the weather has gotten colder is usually shocking. You can lessen the shock and still keep your home warm by installing a thermostat that you can set to change the temperature throughout the day. Keeping your home warm while everyone is out is a waste of energy and money.
Installing the thermostat is a simple project that most homeowners can complete on their own. It involves hooking up a couple of low-voltage wires, and most programmable thermostats come with detailed instructions to help you through the process of setting it up. These thermostats are available at most hardware stores for as little as $25, so they pay for themselves very quickly.
3. Refinish Your Basement
The winter is a great time for tackling a large indoor project such as refinishing your basement. You are likely to find a contractor that can help you with the parts of the project you can’t complete on your own during the winter.
You should be able to do the demolition work on your own and will probably also be able to paint and install flooring without the help of a contractor. You can also remodel your kitchen or bathroom during the winter as you can do most of the work by yourself and find a contractor that isn’t busy to call for help if you need it.
4. Paint the Walls
Painting the walls in your home is a great way to liven up the space during the dreary winter months. Paint is inexpensive and makes a big difference in any room in your home. Try to time your painting project during a time when there is no rain or snow in the forecast so that you’ll be able to ventilate the room without the fear of damage from the weather.
5. Organize Drawers and Closets
You’re probably already spending most of your time indoors during the winter months, making it an excellent time to get organized. Start by clearing everything out of the space you want to organize. Wipe everything down so that you’re starting with a clean slate.
You may need to make a trip to the store for new hangers, bins or other organizing supplies. Try to avoid putting anything back into the space you have organized that doesn’t belong there. Your home will look much bigger when it is organized, even if you haven’t actually increased the square footage at all.
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