12 Home Improvement Projects to Perform This Winter

When we think about the timing of home renovation projects, we usually associate them with warmer weather. However, do not overlook winter as a perfect time for a variety of renovation jobs -- especially considering that it will likely be much easier to secure the services of a contractor as this tends to be a slower time of year for them.

Okay, so jobs that involve working outdoors or necessitate open doors or windows are not the wisest ones to tackle during the coldest time of the year, but there are many projects worth considering that focus on your home's comfort and/or interior improvements as opposed to curb appeal. Better yet, many of these jobs require minimal investment yet deliver dramatic differences within your home.

With this in mind, we offer you a dozen project ideas to help you prepare for and make the most of the winter months.

Add Insulation

During the coldest time of year, it's most readily apparent where you need to add insulation to seal up cracks within your home. When your home is not properly sealed, it's something you can really feel thanks to cold spots and drafts.

Extra insulation is always at the top of the winter project list because it not only will help you feel more comfortable throughout your home, but you'll also wind up saving money on your utility bills. Talk about a win-win!

Basements, attics and crawl spaces are the low-hanging fruit here, so we suggest addressing these areas first, but there's likely places all over your home that can benefit from more insulation.

While much of this is intuitive, there's also science behind this, as a good insulation contactor will be able to assess the R-value of your home, which essentially is a rating to let you know how your home scores when it comes to keeping heat in and cold out.

Such an assessment will result in an action plan that could consist of new insulation, better windows and/or insulation spray foam to seal up doors and windows.

A New Coat of Paint

Chances are, you have a room or two, perhaps some paneling or even cabinets that could benefit from a fresh coat of paint. This is a fairly inexpensive upgrade that can be done in the winter, provided you're using low-VOC paint that does not require windows to be left open to ventilate, but rather simply a fan for air circulation.

Best of all, paint dries much quicker and bonds better in the winter thanks to there being much less moisture in the air.

This is one of those smaller projects that can make a big difference aesthetically, and may even help cure the winter blahs!

Add Crown Moulding

One of the biggest appeals of crown moulding as a winter project is that there's no heavy load to transport through difficult driving conditions, yet there's a big payoff from an aesthetics standpoint.

Whether we're adding it above cabinets, walls or door frames, crown moulding is so much more than about looking good. By masking any wear and tear on your walls, it can really pay off down the road when it's time to resell your home. Prospective buyers love unique qualities like this.

Yes, there's some painting involved here, too, but it's minimal, so we don't need to worry about fumes.

Replace Interior Doors

Suffering from dull door syndrome? Not to worry... there's a cure for that, and it's another perfect wintertime task.

Either as part of an extensive remodel, or as a small, affordable project, replacing your interior doors can really help modernize the look of your home. You can even scale this back and simply replace those old door knobs and hinges, as this is another basic project that makes a big difference.

New Cabinet Hardware

Here's another slam dunk method to enhance your home's interior aesthetic without breaking the bank. How about upgrading the hardware on your cabinets and doors?

It sounds so basic, yet the effect this can have, from a makeover perspective, is extremely substantial.

Sometimes, less is more. Simple, easy, cost-effective and dramatic? You can thank us later.

Upgrade Plumbing Fixtures

Seeking a project that will not only make your home look better, but also more functional? Look no further than your "throne" room, because as long as it's not super freezing out, winter makes a fine time to upgrade your plumbing fixtures.

A newer fixture is almost assuredly going to be more efficient from a water consumption standpoint, and that brings its own benefits in the form of reduced utility bills and a sense that you're doing your part to help save the environment.

Oh, did we mention the enhancements in the looks department?

That sense of satisfaction you get while sitting on your throne? Oh, it's going to be taken to a whole new level thanks to all these side benefits.

Fireplace Upgrades

In the weeks leading up to and comprising winter, fireplace/chimney installations and/or cleaning/repair always see a spike in popularity.

Sure , this is mainly driven by safety concerns related to fire risk, but let's face it: people love to get cozy around the fireplace during the colder weather... in fact, it's probably the only thing some people like about winter.

With the holidays coming very soon, now is the time to either add a fireplace or upgrade, clean or repair your existing one -- before the celebrations begin and your home becomes inundated with family and friends.

New Kitchen Countertops

Replacing your kitchen countertops is a winter-friendly project given the minimal number of trips outside that are required for this task. But wow, can completing this job ever have a massive effect on how your kitchen looks... just in time for the indoor cooking season to really kick into gear.

Holiday Light Installation

In many instances, holiday light installation projects can be complex enough to need a helping hand by a professional. Let's face it, not everyone is comfortable climbing onto their roof or up a tree... but not to worry, you don't have to feel like a Grinch because you're worried your house isn't festive enough.

Many renovators either offer this service directly, or through a subtrade. For instance, we've got an electrical subtrade that would be ideal for tackling this project for you.

Silence Floor Squeaks

Another indoor (winter-friendly) job involves getting rid of those annoying squeaky floors. How are you ever supposed to sneak up on anyone under these circumstances?

Hardwood flooring is great, until it starts to loosen and those boards rub together to create squeaks. You have two options: (a) wait until the sound drives you mad; or (b) bring in a professional to assess the best means to address this issue.

It may be as simple a solution as lubrication, or more involved (filling in the gaps or drilling in screws below the flooring, cleating, and then more screws above). In some cases, adding carpets will do the trick, too, but it really depends on your home's design.

Rest assured, there is a solution, and you will soon be relieved of those annoying squeaks.

New Bathroom Tile and Flooring

Not ready for a full bathroom makeover? A scaled back project involving new tile and flooring will also breathe renewed life into this room.

When choosing tile material, consider that porcelain is more expensive than ceramic, but also much more durable.

Install Flooring

Ready for a new surface under your feet? This is a big project -- the largest surface in your home -- so you're not only going to need some help doing it, but also some advice on the best way to go: laminate, hardwood, engineered wood, vinyl, stone, linoleum, carpet or perhaps an alternative material like cork, bamboo or rubber?

Each has its pros and cons, so be sure to pick the brains of an expert so you know what you're getting into and can choose the surface that makes the most sense for your needs.

There you go... just when you thought renovation season paused for three months, we've given you a dozen ideas for projects to keep the home improvements rolling all year long! You're welcome.