While it is common for people to associate home renovation projects with the start of the year and the “spring cleaning” season, the fall season is also an excellent time to get certain projects out of the way. In fact, some of these projects need to be completed before winter approaches. This can either be because they make your house warmer and keep it in better shape during the rough weather or because they make it more comfortable for guests during the holidays. Getting a few of these things done in the fall will also help you save money on renovations since some contractors usually have lower rates during this time of year. Let’s go through a short list of the most important home renovations you should do before winter comes.
Building a home addition
Though it can be hard to realize at the beginning of fall, while the summer doesn’t quite feel over yet, the holidays will be here before you know it. So, it would probably be a lot of help to have a proper guest room ready when the time comes. That’s why fall is the perfect time to take on a home addition project. The motivation is there and real.
There are many different types of home additions. Doing one can be as simple as turning a current sun porch or spare room into a bedroom suite. Of course, if you think you’re up for it, you can also go for building onto your home or creating an in-law suite in or above your garage. Whichever option you end up choosing, starting in the fall, increases the chances that your guest room will be ready to go as soon as the family arrives for the holidays this year.
Keep in mind that this kind of project is a huge financial investment. Make sure to think every detail through carefully and try to churn out a positive ROI. Experts from getmovedtoday.com strongly advise against taking on massive projects like these if you’re planning a move soon after.
Replacing the windows
This project generally only applies to those who need it. If your windows are up to date, investing in replacements isn’t really a smart move. However, if you remember noticing some cold air or a draft creeping in through a few of them last year, this is your last chance to fix that before winter strikes again. Another way to be sure whether your windows are old or lacking is if you notice a buildup of frost or condensation. This is a clear sign that the cold air from the outside is getting in and mixing with the warm air inside your home.
If you live in a place where the winter months pack a punch, installing double-paned windows is one of the home renovations you should do before winter comes. Making sure they have an insulative gas filling or a low-emissivity coating is a great way to ensure that they’ll keep the heat in and the cold out.
Pro tip: Avoid window panes made of aluminum – these transfer thermal energy, which makes them a bad choice for cold winters.
Swimming pool renovations
As temperatures drop and you start using your pool less often, comes the perfect time for major pool repairs, a pool redesign, or even installing a new pool. It’ll also be much easier for you to find pool repair technicians seeing as they are generally in high demand all summer long. Their prices often drop during the off-season too.
Patio renovations
Creating or updating your patio also follows the trends related to pool projects. Doing these things during the fall means that your deck or patio will be ready to go next spring. And just like with pools, you’ll find that scheduling contractors is much easier during this time. You can and should always make sure that the contractor that you’ll be hiring is good by asking them the right questions.
Get a new steel or fiberglass front door
Installing a new door probably isn’t the first thing you think of when it comes to home remodeling. However, it comes with two huge benefits if you do it during the fall. Firstly, just like updating your windows, it’ll help with insulation during the cold and make your home more energy-efficient. Secondly, it also provides better curb appeal for potential buyers in the future. Windowless, steel, and fiberglass doors rank higher in energy efficiency. This is an easy and relatively cheap upgrade that can add serious value to your home.
New wood flooring
There are some things that are fairly universal and on most homebuyers’ wish lists. And on top of a lot of those lists is hardwood flooring. Installing new or replacing run-down hardwood flooring in the fall is ideal, as you’ll be able to take advantage of the lower moisture content in cooler air.
Keep in mind that this is a massive project, and you’ll probably need to rent a storage unit or find another way to move all your furniture out of the house for a couple of days. If you don’t want to waste too much money, make sure to spend some time figuring out which size unit you would need. It mostly depends on your items and how many of them you have.
HVAC replacement
The fact that the cold of the winter is coming means it’s a perfect time to make sure your HVAC system is running as efficiently as possible. It won’t just make sure you stay warm. It’ll also help you save money on heating bills throughout the winter. Another important reason why HVAC upkeep or replacement is one of the essential home renovations you should do before winter comes is that it’s a good investment. The worse your system gets, the more expensive it’ll be to fix in the future.
To conclude
While there are certain renovations you can do in the winter, getting things done early and making sure your home is ready for that season is always a great idea. If you decide to go through with some of these home renovations you should do before winter comes, make sure you do your research and prepare well. Hire good contractors, budget smartly, and don’t take too much on at once.