Enjoy these last few months of hibernation, homeowners, because spring is right around the corner, and that means deep cleaning and home improvement projects will be on your to-do list. You may be groaning just thinking about having to transition from your sleeping-in, Snuggie-wearing winter lifestyle, but DIY tasks can actually be pretty fun, and you can enjoy the satisfaction of completing your own home improvement projects.
The following projects can have your home looking fresh and well-kept when the
warmer weather starts rolling in.
1. Build a deck
Building a deck was probably the last thing on your mind during the chilly winter season, since avoiding the outdoors is a high priority when the snow is piling up and winds are high. But who doesn’t want to get outside and enjoy warm weather as much as possible? This project is relatively easy, even for the engineering-illiterate. You’ll need to make sure you have the right tools for the job. As a general rule, gather water-resistant materials to keep your deck in good shape for as long as possible. Make a detailed plan before you begin. Some home improvement stores hold workshops about how to create DIY projects, so you might want to check for deck-building classes, if you need further guidance.
2. Fix the roof
A new roof can cost an upwards of $10,000, while a simple repair can often cost less than $100. In fact, small problems detected early enough can be fixed easily. Check your roof for signs of damage. If you notice broken or missing shingles, you can patch them yourself.
3. Check for leaks
As winter comes to a close, you’re probably jumping for joy about lower utility bills. But wait – you still might be paying more than necessary for your water supply. During winter, all sorts of problems can affect your plumbing system – from malfunctioning appliances to frozen water causing pipes to burst. One easy way to check if your toilet is leaking is to pour a few drops of red food coloring into the tank and return an hour later to see if the water in the bowl is pink. If it is, you simply have to replace the flapper to get it working properly and efficiently again.
4. Build a fire pit
From spring to summer to fall and even during more adventurous evenings in winter, a masonry fire pit is a great addition to your outdoor area for entertaining guests or just relaxing in a calm, natural setting. You’ll need adequate open space in your yard to install a fire pit. Section off a large portion of your yard to accommodate the fire pit and avoid placing it near sheds, trees and other outdoor structures that could potentially catch fire.
After a cold winter of excess sleep and probably too much TV, you’ll be happy to get back in the swing of things with some home improvement. Pick one project and start planning for it now, so you’ll be ready to tackle it once warmer weather arrives.