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!

The post 4 Home Improvement Projects to Complete Before Winter appeared first on littlelioness.

Living for many years with the same garage door, the same interior, same lawn arrangement makes your life boring. Here you’ll need to think of remodeling your home. Doing some major and minor changes to your home, such as upgrading your garage door with the help of experts like Family Christian Doors, will effectively add value to your place.

Designing a stylish gazebo in your home garden will make it an outstanding place. Adding stylish and comfortable outdoor furniture can be great.

You must keep on updating and repairing your HVAC system when needed.

Read more: Common Dating Outfit Mistakes You Want to Avoid

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1.    Do Your Research

The first step you should take in any home improvement project is to research the materials, techniques and desired outcomes. Learn the difference between various materials that are available, different techniques that you could use, and nuanced touches you can add to customize the project to fit your style. For instance, if you are planning a new carport, you may like the idea of steel buildings for this and want to research metal building kits. Depending on the scope of the project, things like mood boards, product samples, and paint chips may be helpful.

Doing your research will help you envision exactly what you hope to see at the end of the project, and plan for it accordingly.

2.   Make A Plan

Once you’ve done your research, it is important to make a plan. While it can be difficult to plan for every potential variable, planning the basics will go a long way in helping your project run smoothly and efficiently. Your plan should include:

• Blueprints or sketches of the finished product (depending on the type of work)
• A list of needs and wants for your project. Including photos or mood boards can help with this step
• A breakdown of the steps of the project, and whether they are DIY or require a professional
• A materials list

This plan won’t prevent something unexpected from happening during the project, but it will make it easier to stay on track should a surprise occur. 

3.   Look for Small Ways To Add Value To Your Home

Many homeowners look for home improvement projects that will increase the value of their homes. Whether you’re looking for ways to increase the value before you sell, or simply want to enjoy your current home more, there are lots of improvement projects that have a huge impact. 

You can start with small projects, like replacing the knobs on your kitchen counters, or switching out an old, outdated light fixture for a newer, energy-efficient one. From there, you can move on to larger projects like painting, replacing appliances, or building a deck. The key is to remember that you don’t have to make massive changes to your space to see huge improvements in functionality and aesthetics!

4.   Set A Budget

Setting a realistic budget is an important aspect of every home improvement project. To do this, calculate the expenses for the project, including materials, rental equipment, and the cost of labor for any professional services you contract. Then, increase that number by roughly 20 percent.

This will provide you with a cushion to cover any unexpected expenses that come up throughout the project, and leave you with peace of mind should you discover additional work that needs to be done at any point.

5.   Expect The Unexpected

Home improvement projects almost never go exactly as planned. Whether you discover a minor leak as you replace a faucet handle, or tearing down a wall reveals water damage, something is likely to go surprise you. If you go into the project prepared for this to happen, navigating the decision-making process will be much less stressful. Should this occur, you will be grateful you added some extra money to your budget!

6.   Hire A Professional For Big Projects

DIY renovations can save you a lot of money if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. However, some projects are not worth the risk. Large projects like electric work, roof replacements, foundational issues requiring foundation repair in Springfield, or wherever you live, or even window replacements are very difficult to do well without years of experience, specific tools, and intentional training. Save yourself the headache, the time, and the danger, and hire a professional.

Many service contractors offer free estimates and quotes and are very easy to work with. This Harrisonburg roofing company, for example, offers free roofing estimates and doesn’t charge a down payment. Find several reputable service companies in your area with the expertise you need, and schedule free quotes or introductory appointments. This will give you a feel for the company and how they do business, as well as numbers that you can incorporate into your budget for an accurate reading.

7.   Don’t Underestimate Simple Changes

Home improvement projects don’t have to be huge to make a huge difference. There are many smaller project you can complete in an evening or weekend that will make a noticeable difference almost immediately:

Declutter

Decluttering is an easy way to make a visible difference very quickly – and often, it costs you nothing! Take some time to observe your space and notice any piles of clutter that have accumulated. THis could be piles of mail, paperwork, or sports equipment around your home. It could also be yard toys, patio furniture, planters or gardening tools on your porch, lawn or driveway. Put away the items that don’t have an intentional purpose, and watch your space instantly appear more put together and appealing.

Add greenery

Plants add a fresh, appealing look to your home or porch! A few houseplants or patio planters can go a long way in improving the appearance of your home! You don’t have to go crazy to see a huge impact – just pick out a few low-maintenance houseplants, or plant a few flowers in the flowerbeds around your house, and watch the magic happen.

Touch up the paint

A fresh coat of paint brightens a room, porch, or exterior, and goes a long way in sprucing up the appearance of the entire space. If you don’t want to paint the entire inside (or outside) of your house, consider some of these options:

• Paint an accent wall in the main rooms of your home
• Give your front door a fresh, bright coat of paint
• Paint your garage doors and/or shutters in a new color that coordinates with the color of your house
• Repaint your trim a crisp, bright white
• Repaint your porch

Add some color

Adding a few pops of color to your home decor is another great way to bring a layer of newness to your space. Whether you get some bright colored pillows or throw blankets, repaint your door in a bright shade, add some fun patio furniture, or add brightly colored flowers to your landscape, look for ways to incorporate hints of color into your decor.

Improve the lighting

Good lighting automatically increases the appearance of your home! An easy way to boost the lighting is to replace generic light fixtures with fun, trendy pieces, like a wicker pendant, or a classy chandelier. You can also add interesting floor or table lamps, or even string lights, depending on the style of your home. Get creative and have fun! 

Hopefully these tips help you prepare well for your next home improvement project!

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