What are the things that you want to upgrade or improve in your house before the cold season hits? Maybe you’ve always wanted a new shower head, or you’re thinking about adding extra insulation to your attic space. Winter weather can cause major damage to your home from wind, hail, snow, and ice. With the changing seasons comes the chance of water damage. If you haven’t done some home improvements already, now might be the time! That said, don’t wait until spring to get started. Here are the 10 best upgrades for a house that you should start working on today.
1. Ensure Your Roof Is in Tip-Top Shape
Winter weather can be brutal on roofs, so it’s important to ensure that you can withstand whatever Mother Nature throws. One of the best upgrades for a house is to check for any missing or damaged shingles. If you find any, replace them as soon as possible. You should also look for any cracks or gaps in the roofing material. These can be potential entry points for water or moisture, leading to leaks or other damage.
On top of that, make sure the gutters and downspouts are clear of debris. This will ensure that water can flow freely from the roof and avoid pooling that could lead to leaks. Taking the time to inspect and repair your roof will help prevent costly problems. So, don’t wait until it’s too late, get in touch with your local roofing contractors today!
2. Avoid Possible Storm Damage from Unkempt Trees
As the leaves start to change color and fall to the ground, it’s important to look at the trees on your property. Winter storms can cause tree limbs to snap and fall, damaging your home, car, or anyone outside on the property.
Tree services offer one of the best upgrades for a house by helping you avoid this kind of damage. The service contractors will also recommend the best time to trim your tree’s limbs, making them less likely to be damaged in a winter storm.
3. Clear Your Gutters of Potential Buildup
One of the best upgrades for a house that is often overlooked is clearing gutters of potential buildup before winter. This is important because, during the winter, melting snow and ice can easily back up in your gutters and cause damage to your roof. Gutter repairs can be expensive, so it is best to clear them before winter weather hits.
There are a few different ways that you can clear your gutters. One is to use a garden hose to rinse out any accumulated debris. Another option is to use a gutter scoop or gutter brush to remove the debris by hand. Whichever method you choose, be sure to do this task before winter arrives to avoid any potential damage to your home.
4. Prepare Your Siding for Winter Conditions
Most exterior home improvement projects are on hold during the winter due to the cold weather. However, a few exterior projects should be completed before the chilly temperatures set in. One such project is to prepare your siding for winter conditions. Exterior electrostatic painting is a great way to protect your siding from the elements and keep it looking its best.
This type of painting creates a durable, long-lasting finish that will resist fading and chipping. The electrostatic painting also provides an extra layer of protection against harsh weather elements, helping to keep your siding in good condition for years to come.
5. Invest in Insulating Your Garage
Most people don’t think about their garage door when the temperatures start to drop, but it can actually be among the best upgrades for a house before winter. A garage door service can help keep the cold air out and the warm air in, saving you money on your energy bills. Here are other additional benefits of garage door installation;
Keep Your House Warmer during the Winter Months
If you live in a cold climate, you know that having a warm garage can make all the difference when you need to store your car inside. Adding insulation to your garage walls will help insulate your garage from the outside temperature, so you won’t have to worry about your car freezing up while you wait for springtime to arrive.
Keep Your Home Cooler during the Summer Months
In hot climates, one of the best upgrades for a house is to keep your garage cool enough to avoid overheating issues with your vehicle. By adding insulation to your garage walls, you’ll be able to keep your garage at a comfortable temperature year-round.
Improve Your Home’s Value
When you sell your home, you want to get top dollar for it. Adding insulation to your garage will ensure that your home sells faster because buyers will see how well insulated your garage is. This also makes your home more attractive to potential buyers, which could mean getting a higher price for your home.
Increase the life span of your door
Garage doors are often made of metal, which can rust over time. If this happens, you’ll have to replace your garage door, which can be expensive. However, by adding insulation to your garage, you’ll prevent moisture from entering your garage, which will help to preserve your garage door.
Prevent Mold Growth
Mold is another problem when you don’t properly maintain your garage. If you leave your garage open to the elements, you’ll likely find mold growing on your garage floor. Installing insulation in your garage is the best way to prevent mold growth.
6. Clear Your Chimneys
Another one of the best upgrades for a house is chimney cleaning. When left uncleaned, chimneys can quickly become clogged with soot and debris. This can not only lead to chimney fires, but it can also cause dangerous fumes to build up inside your home.
As winter approaches, it’s important to make sure that your chimney is clean and clear. Chimney cleaning services can quickly remove any buildup in your chimney, giving you peace of mind as the weather gets colder. In addition, they can also inspect your chimney for any potential problems.
Additional Benefits of chimney cleaning
Helps Keep Your Home Safe
First, you should have your chimney cleaned regularly because it helps keep your home safe. When the chimney isn’t working correctly, there is an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause serious health problems if inhaled in high concentrations. It is produced by burning fuels such as wood or coal. Carbon monoxide is also created when exhaust gases from vehicles enter the atmosphere.
Protects Against Fire Hazards
Another reason you should have chimney cleaning done regularly is that it protects against fire hazards. A dirty chimney can become clogged with creosote, leading to a house fire. Creosote is a flammable substance that builds up over time inside your chimney. The buildup of creosote can block the flow of air through your chimney and make it harder for smoke to escape from your fireplace. You may have to use more fuel to heat your home.
Reduces Smoke Odors
A third reason you should have a chimney cleaned regularly is that it reduces smoke odors. When the chimney becomes blocked, smoke cannot get out. This causes smoke to build up inside the chimney and foul smells. Regular chimney cleaning will help reduce this problem.
Prevents Damage to Your Chimney Cap
Over time, the chimney cap can become damaged due to weather conditions. Damaged caps can leak water into the chimney, causing mold growth. Mold can grow in the chimney and eventually destroy the entire structure. In addition, a damaged chimney cap can allow debris to fall down the chimney and clog the flue.
It Is Easy and Affordable
The last reason you should have the chimney cleaned routine is that it is easy and affordable. Most people don’t realize their chimney needs to be cleaned until something goes wrong. By then, it is too late. You can prevent these issues by scheduling chimney cleaning at least once every year.
7. Prepare Your Driveway for Winter Weather
If you’re like most people, one of the best upgrades for a house is to prepare your driveway for winter weather. Asphalt paving is a great way to protect your driveway from the elements and ensure it stays in good condition all winter. Here are a few tips to help you get started;
- First, ensure that any cracks or holes in your asphalt are filled in. This will help prevent water from seeping into the asphalt and causing damage.
- Next, apply a sealant to the surface of the asphalt. This will help to fill in any tiny cracks and prevent them from getting bigger.
- Finally, invest in a good snow shovel or snow blower. This way, you can clear your driveway quickly and easily after a snowstorm.
By taking these simple steps, you can help keep your asphalt driveway looking great all winter long.
8. Insulate Your Pipes
One of the best upgrades for a house that is often overlooked is insulating exposed pipes. This is especially important in colder climates, where pipes are at risk of freezing and bursting. Fortunately, insulating your pipes is a relatively easy and inexpensive task that can help to prevent costly plumbing problems.
Various pipe insulation materials are available, and the homeowner can easily install most. It may be necessary to hire a plumbing company for harder-to-reach areas or more complex plumbing systems. However, even a small amount of insulation can significantly protect your pipes from the cold winter weather.
9. Get Your Heating System Inspected
If you’re planning to tackle a home improvement project before winter, one of the first things you should do is get your heating system inspected. A professional electrical repair service can help ensure that your system is in good working order and identify potential problems. This will help you avoid issues arising most during the colder months when you need your heating system. In addition, getting your heating system serviced before winter will also help improve its efficiency, saving you money on your energy bills.
10. Invest in New Fences
A new fence can provide a number of benefits, including increased privacy, security, and curb appeal. It can also help to reduce noise and drafts, making your home more comfortable during the winter. If you’re looking for a way to improve your home before winter sets in, fencing installation is a great option.
Important Considerations before Getting a New Fence
Measure Your Yard
Before shopping for a new fence, you need to measure your yard. This way, you know what fence size you should buy. Knowing how much space you have between your house and the property line is also helpful. The more area you have, the longer the fence will need to be.
Consider Material
The most popular fencing materials are wood and vinyl. Vinyl fences are easy to install and maintain. They are also very affordable. On the other hand, wood fences require some skill to install correctly. They are typically more expensive than vinyl fences.
Compare different Styles
There are several different styles of fences available. You may want something simple like a picket fence or something ornate like an arbor. Whatever style you choose, you want to ensure that it fits into the overall look of your home.
Think About Privacy
There are two types of privacy fences: those that provide complete privacy and those that only block out part of the view. Some people prefer the former while others prefer the latter. When choosing a privacy fence, consider whether you want the latter.
Choose a Fence That Is Right for Your Home
When choosing a fence, you want to ensure it suits your needs. Do you live in an area with a lot of foot traffic? Would you rather keep children safe from wandering dogs? These are all questions you must ask yourself before purchasing a fence.
Bottom line
While some home improvement projects can be done in the summer, there are a few upgrades that are best left for the colder months. If you’re looking to make some changes around your home before winter sets in, keep these tips on the best upgrades for a house in mind. Whether you’re tackling a project yourself or hiring a professional, this guide will give you some ideas for what to do next.