Maximizing ROI: Winter-Friendly Home Improvement Projects That Add Value

As the cold weather sets in, you may find yourself spending more time indoors. This is the perfect time to work on home improvement projects that can increase the value of your home. Even minor upgrades can make a big difference and help you when it’s time to sell. The following list of projects is ideal for the winter months and offers a great return on investment. By tackling these upgrades now, you’ll enjoy them during the winter and reap the financial benefits later on. So, grab a warm drink, snuggle up on the couch, and start planning. With these winter home improvements, you can boost your home equity without ever leaving the comfort of your home. These low-cost, high-impact projects are sure to maximize your ROI.

Property Improvements 

Adding value to your home can help in the resale. Homeowners looking to make last-minute home improvements should consider winter home improvement projects. There are several home improvement projects you can accomplish in the winter.

Get Ahead on Curb Appeal

Before winter hits, getting a jump start on your home’s curb appeal and fertilizing the landscape is essential. This home improvement project includes adding fertilizer to trees, shrubs, and grass to prepare for winter. Fertilizing the home’s landscaping will keep it nourished during the winter months. It will also provide optimal care until springtime. This preparation tactic as a homeowner is not only inexpensive but only requires a few hours of your time to get started. This home improvement project will cost you $25 to $50 if you do the job yourself.

Winter Home Improvement Projects: Paint The Interior 

There’s almost nothing a little paint cannot fix. Applying paint to the interior of your home in the winter is a practical home improvement project. It is roughly $30-50 per gallon of paint. This will add both short-term and long-term value to the home. Using white paint offers a higher ROI since it gives potential buyers a blank canvas to work with. Also, white paint does not necessarily require multiple coats of paint, depending on the color you are covering.

Seal Up Openings & Air Leaks

Sealing openings and air leaks in the home will make it more energy efficient. This will lower utility costs. Additionally, securing the rubber sealant around windows, doors, and other areas prone to deterioration can significantly improve insulation and prevent moisture intrusion. Sealing openings and air leaks can reduce outside noise, control humidity more effectively, lessen pollen and insects from getting in, and lower the chance of ice dams on the roof and eaves in snowy climates. Take the time to seal up window seams and doors, including openings around pipes and vents. This costs between $3 to $30 for the sealant products. 

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Advances in technology have greatly influenced home appliances. This includes programmable thermostats. Homeowners can customize their heating and cooling needs. This will automatically regulate the temperature in the home. Homeowners can also control the thermostat remotely. This home improvement project will save money, but it will also enhance your quality of life. This project could cost you $20 to $300.

Winter Home Improvements: Tackle Yard Work

Cleaning up tree limbs, leaves, and other vegetation from walkways and steps can help prevent falls. Remove tree limbs that are close to your home or power lines. Also, be sure to prune trees overhanging the roof or, if you live where winter storms can topple trees onto your home.​

Kitchen & Bathroom Backsplash

Focusing on the small details can go a long way. Another affordable winter home improvement project is adding colorful backsplashes to kitchens and bathrooms. You can add personality to the room by adding a backsplash. You can also accessorize and emphasize your countertops, appliances, and cabinets. The cost of adding a backsplash will depend on the size and area. Also, the type of tile will affect the cost, but this project could cost under $500. 

Winter Home Improvements: Water Drainage

Any water left in hoses or pipes has the potential to freeze and burst. Be sure to disconnect, drain, and store hoses. You should also turn off outside water at the surface valve and drain any water remaining in the faucets.

Winter Home Improvements: Crown Molding

Crown molding is less than you would think. The cost of crown molding is not the issue. It is the cost of having someone install it. Homeowners will need tools to do this, mainly a table saw. Molding is a small detail that can significantly impact your home. It can be done for less than $500. 

Winter Home Improvements:Insulate The Attic

Insulating the attic is another winter home improvement project that will pay off. It is proven to produce the largest ROI for homeowners. Insulating your attic will lower your energy bill and make you eligible for tax credits. This home improvement project may seem pricey. However, it can be done for less than $400 without the help of a contractor. 

Winter Home Improvements: Refurbish doors 

Refurbishing your doors in the winter is a more popular home improvement project than replacing them. For example, painting the doors to make them look more modern, installing decorative door knobs to add flare, and even adding molding to flat doors to create dimension. This project should cost you about $200. 

ROI on New Windows

Whether or not you are considering selling your home soon or just want to invest in long-term improvements, it is essential to understand the impact of new windows. Replacing and upgrading windows adds value to your home. New windows increase the value of your home. It is one of the highest ROI percentages among home renovation projects. 

On average, replacing each window costs $150 to $800. There are a variety of factors. One of the greatest factors is the type of window frame material. Choosing less expensive frames, such as aluminum, can save you money per window. However, it may not offer you the preferred features of a more expensive frame, such as wood or fiberglass. 

You will have to decide what features are most important to you while staying within your estimated budget. After selecting a window frame type, you must consider the various window styles. For example, a standard double-hung window is more affordable to install. It would cost about $350. Installing a large picture window could cost about $765 or more. Window types that require a higher skill level to install generally require more labor time. This is factored into the overall cost. Comparing the best quality brands on the market will help you better understand the cost of a window replacement project. 

Final Thoughts

Winter-friendly home improvement projects are a great way to add value to your home. These projects can include anything from insulating your attic to installing energy-efficient windows. By doing these projects during the winter, you can take advantage of the indoor space and avoid the heat that comes with outdoor projects during the summer. Additionally, tackling these projects in the winter can help you stay productive and focused during the colder months. If you plan on listing your house in the spring, completing some of these projects during the winter can help you get ahead of your to-do list and ensure that your home is in top condition for potential buyers.