Are winter home renovations something you should consider this season? While we might not often think about home renos this time of year, they can offer some big advantages. Many contractors have more availability, and if you require any permits, they can be easier to attain. However, not all renovations are feasible in winter. Most outdoor projects are a no-go, as are renovations that may require you to leave your home. The good news is we have a list of five home renovations that are perfect for the winter season!
#1 Give a spare room a makeover
Do you have an extra bedroom in your home that’s not getting much use? Maybe you have recently become an empty-nester, and your child’s room is sitting unoccupied. Perhaps you have a guest bedroom set up, but everyone you know is local, so no one needs to spend the night. Whatever the case, there’s definitely a better use for that room than letting it collect dust. One of the best things you can consider doing is turning it into a home office!
With more Canadians working from home than ever before, many people would love to have a dedicated workspace in their houses. It can be hard to feel productive sitting at your kitchen table or in your comfy bed, after all. Even if you’re not a work-from-home kind of person, an office can be a handy spot to settle for some quiet time, or even just to act as a change of scenery. The extent of this renovation depends on how much you want to put into it. You can make all kinds of changes, from repainting the walls to redoing the flooring, replacing the light fixtures, and adding in modern furniture and a workstation. Plus, if you ever decide to sell, being able to advertise a home office will be a big draw!
#2 Redo your flooring
Speaking of your floors, winter might be an optimal time to redo some of your flooring. If you have dated tiles, or ancient carpet, for instance, it’s worth considering some replacements. All flooring becomes worn over time, and this is a high-value project that can take the lead in your winter renovations. In general, hardwood and laminate flooring are popular choices for attractive, long-lasting floors. New flooring can change the whole look of a bedroom or hallway, giving it a more modern and fresh feel. Your options for flooring are pretty endless, depending on your budget and preferences.
#3 Add appeal to your laundry room
Everyone does laundry, but for some reason, paying attention to our laundry room rarely tops our list of home priorities. This is surprising, considering how much time we spend there! If your laundry room feels more like a mini attic or dungeon, it’s time to add it to your list of winter home renovations. Maybe you need to consider replacing your washing machine or dryer if they remind you of something you might have seen in the seventies. Apart from the appliances themselves, you can do a lot to the space to make it more welcoming. A cheery coat of paint, some built-in shelving units for storage, and a fresh drying rack can work wonders!
#4 Take on a small-scale kitchen or bathroom renovation
As far as renovations go, bathroom and kitchen remodels are almost always high value projects. High traffic areas get the most attention, and these rooms can also go in and out of style quickly. Of course, function is more important than fashion, but if you’re hoping to upgrade your home for a fresher feel, these are good spots to start! Bathrooms can benefit from replacing small counter spaces with dual vanities, for instance. Old and yellowed showers can be swapped out for a modern style, and you can add in some new light fixtures and mirrors. In your kitchen, replacing cabinets or countertops can go a long way. Alternatively, you can consider updating your appliances, or even adding in a couple new pieces of art to brighten up the space.
#5 Update your alarms!
This isn’t necessarily a home renovation, but it’s definitely an important part of keeping your home (and yourself) safe! In the winter, with our windows closed and our heaters working 24/7, it’s essential to ensure your carbon monoxide and fire detectors are in top shape. You may have tested these devices back in the fall before winter hit, but if not, now is the time to do so! In fact, it’s mandatory in Ontario for most homes to have working carbon monoxide detectors installed.
The right home renovations can go a long way in your house. Whether you’re trying to spruce up your home in order to sell, or you just want to get some more enjoyment out of it for yourself, you have options this winter.
If you have any questions about your mortgage, get in touch with me!