5 Fall Remodeling Projects to Warm Up Your Winter

Fall may have just started, with winter being out of sight, out of mind, but that doesn’t mean the cold weather isn’t on its way. Temps are still mild and moderate now, meaning there might be no better time to fit in a few fall remodeling projects to make your winter even more comfortable

Remodeling Projects to Prep Your Home

With the kids back in school and holidays waiting around the corner, you may think your schedule is too busy to fit in a remodeling project this season. Maybe that’s true for bigger kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. However, when it comes to prepping your home for the cold weather to come, taking on a few small projects in the coming weeks could save you money in energy bills while making your home the cozy shelter away from the elements that it should be.

Get Winter-Ready with These Fall Remodeling Projects

• Repair the roof: Shelter is often defined as “having a roof over one’s head.” So if you want your shelter, aka your home, to be at its best, focus this fall on inspecting your roof and tending to any problems, such as loose, cracked, or missing shingles; dented vents, flashing, or gutter; and holes or discoloration in your home’s exterior. This kind of damage can cause ice dams, water and rot damage, interior home leaks, and inefficiency heat your home.

• Swap the windows: Drafty windows are a surefire way to cause your energy bills to skyrocket while simultaneously requiring you to stay constantly bundled up indoors. Additionally, the harder your furnace has to work to heat and cool (in the summer) your home, the less life you may be able to get out of it. If you notice higher energy bills or can feel the cold air creeping in, consider installing energy-efficient windows before Jack Frost starts nipping at everyone’s noses.

• Shut the front door: Similar to your windows, replacing exterior doors with energy-efficient models can help to keep the cold air out in the winter. If your doors are still in good shape, focus your attention and efforts on stopping air leaks. Sealing your door could mean adding weatherstripping or removing and replacing old caulk. If those fixes don’t help, consider replacing the door entirely.

• Fix the foundation: Fall may be the best time to tend to foundation cracks and structural pressure caused by the heat and humidity of summer. Snow cover can hinder the improvement process, and you’ll want your protection in place before spring because of all the excess rain and moisture. Have your foundation inspected for any problems and repair any cracks that have formed. Further safeguard your home by having your basement waterproofed by an expert.
• Get on the good side: If you think of your home’s siding like a protective barrier between you and anything Mother Nature throws your way, then you’re well aware of its importance. Inspect your siding for cracked ,damaged, or missing pieces. All may lead to water damage, moisture-caused rot, mold and mildew, and a home for outdoor critters. Examine your home’s siding for issues and repair or replace as needed.

“Winter is coming” may have become a popular phrase thanks to The Game of Thrones, but when it comes to securing your house and making your home as comfortable as it can be, fall is the time when you should surely heed this warning.