- By Kurt Kopp
- In DIY Projects, How to Choose, Winter
- Tags DIY Projects - Remodeling, home improvements, projects
10 Winter Home Improvement Projects
Are you wanting to get some Home Improvements Projects done this winter but not sure where to start. We understand that the winter blues can have you in a slump, or you are bored out of your mind with cabin fever.
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to hang up your tool belt or paintbrush. You can keep the DIY going with our picks for the top 10 Winter Home Improvement Projects that take advantage of potential savings, provide that fresh feeling to your home, or adds value to your home when you put it on the market once spring and summer arrive. Now is the ideal time to make changes to your home that will improve its efficiency over the colder months as well. No worries, we made a checklist so that you can stay busy and improve your home at the same time.
1.) Paint the Interior
A popular winter home improvement project, especially in areas with harsh weather conditions, is applying a fresh new coat of paint to the interior of your home. It offers significant value to homeowners, both short and long-term. Paint can not only lift your mood but left the spirit of the entire room. Painting your walls is not the only thing you can do; you can paint cabinets, modeling, and wainscoting as well. Are you worried about the paint fumes? No need with low-VOC paints, using a fan to ventilate the room will work without opening a window. There will be less moisture and humidity in the air during the winter, which means paint bonds to surfaces better and dries faster. Paint manufacturers offer the best deals on paint during the winter, and professional painters have fewer clients, which translates to lower prices for you.
2.) Add Tile Backsplash to Kitchen and/or Bathroom
This Winter Home Improvement Project consists of indoor upgrades that focus on small details that will make a huge difference. By adding a colorful backsplash to kitchens and/or bathrooms is a great DIY Home Improvement Project that will add some personality and helping to emphasize your countertops, cabinets, and appliances.
3.) Add Crown Molding
The good news is, Crown Molding can be achieved for a lot less than you may think, and it is not as difficult as initially believed. It adds some major appeal to a home without having to haul heavy material through the ice and snow. You can place it at the top of walls, door frames, or on the wall along the top of the cabinets. It’s not just pretty; crown molding is functional by cover dings and nicks on walls. Plus, it will give your home a custom look that you or buyers will love. No worries about paint fumes, because it does not take much paint.
How do you pick the right size of Crown Molding, when it can range in width from 3 to 20 inches? It’s all about choosing one that’s in proportion to your ceiling height:
- 8-foot ceilings, the molding should be 2.5 to 6 inches wide.
- 9-foot ceilings, the molding should be 3 to 7.5 inches wide.
- 10-foot or higher ceilings, the molding should be at least 8 inches wide.
4.) Install Insulation in the Attic
Insulating your home’s attic is the best Winter Home Improvement Project that pays. It has proven to produce the most substantial return on investment of over 100%. This project will not only help to lower your energy bill from five to ten percent, but it’s also eligible for tax credits for up to five-hundred dollars. Do you already have insulation in your attic, but not sure if it enough? Simple crawl up into your attic, and if you can see the floor joists, then you need more insulation. You will save a lot by adding another layer of insulation in your attic. If you need, you can add insulation in your basement and in crawlspaces to prevent heat loss there as well. A contractor can determine how much and what type of insulating material your home needs, but in general, the higher the thermal resistance, the more effective the insulation will be. If your attic has an equivalent of R-30, your home could likely benefit by adding more.
5.) Refurbish Your Doors
Homeowners understand the visual impact interior doors can have on a home. Instead of replacing them, one of the more popular Winter Home Improvement Projects is to refurbish them. Whether the front, bathroom or bedroom doors, this home improvement idea includes painting doors to make them look more expensive or modern. Installing decorative doorknobs to add flare, and even adding molding to flat doors to create dimension.
6.) Finish Basement
Adding space below grade adds valuable space to the home. It allows the kids, or your spouse, to have their own area. Maybe a “man cave” kids playroom, or a craft room are some possibilities to use the extra space besides just storage. Be sure that you properly vent, insulate the area, also get the needed permits and inspections.
7.) Finish Attic
This is an excellent way of adding more square feet to the house, such as a guest bedroom. This is a great option, especially if you don’t have a basement. Winter is a great time to finish this space when it’s more comfort than bring in summer heat up there. Be sure that you properly vent, insulate the area, also get the needed permits and inspections.
8.) Finish Garage
Are you accumulate way too much “stuff” in your Garage? Winter is a great time to clean the area and get organized. Having a place for everything helps keep the clutter in check. Many people have spare parts for many pieces of equipment they own, and knowing where to find them is vital. You can put up shelves, organized your tools, and organize storage to help you feel more confident in going into your Garage to find devices you need. Maybe your Garage is your workshop, then this is a great time to insulate to help keep it cool and warm when you need it.
9.) Update Cabinet Hardware
Here’s a simple upgrade you can practically do with hot coffee in one hand by adding or replacing the old pulls and handles on cabinets with new hardware. You’re adding function and adding a dramatic effect to a room. It is the most straightforward Winter Home Improvement Project because all you need is a screwdriver and an hour or two. The only tough part of this job you will encounter is to find the perfect hardware style that you love.
10.) Update Your Floors
Is your carpet in desperate need of a face left or coming apart at the seams? Do your hardwood floors need to be refinished from wear and tear from your family and pets? Winter is the perfect time to revive your floors and make them look marvelous once again. Putting in carpet is a great Winter Home Improvement Project because it can increase the comfort of your home. The toxic fumes from the new carpet can be unbearable, so make sure to open your windows to allow the toxic fumes to escape, or you can ask your carpet retailer to air out the carpet before they install it in your home. There are plenty of other flooring options such as tile, laminate, and hardwoods that you could also consider.
Winter home improvement projects offer advantages over warmer seasons, such as shorter completion times and discounts. The end-of-the-year slowdown for many businesses and contractors. In return, it can be a great time of year to secure a great deal and get things done.
Are these 10 Winter Home Improvement Projects a little overwhelming or above your DIY skill level? No problem, we have you covered. Contact Us online at or give Us a call at 1 (503) 3357-8810. From concept to completion, we provide full remodeling services. Let’s Build It!
Kurt Kopp is a dedicated professional with a commitment to excellence. He is a master builder of over 35 years of experience that strives to deliver the highest quality product to his valued customer.
