Winter Home Remodeling Projects – If you’re dreading the long months of cold weather ahead and the thought of being stuck inside, consider curing cabin fever with some fun, easy and rewarding home improvement projects.
When choosing projects to tackle first, Ted with Plano Texas Handyman suggests focusing on ones that will increase your property value, save money on your utility bills, and, of course, add a smile to your face. Here are five ideas to get you started. Ted with Plano Texas Handyman can be reached at 214-507-3415. Winter Home Remodeling Projects
1. Create walls that wow
Since you’re stuck inside staring at the walls, why not give them a new look. Adding modern trim work, crown molding and a bold coat of paint can completely change the look of a room without the expense of doing a complete renovation.
“Contrary to what many homeowners might believe, you can use paint in your home without opening up every window as long it’s an environmentally friendly and waterborne paint, which has virtually no fumes,”. “Plus, the dryness of the colder months can actually produce faster results.”
To really add visual interest to your walls, homeowners could go with a new or dramatic paint color or use painter’s tape to create stripes or patterns. A winter project completed by Ted with Plano Texas Handyman are actually getting ready to do is hang wallpaper in their bedroom. Winter Home Remodeling Projects
“Wallpaper is making a bit of a comeback thanks to home improvement shows,”. “It can definitely be a do-it-yourself project or you can get professionals to do it. My wife and I have hung it before in other rooms, so we have some experience on our side.”
“Replacing interior doors is an affordable way to give your home an updated look versus an expensive remodel,” Plano Texas Handyman also works on a lot of custom trim and crown molding projects which he said for an investment of between $500 and $800 dollars, can make all the difference in the world in bringing some life back into a room. A popular trend right now he said is replacing typical baseboard with ones that are at least five inches wide. Exterior doors are also a great way of opening up a room, replacing your old sliding patio doors with Discover Air Bi Fold Doors can allow you to extend your lounge area into your garden in the summer months but are also very heat efficient when it comes to the colder months of the year.
2. Add a “splash” of personality to your kitchen
For homeowners looking to spice up their kitchen without spending a pretty penny, adding a backsplash is a great solution, not to mention the perfect project for a cold winter weekend.
“For several hundred dollars you can completely change the look of your kitchen, as well as customize it to fit your personality”. Tiles are readily available from a multitude of retailers. Just a few years ago The Home Depot had only about 40 tiles to choose from. Today, the store has more than 400 different styles and sizes, ranging from classic subway tile to natural stone to metal. While adding more functionality to a kitchen, a backsplash can also help accessorize and emphasize countertops, cabinets and appliances. Winter Home Remodeling Projects
“Installation is a relatively simple process, but it is very tedious and time intensive,” I recommend making it a two-day project. “I offer products like the Simple Mat and peel and stick tiles that save time and eliminate a lot of the mess.”
3. Lighten up your rooms
What better way to brighten and warm your spirits this winter than with new lights, lamps or ceiling fans. Not to mention it’s an easy and affordable way to update the style of any room.
“We get a lot of customers during the winter who are shopping for new lights to get ready for the holidays or to accent kitchen and bathroom renovations”. “They are also looking to save on their energy bill with ceiling fans which push heat back down.” This investment along with enquiring about Direct Energy rates could result in some big savings in the long run. Winter Home Remodeling Projects
LED-style lights, which come in contemporary and bold styles, also provide a money-saving option. However, some may prefer a natural light eco wall to give their home that cozy feel. Installing dimmers in areas like the family room or dining room saves money, while allowing homeowners to customize the ambiance.
In addition to pendant lighting, another style that is growing in popularity, which is a cross between vintage and industrial designs. But for a softer more romantic feel, a crystal chandelier is still a timeless choice.
“When it comes to installation and dealing with electrical issues my advice is to hire a professional so you know it’s done right”. “Especially with ceiling fans, you want to be sure they aren’t loose or wobbly.” Winter Home Remodeling Projects
4. Turn dull doors into classy decor
With home improvement projects, sometimes it’s the things that are used the most that are noticed the least. Like all the internal doors in your home – in and out of rooms, to closets and utility rooms. But after a closer look, the scratches, cracks, old hinges and outdated style can be hard to miss.
“Replacing interior doors is an affordable way to give your home an updated look versus an expensive remodel”. “Most of the homeowners that come to us are looking for doors that have a unique or more modern look than what they have.”
According to Plano Texas Handyman, there are a lot of options that many people might not even think about. For example, double doors are a much more functional and attractive alternative to sliding doors and bi-fold doors, while French-style doors can add natural light and architectural detail to a space.
“A big thing with customers right now is not so much the door, but the hardware”. “Homeowners are choosing update hinges and doorknobs with more modern colors like brushed nickel or aged bronze.” Winter Home Remodeling Projects
“Most doors are not going to just fall into place”. “The jobs we do involve cutting, trimming and shaping the door to size, and sometimes replacing the molding.”
Our advice to homeowners looking to replace interior doors is for them to do their homework, know their budget, and have an idea of what they like.
5. Take your bathroom from drab to fab
There’s no better time than the winter to turn your boring bathroom into a spa retreat. While replacing a faucet, re-grouting tile, or repainting are relatively easy and inexpensive project, more ambitious jobs like replacing the tub or adding tile floor might be better left to a professional. Winter Home Remodeling Projects
“Many older homes were not built using mold-resistant drywall, so if you’re going to make an investment in upgrading your bathroom, that’s one of the best places to start”. “Knowing what’s going on behind the walls is important before making expensive updates.”
According to Plano Texas Handyman, there is also a lot of plumbing involved with replacing bathtubs, sinks and toilets, which requires an expert to ensure it’s done right. Once the walls are closed up, a small leak can go unnoticed for a long time, resulting in serious damage and possibly a complete remodel.
“My philosophy is that if you’re going to invest in a project, do it right the first time”. Winter Home Remodeling Projects