This is the coldest time of the year, which means you have to be active, especially when it comes to retaining the warm air in the house and keeping the cold air out. Using modern technology to make winter improvements is among the best ways to make your home comfortable. It may cost you a substantial amount, but it will save you a lot in the long run. So, which are some of the best home improvement tips for winter?
Work on the Roof
Your home’s top is one of the essential parts of the property. It protects the house’s occupants and other items from different weather elements, such as rain and storms common during the winter season. Besides that, the roof also plays a pivotal role in ensuring the structural integrity of the entire building. Insulation on your roofing is one of the aspects you should focus on when considering the different home improvement tips for winter, especially if your house has an attic. The most recommendable insulation for the attic is R-38, which has a depth ranging between 10 and 14 inches. Conducting a home improvement project on the roof can be tricky, especially for complex tasks, such as installing home insulation. In this sense, the best approach to such projects is working with professionals who are better skilled to handle the tasks. Fortunately, there is a long list of such experts in today’s world – all you have to do is research and even ask around.
Install an Auto Thermostat
The cold that befalls the earth during the winter can get intense, sometimes even going for 24 hours. On that note, how would you feel waking up in the middle of the night to switch on your old thermostat? The good news is that technology developers have got you covered on that. One of the best home improvement tips for winter is getting rid of your manual thermostat and installing an automatic system. Technology has taken a recognizable turn regarding home appliances. Manually-operated t-stats can function just fine, but why would you want a system that is hard to operate and contributes significantly to your increased utility bills?
Today, the market is filled with more advanced alternatives. You can find an automatic thermostat that you can connect to your home Wi-Fi and operate from your phone or computer. Additionally, you can optimize your home’s energy efficiency using these innovative systems because they allow you to set pre-programmed temperatures for different times of the day, seasons, and situations. It is recommendable to hire an experienced installer, considering that such individuals have outstanding skills in thermostat installation.
Concentrate on Your HVAC System
An HVAC unit is among the most common appliances in so many residential and even commercial properties today. Besides helping with temperature regulation, such a unit comes in handy in ventilation and air conditioning. If you do not have such a unit in your home, this winter would be the best time to visit the vendors and get one. On the flip side, if you already have one installed on your property, you understand why checking the unit falls under home improvement tips for winter. A faulty unit is among the primary causes of an upsurge in energy expenses. Keeping your home warm during the winter season is a responsibility you should take upon your shoulders. Experts recommend regular checkups and inspections of your unit, especially before the cold months kick in, to ensure it functions as needed. It would be an excellent opportunity to have your HVAC unit checked now by a professional. Most of these individuals can even offer extra electrical services in case you need your electrical system to be checked, too.
What About Windows?
Windows are among the most accessible parts of your home when talking about cold air entering from outside into the building. Therefore, if you do not put them on the list of home improvement tips for winter, you might be in for a surprise. Additionally, single-paned windows will not hold off the storms, rains, winds, and ice that come during this cold season of the year. As such, it is advisable to consider installing storm windows, which are unrivaled in terms of keeping such elements out of your house. Storm windows also act as insulators because they minimize the loss of warm air from the building to the outside. The installation of storm windows is not complex since all that is required is to fix them to the exterior of the existing windows. Nonetheless, it would be wise to consider working with professional home builders for the best results and everyone’s safety. The good thing about storm windows is that you can remove and store them safely during spring as they wait for the next cold season. Energy-efficient windows contribute a great deal to the decrease in your energy bills.
Think About a Water Source
Water is an essential liquid around your home. You use it for washing, cleaning, cooking, drinking, and showering, among other uses. With such an extensive array of uses, you may realize that your water bills are skyrocketing, especially if you have a big family. For this reason, you need to think of an alternative to the water you get from the municipal council. Digging a well in your compound is a pretty sure way of having a constant water supply throughout the year. The best part is that, although winter is a cold season, it could present the best opportunity to procure an excavation service. Fortunately, several contractors offer well drilling services, and most of them are willing to work even amidst severe weather conditions. Most of these professionals are locally available, and some do not charge that high for their services. While still on the water point, it would be appropriate to know that regulating the temperatures in your home prevents pipes from freezing. Experts advise that the lowest temperature on your heating system should be 55 degrees to prevent the pipes from freezing.
Work on Your Home’s Security System
Just because it is winter, it does not mean that criminals will not desire to carry out their business in the neighborhood. One of the mistakes that many homeowners make during the cold months is focusing on keeping their houses warm and forgetting all the other elements that matter. Thieves, burglars, and property vandals can invade your home anytime, regardless of the day, time, or even season. Therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure you have a robust system always to keep your home and loved ones safe. If you have an old but functional system, you are good. On the flip side, if you check your security unit and notice that it is not working effectively and efficiently, the best step to take would be to install one that does. Today’s technology market is flooded with some of the most sophisticated but essential systems to ensure everything in your home is safe from external forces. It is even possible to find a comprehensive video surveillance system with added features, such as motion sensors and smoke detectors. Therefore, ensuring the safety of your residential property and its occupants falls under the best home improvement tips for winter.
More Time on Your Hands
There is nothing much going on during winter – the kids are at home, you might not be required to go to work, and indulging in outdoor activities is almost impossible. When you factor in all these aspects, you will realize why it is appropriate to consider hiring roof coating contractors and other professionals for home improvement projects. The off-time you have allows you to research, meet with the contractors, schedule different projects, and oversee any project done on your property. Additionally, you can take advantage of such free time and go for a family vacation to avoid distracting contractors as they undertake remodeling projects.
Contractors Are More Available
Many professionals, such as those specializing in concrete cutting, are pretty idle, considering that many homeowners do not invest in major home improvements during winter. Therefore, these experts are readily available, which allows you to indulge them in the planning and designing procedures. If you want fire protection sprinklers installed in your abode, the winter season is the best time to make that happen.
Easy Approval of Permits
As a homeowner, you should be aware that several home improvement projects need to be started only after you get the required permits from the local authorities. This is applicable mainly in sizeable tasks, such as replacing a roof, adding an extra room, or erecting a perimeter wall. As mentioned before, not so many residential property owners think of remodeling projects during the cold months of the year. This gives you an advantage in that there is no congestion when it comes to getting the correct paperwork for your renovation projects.
It Is Cost-Effective
You may not be aware, but in most cases, construction materials and home appliances are cheaper during winter than in spring. That is because manufacturers and suppliers understand that there are few construction projects during this time, meaning that the demand for the necessary materials is almost insignificant. Besides the price reductions, you can enjoy some breath-taking offers from manufacturers and vendors as they struggle to reduce stock. Moreover, the contractors you hire, too, will likely charge less than usual because there is a low demand for their services. This gives you bargaining power, and you can be mesmerized at how much you can save by embracing home improvement tips for winter.
Easier Tree Trimming
Trees are beneficial to your home in cleaning the air, offering shade, and contributing to the property’s aesthetic appeal. Nonetheless, there comes a time when you need to trim them, especially if they block your view, bar sunlight from entering your home, or encroach on your home. During winter, you will notice the trees on your property are leafless and dormant. This is the best time to trim them because you have a clear vision of where exactly you want to cut the branches.
It Takes the Job Out of Your Spring and Summer
Spring and summer are two of the year’s seasons that are exceptionally ideal for outdoor activities. Undoubtedly, you would not want to cancel a summer trip to the beach just because you have to inspect roof replacement at your residence. In this case, taking on home remodeling projects during winter ensures you have enough playtime during summer and spring.
Home renovations are essential if you desire to make the place more comfortable, beautiful, energy-efficient, functional, and spacious. However, you need to make appropriate plans to ensure everything goes smoothly. Winter is not a good time for many homeowners due to the harsh cold weather. However, it is among the best times to take on improvement projects, such as those discussed above.
Improving a home is a phenomenon that has seen significant transformations over the last few years, mainly due to advancements in technology. Some homeowners get it wrong by thinking that winter is not a perfect time to improve their residential property. You would be surprised to learn that there are several home improvement tips for winter that you can follow to make your abode a better place