Looking to add a little value to your home or refresh your everyday surroundings?
The cold weather this time of year doesn't have to be a deterrent—instead, allow the warmth of your home to fuel those interior design dreams.
American Home Shield analyzed studies, popular home improvement projects, news reports, and cost trends to gather five projects ideal for tackling in the winter months. Materials costs were sourced from leading home improvement retailers.
Remodeling activity soared in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic forced Americans to spend more time at home. As Americans have largely begun resuming normal social activities, spending on home projects is expected to decline overall through 2023, according to the experts at the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. Rising material costs in 2021 began pinching construction budgets in 2022, making large home projects less appealing to homeowners for the time being.
But that doesn't mean there aren't affordable, bite-sized projects you can't tackle this winter.
The cooler months can provide an opportunity to work on projects inside the home that don't require clear, sunny weather conditions. On moderately cool days, the windows can be opened to accommodate harsh smells from things like paint. It's also a time when home remodeling companies may have an easier time finding labor since the summer months tend to be busier for construction trades.
Bathroom tile and flooring
A full bathroom remodel can cost tens of thousands of dollars and may not add as much value to your home's equity as it would have pre-pandemic, according to Zonda Media's latest Remodeling Cost vs. Value report.
Take some time in the winter months to peruse Pinterest for inspiration and make a visit to the local hardware store to see if they have what you need to re-tile your bathrooms. Soap and water can do a number on your ceramic bathroom tiles over the years, and getting on your hands and knees with a toothbrush can only satisfy the eye for so long.
If you're on a budget, consider using ceramic tiles, which can be more affordable than porcelain though they are not quite as durable.
Old tiles you don't intend to use again can be taken to a recycling facility—but first, check to ensure they accept it. Bricks, concrete, wood, ceramic, and drywall are considered construction waste and don't belong in your regular trash bin. Your local Habitat for Humanity may also accept construction material donations if you are able to remove the tile without destroying it.
Painting
Repainting is a project that contractors typically recommend taking on at least every 10 years, or sooner if you have children and pets. Bathrooms and kitchens may require more frequent repainting because of moisture from the shower and the smoke and oil involved in cooking.
Repainting an entire 2,000-square-foot home with average-height ceilings will require at least 4 to 5 gallons of paint—and the price per bucket will vary depending on the quality. Don't forget that taking on this project solo will mean purchasing the supplies, including paint rollers, trays, plastic sheeting, painter's tape, and potentially a ladder.
If you did this job in the summer, you'd have to air out a freshly painted room in the harsh summer heat. But on winter days with more moderate weather, it can be far more comfortable to open the window and throw on a sweater.
