4 Home Improvement Projects to Complete Before Winter
As you savour the many joys of summer and indulge in ice cream while lying on the beach, it might also be time to prepare for the winter. Although winter is a few months away, getting a head start on projects will ease your mind and give you enough time to prepare.
Since there will be a drastic change in temperature during the colder season, your ability to take on home improvement projects will be limited. So, before you cozy up for winter, consider preparing for your house.
Revamp Your Basement
If you have an unfinished basement, you might have promised yourself that you will fix it this summer, four summers ago. This is the sign you need to get started! Look into underpinning basement before starting your renovation process. Basement underpinning is the process of removing soil below an area and adding new concrete to increase the basement’s height.
Underpinning will allow you to turn your damp basement into a livable space. It will also allow you to hide furnaces, column posts, and other obstacles in the way that prevents you from stepping downstairs. Although this is an indoor project that you can do in the winter, starting the process beforehand will allow you to use the space as a recreation room for those long, cold nights when you’re bound to stay indoors.
Inspect Heating System
The last thing you want during winter is to freeze inside your home. If it’s been a while since you maintained your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, it is in your best interest to look into it. The United States EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommends cleaning the ducts if you notice certain problems in your home. If you haven’t cleaned the ducts in a while, the dust clogged inside might affect the air that comes out. Bad air quality can cause mould growth, itchy skin, common cold, and allergies.
Take time to ensure that your furnace is running efficiently. You may need to hire a professional for this. It is best to solve any potential problems before winter hits and you’re stuck inside with a pile of blankets, shivering in bed.
Seal Exterior Brick
If you don’t seal the exterior of your house correctly, winter can wreak havoc on the building. Although bricks are tough and durable, they are vulnerable to water. If it snows heavily, moisture will find its way inside through the cracks and gradually ruin your home’s exterior.
Water damage can jeopardize the durability of your home and lead to unexpected costs. If it’s been a while since you thought about your home’s exterior, you may need to seal and waterproof all bricked areas.
Clean the Gutters
When leaves change colour and descend onto the ground, fall looks beautiful. However, the leaves can fly into your home’s gutters and cause blockage. If your gutters back up, they might overflow, and the water will run down your house. The foundation of your home will become weak and create various problems. Use a professional service, such as Gutter Cleaning Rochester if in that area, who can inspect the gutters, clear away any waste, and clean all downspouts to ensure efficient drainage occurs.
Protecting your gutter will also improve your home’s value and eliminate any rodents that made your gutter their home. Any pests, rodents, and organisms that live in there might be a health hazard to the members of your home.
Finish up all your home improvements projects beforehand so that you can enjoy the winter while being lazy, sipping on hot cocoa, and waiting for Christmas to arrive!