5 winter renovation projects to tackle

Are you considering taking on some winter renovation projects in your home this year? Winter is a time where things seem to slow down, and we often find ourselves feeling a bit bored. Tackling some home renovations can be a great way to stay inspired and motivated, and keep you feeling busy. Whether you want to complete these projects yourself or hire a contractor, here are five great ways to renovate your house this winter!

#1 Transform a spare room

Throughout the winter months, we spend most of our time indoors. While it might feel cozy at first, it’s easy to start feeling a little trapped and claustrophobic, especially if you live with others. If you wish you had another place to go for a change of scenery or a little bit of alone time, transforming a spare space in your home could be the solution! This winter renovation requires you to have an extra room you are not using, of course. Many people have guest rooms or offices they don’t really use, resulting in a bare and forgotten area. You can turn this around by repainting, adding furniture and decor, and giving this room some life. Creating a fresh, vibrant space in your house will help you feel like you have a bit more free room and somewhere new to go if you want to switch up your surroundings. You can do as much or as little as you want, as long as the end result leaves you feeling like you have given your home new life!

#2 Redesign your living spaces

When you’re at home, you likely spend most of your time in your bedroom or living room. In the winter, these rooms will get even more use as you are staying inside for longer periods. Is it time to redesign these areas before you spend several months hanging out in them? Similar to remodeling a spare room, refreshing the rooms you use most often is a great way to help you feel more at peace with the winter season. While our first suggestion is about expanding the space you can use, this is more focused on maximizing your existing spaces! However, you can take a similar approach. Think about new paint colours, updated furniture, and new accessories. You can either make simple aesthetic changes, or consider going all out with floor remodels and structural upgrades. The days may be short, dark, and chilly, but having a warm and inviting space to spend time in provides you with your own personal oasis. 

#3 Install new flooring

Speaking of floors, installing hardwood flooring is a perfect winter renovation idea for home owners. Hardwood floors continue to grow in popularity due to their durability, look, and versatility, making them a big hit with renovations year-round. However, completing this project in the winter offers some extra benefits. First, the winter season is much less busy for many contractors. This means you are more likely to secure lower prices, a shorter timeline, and a more flexible schedule. Second, the cold and dry air associated with winter will work to your advantage when it comes to installation. Humidity and warm air can cause gaps and warping of materials, making them more difficult to properly install. While the frigid air might feel harsh, it will boost the drying time and appearance of your new flooring.

#4 Update your lights

When sunlight is limited and the days are too short, having proper lighting in your home is essential. Otherwise, you will find yourself living in a dull and grey world until the sun pops out again in the spring. The right lighting can lift your mood and help you feel more motivated and energetic during the winter. Consider upgrading your lighting to help give your home some life this season. Fresh bulbs will make your home shine brighter, and you can even consider replacing the fixtures if you want to go the extra mile! Removing dusty and opaque light covers in favour of new ones that allow more light through will make a big difference in your home.

#5 Upgrade your cabinets

Finally, a great winter renovation project to tackle is replacing the cabinets in your kitchen! This area of your home gets a ton of traffic and use, so it should reflect your style! Upgrading your cabinets is also one of the easiest ways to improve your kitchen without tearing the whole thing apart. Intense kitchen renovations can heavily impact your ability to use it, and during the winter months, you likely don’t want to further restrict where you can go! However, superficial fixes such as your cabinets can be done in a short period and still have the desired effect on your home. Plus, your options are pretty much endless for style, colour, and material. It’s all up to you!

Of course, there are several kinds of ways to renovate your home this winter, and you can take on any projects you want. The whole point is to improve your love for your home, as you are about to spend much more time inside it! If you are not yet a home owner, or you are thinking about refinancing your mortgage to love your home even more, reach out to your mortgage broker. We can discuss your options and put you on the right path towards finding a home and product you deserve.

If you have any questions about your mortgage, get in touch with us at Clinton Wilkins Mortgage Team! You can contact us at (902) 482-2770 or contact us here.