Blog Post  Home Improvements You Can Do This Winter

Are you thinking about starting home improvement projects, but would rather wait for the spring or summer months? While hiring contractors and beginning work on such projects seem more like tasks for warmer weather, the winter may be an excellent time to assess the state and wellness of your home.

Many contractors consider winter an “off season,” leaving their calendars open to schedule your home improvement projects. According to Home Advisor, consumers spend 90% of their spare time at home in the winter – another motivator for completing home improvements this season. The winter can also be hazardous with cold air potentially affecting your homes’ plumbing or windows. In addition to increasing your comfort, some repairs may be essential to winterize your home.

Our office has compiled the following home improvement projects that can or should be completed in the cold weather from the US Department of Energy, House Logic and Home Light:

1. Insulate attics and basements. It may not be the most exciting project, but insulating your home will allow it to be more energy efficient. Before you start the process and contact an insulation contractor, check the state of your attic, basement, and other spaces to see if more insulation is needed. The United States Department of Energy offers information on adding insulation to an existing home.
2. Seal cracks around the house. Cracks and leaks can be found throughout your home on windows, doors, vents, and even walls causing an increase in your energy bills. According to energystar.gov, sealing leaks and cracks can save you up to 15% on heating and cooling costs.
3. Prepare for the warm weather to come. Although it may not feel like it, spring and summer are around the corner making the winter an appropriate time to service your cooling system.
4. Take care of your floors. As with servicing your cooling system in the winter to prepare for the warmer months, it may be useful to clean and maintain carpets in the winter. Specialist contractors may get extremely busy in the spring.
5. Paint your rooms. This is an inexpensive update that can be done with or without a contractor. Retailers have been known to offer deals on paint in the winter months which would minimize the overall project costs.

The weather may not always cooperate with home improvements, but with scheduling and monetary benefits the winter may be the ideal time for some projects. Always remember to check your home improvement contractor’s registration and refer to our guide to hiring a home improvement contractor before starting your project and making payments.

If you have additional questions, contact the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation by calling our Consumer Hotline at (617) 973-8787, or toll-free in MA at (888) 283-3757, Monday through Friday, from 9 am-4:30 pm.