Put winter to good use with home renovations

Q: I have various renovations I would like to tackle this year. What is the best timing?

A: Many people think that winter isn’t a good time to start big home projects, but this simply isn’t the case. Cold weather often makes for great building conditions, and winter is the slow season for many builders so costs will likely be lower. Consider taking on these four home renovations during the winter:

Add a room. If you are in need of more space in your home, winter is a great time to build an addition. The cold, dry air is ideal for digging foundations. This is a significant project, but if done correctly, it can greatly increase your home’s value.

Add a deck. Not only is winter the perfect weather conditions for digging, many people find cold temperatures are more comfortable to work in than the hot days of summer. A great bonus of building a deck now is that it’ll be ready to enjoy by summertime.

Add insulation. If the cold weather has reminded you that your home needs more insulation, there’s no better time than now to have it added. Inadequate insulation can cause high utility bills and a cold home.

Remodel a bathroom. This is the perfect task for winter, whether it’s the guest bath or the front powder room that could use a touch-up.

When you’re tearing out old cabinets, tiles and showers, it’s a good idea to consider a dumpster rental. Having a dumpster just outside your door can make the task of clearing out trash and debris much easier.

You can tackle these renovations on your own or hire a professional to do it for you. Winter is partly over, so you’d better get started.

Q: What about some winter upgrades that aren’t as major?

A: Your living environment has a strong influence on your life, and it’s worth evaluating how you can make updates that create a positive space for you. This doesn’t have to be costly. Concentrate on simplifying your house cleaning routine to free more time to focus on other goals.

Start by decluttering. It’s hard to get excited about a fresh start when you are surrounded by junk, so make purging unnecessary items a top priority. Get rid of items you don’t need by donating, selling or disposing of them. If it’s worth keeping, find a place for it.

Reconfigure the furniture. Give your living space a facelift by simply rearranging the furniture. Beyond aesthetics, think about how you can make better use of natural light and the traffic pattern. You might eliminate extra pieces of furniture if the room feels crowded. “Less is more” still applies.

Create a fitness space. One way to stay committed to a new workout routine is to make a place where you enjoy spending time. It can be a room or merely a fitness corner that feels intentional and not like an afterthought. If possible, locate it by a window so you can soak up the energy of natural light. Add inspirational posters and storage for equipment such as hand weights.

Add greenery. The middle of winter may not seem like an ideal time to hone your green thumb, but adding a few plants can make your home feel more inviting and chase away the cold weather blues. Plants also serve as a natural purifying system; they absorb carbon dioxide to help stimulate their growth and are believed to absorb a host of other airborne pollutants.

Send your question and look for your answer in a future column. Email Lynne@LynneFrench.com. French is the broker/owner of Lynne French & Associates. Contact her at 672-8787 or stop in at 6200 Center St., Clayton.

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