Winter is usually a time to stay indoors and enjoy a cozy fire, but for home improvement enthusiasts, winter is prime time to get indoor work done.
If you’ve got a list of home improvement projects on your mind this winter, below is a guide to help you get things done faster and for less money:
Order Supplies Early
While you might be thinking about waiting until the last minute to buy supplies to tackle your winter home improvement projects, watch out – you’re not the only one who is planning to get work done this winter. To avoid the rush and make sure you get supplies before they’re sold out, order your hardware now. Check out sites like https://www.bacoent.com/Coupling.html to see a range of hardware solutions like hex coupling nuts, 316 coupling nuts and stainless steel coupling nuts, or look on Amazon to see if you can find some good bulk deals.
Temperature Matters
During the spring and fall, temperatures indoors and out tend to be mild. Even in areas that experience extremes in temperature during the summer and winter, the spring and fall provide those “just right” conditions for getting home improvement projects done.
Working on home improvement projects during these short windows of opportunity usually means you don’t have to worry about things like application temperature restrictions for caulk or proper spacing for wood that may expand or contract, but working during the winter brings on a new set of challenges. Because temperatures swing so wildly between the cold outdoor air and the warm air in your home, pay particular attention to instructions on any hardware items or household chemical products you use during the winter.
Maintenance Is Important
Winter maintenance is an important aspect of owning a home, so take some time to inspect and maintain things while you’re working on your projects. Pay particular attention to areas of your home that can be affected by cold winter temperatures, including plumbing fixtures and cracks and gaps in doors and windows. You should also check out your heating system or have a professional look things over early in the season to make sure you don’t end up caught in the cold.
Get Creative
Although home improvement projects are usually a “by-the-numbers” affair, consider getting creative with things if you run out of areas to upgrade. Try reorganizing furniture or even redoing your interior lighting for a change of pace. You can also change around decorations or create new themes for different rooms to break up business as usual. Pay particular attention to areas of your home that can be affected by cold winter temperatures, including having plumbers in Cincinnati Ohio check the plumbing fixtures and cracks and gaps in doors and windows.
The key is to use your creative side to look for ways to make small, powerful changes to rooms without spending a fortune. Look online for inspiration if you’re having a hard time coming up with ideas. You don’t have to be HGTV with a huge budget to make meaningful progress on a room, and winter is the perfect time to make mistakes that can be corrected in time for summer get-togethers.
Don’t Ignore Pest Control
During the winter, pests are looking for warmth just like humans, and they’re likely to find it in your home if you haven’t taken steps to let them know they aren’t invited. Take some time early in the winter to update your pest prevention plan. Even if you have a pest control company that provides periodic service to your home, you can still take steps to mitigate unwanted guests.
Be careful when using chemical pesticides indoors since many of these products are toxic. Being stuck indoors with chemical fumes can be deadly, so always use proper ventilation if you decide to use bug sprays in your home.