If you’re dreading the long months of cold weather ahead and the thought of being stuck inside, consider curing cabin fever with some fun, easy and rewarding home improvement projects.
When choosing projects to tackle first, Brian Bolger, Lead Contractor with Bolger Design & Remodeling in Mechanicsburg suggests focusing on ones that will increase your property value, save money on your utility bills, and, of course, add a smile to your face. Here are five ideas to get you started.
1. Create walls that wow
Since you’re stuck inside staring at the walls, why not give them a new look. Adding modern trim work, crown molding and a bold coat of paint can completely change the look of a room without the expense of doing a complete renovation, Bolger said.
“Contrary to what many homeowners might believe, you can use paint in your home without opening up every window as long it’s an environmentally friendly and waterborne paint, which has virtually no fumes,” he said. “Plus, the dryness of the colder months can actually produce faster results.”
To really add visual interest to your walls, homeowners could go with a new or dramatic paint color or use painter’s tape to create stripes or patterns. A winter project Bolger and his wife are actually getting ready to do is hang wallpaper in their bedroom.
“Wallpaper is making a bit of a comeback thanks to home improvement shows,” Bolger said. “It can definitely be a do-it-yourself project or you can get professionals to do it. My wife and I have hung it before in other rooms, so we have some experience on our side.”
Bolger also works on a lot of custom trim and crown molding projects which he said for an investment of between $500 and $800 dollars, can make all the difference in the world in bringing some life back into a room. A popular trend right now he said is replacing typical baseboard with ones that are at least five inches wide.
2. Add a “splash” of personality to your kitchen
For homeowners looking to spice up their kitchen without spending a pretty penny, adding a backsplash is a great solution, not to mention the perfect project for a cold winter weekend.
“For several hundred dollars you can completely change the look of your kitchen, as well as customize it to fit your personality,” said Clark Shindel, an at-home service specialist at The Home Depot in Mechanicsburg. “Our free do-it-yourself backsplash and tile workshops are our most popular classes.”
Just a few years ago The Home Depot had only about 40 tiles to choose from. Today, the store has more than 400 different styles and sizes, ranging from classic subway tile to natural stone to metal. While adding more functionality to a kitchen, a backsplash can also help accessorize and emphasize countertops, cabinets and appliances.
“Installation is a relatively simple process, but it is very tedious and time intensive,” said Shindel, who recommends making it a weekend project. “We offer products like the Simple Mat and peel and stick tiles that save time and eliminate a lot of the mess.”
Two pitfalls he warns do-it-yourselfers about are not taking the time to prep and lay out a template which can result in irregular lines or spaces. And not cleaning off the grout completely, which once dry can result in a nasty haze that is almost impossible to get off.
In addition to free tile classes, The Home Depot does offer backsplash installation services for those homeowners not quite daring enough to tackle it themselves.
3. Lighten up your rooms
What better way to brighten and warm your spirits this winter than with new lights, lamps or ceiling fans. Not to mention it’s an easy and affordable way to update the style of any room.
“We get a lot of customers during the winter who are shopping for new lights to get ready for the holidays or to accent kitchen and bathroom renovations,” said Charlotte Couch, showroom manager at Yale Lighting Concepts & Design in Swatara Township. “They are also looking to save on their energy bill with ceiling fans which push heat back down.”
LED-style lights, which come in contemporary and bold styles, also provide a money-saving option. Installing dimmers in areas like the family room or dining room saves money, while allowing homeowners to customize the ambiance.
In addition to pendant lighting, another style that is growing in popularity, said Couch, is Steampunk, which is a cross between vintage and industrial designs. But for a softer more romantic feel, a crystal chandelier is still a timeless choice.
“When it comes to installation and dealing with electrical issues my advice is to hire a professional so you know it’s done right,” Couch said. “Especially with ceiling fans, you want to be sure they aren’t loose or wobbly.”
4. Turn dull doors into classy decor
With home improvement projects, sometimes it’s the things that are used the most that are noticed the least. Like all the doors in your home — in and out of rooms, to closets and utility rooms. But after a closer look, the scratches, cracks, old hinges and outdated style can be hard to miss.
“Replacing interior doors is an affordable way to give your home an updated look versus an expensive remodel,” said Ken Shuman, salesman and estimator B&B’s Custom Trim Inc. in Rapho Township. “Most of the homeowners that come to us are looking for doors that have a unique or more modern look than what they have.”
According to Shuman, there are a lot of options that many people might not even think about. For example, double doors are a much more functional and attractive alternative to sliding doors and bi-fold doors, while French-style doors can add natural light and architectural detail to a space.
“A big thing with customers right now is not so much the door, but the hardware,” Shuman said. “Homeowners are choosing update hinges and doorknobs with more modern colors like brushed nickel or aged bronze.”
While installing interior doors can be a job for do-it-yourselfers, Shuman pointed out that it can quickly turn into a bigger job than expected, especially when replacing doors in older homes.
“Most doors are not going to just fall into place,” Shuman said. “The jobs we do involve cutting, trimming and shaping the door to size, and sometimes replacing the molding.”
Shuman’s advice to homeowners looking to replace interior doors is for them to do their homework, know their budget, and have an idea of what they like.
5. Take your bathroom from drab to fab
There’s no better time than the winter to turn your boring bathroom into a spa retreat. While replacing a faucet, re-grouting tile, or repainting are relatively easy for the do-it-yourselfer, more ambitious jobs like replacing the tub or adding tile floor might be better left to a professional.
While a complete remodel might be a bigger investment, it’s worth considering, said Charles Cornelius, owner of Chazz’ Home Improvement in Mifflin Township
“Many older homes were not built using mold-resistant drywall, so if you’re going to make an investment in upgrading your bathroom, that’s one of the best places to start,” he said. “Knowing what’s going on behind the walls is important before making expensive updates.”
According to Cornelius, there is also a lot of plumbing involved with replacing bathtubs, sinks and toilets, which requires an expert to ensure it’s done right. Once the walls are closed up, a small leak can go unnoticed for a long time, resulting in serious damage and possibly a complete remodel.
“My philosophy is that if you’re going to invest in a project, do it right the first time,” he said.
