Now that the rains have arrived, we know winter isn’t far behind. It’s best to focus on the interior of your home during the colder weather. Whether you hire a contractor or do it yourself, working in the cold is no fun. If you’re looking to spruce up the inside of your home, there are several projects you can do.
From least expensive to most, here are our selections for the top 5 must-do home remodels for this winter:
1. Change hardware
A great way to refresh your home’s look without breaking the bank is to change out the hardware on your cabinets and doors. Or, if your cabinets don’t have hardware currently, add some. Cabinetry hardware comes in a variety of styles and materials, so you’re bound to find something that will accent your home’s style and décor.
Peruse our Cabinet Design Center to see all the hardware options and let your imagination go wild.
2. Update light fixtures
There’s no better way to reduce home energy use and save money than replacing your existing light fixtures with new LED style fixtures. LEDs use only a fraction of the energy that incandescent, and even fluorescent, bulbs do. Electricians are generally slower in the winter months, too, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble scheduling the work.
Tip: Choose a light fixture as the statement piece for a room. Select the rest of the finishes to complement, and not overpower, it.
3. Laundry room refresh
Laundry rooms are one of the least loved rooms of the house. They often double as mud rooms and carry the load of all the cast-off items we leave as we come in the house. Why not spruce it up and make it a cheery room to come home to? There are many things that can be updated to improve the use and function of this room:
- Appliances – Updating your washer and dryer will save you energy and water use, as well as refresh the look of the room. Today’s models also use less detergent, so you’re saving money there as well.
- Flooring – Change the look and feel of the room by using tile, vinyl, or linoleum flooring. Whatever you choose, you want something that’s easy to clean and can withstand water and dirt.
- Cabinets or shelving – Organize your laundry supplies and increase storage space by adding or rearranging cabinets and shelving. There are many storage accessories available to help organize cupboard space and ensure that it is used effectively.
- Walls – A couple coats of paint can do wonders for a room, but why not think outside the box a bit and try wallpaper instead. Today’s bold patterns can make the walls the focus of the room, instead of the appliances.
4. Bathroom reno
Renovating your bathroom gives you a chance to have the spa experience you’ve always dreamed of without having to leave your home. There’s lots of options available to spruce up this often-over-looked room:
- Plumbing fixtures – Updating your sink, faucet, and toilet can help reduce water use and save money. Ever tried a bidet? They’re gaining in popularity after the toilet paper shortage in 2020.
- Shower/tub – Now is the time to upgrade your shower or tub to the experience you’ve always wanted. Jetted tub, rain shower, multiple shower heads, it’s all available to you. You can also choose to simply refresh the look of your existing tub/shower with an insert. These are less expensive and only take a day to install.
- Cabinets/shelving/hardware – Need additional storage in your bathroom? Take this time to add cabinetry, vanities, shelving, and hardware. You can opt for open shelving for things like towels and soap, but you may want to hide the rest of your toiletries and medications behind a cabinet door. Make sure the wood is finished and will repel water and avoid moisture damage.
- Flooring – Similar to in the laundry room, you’ll want flooring that resists moisture and is easy to clean. Tile, linoleum, and vinyl flooring are the top choices. For that luxury experience install heated flooring to keep your toes warm throughout the winter.
- Walls – For bathroom walls you’ll want to stick with a paint with a satin, semi-gloss, or glossy finish with a mildew-resistant additive. Tile also makes a great finish for walls. Try choosing an accent tile color or two to break up the solid wall of tile and add interest.
5. Kitchen update
A kitchen update can be as simple or involved as you want it. You can choose to just change a few things, like the walls and cabinet hardware, or you can completely gut it and change the look and layout.
- Cabinetry – For a simple refresh, reface or replace your existing cabinet doors. Or you can replace the interior boxes as well. Our Cabinet Design Center will help you create just the look and layout you desire.
- Flooring – Go with traditional tile, linoleum, or vinyl flooring, as they are best suited for the high traffic and conditions. Bold patterns make the floor the focal point for the room. Keep things simple to draw the eye up to the counters and cabinets.
- Appliances – Today’s kitchen appliances are not only energy efficient, but they are also smart too. Smart refrigerators can connect with other appliances, letting you know when there are problems that need fixing. They can also monitor the level of food and remind you about what you need to pick up from the store.
- Lighting – Be sure to include task lighting for areas under cabinets or away from ceiling light fixtures. Recessed can lights work wonderfully in the kitchen, providing needed light without drawing too much attention.
- Countertops – Butcher block, Formica, and granite make great countertops. Today’s artificial stone products create unique looks and patterns without depleting precious natural resources. Make sure you know how to properly care for and maintain your countertops to avoid staining and damage.
Whether its just a new coat of paint or a full room remodel, Parr Lumber is here with the materials you need to get the job done. Stop by today and we’ll help you get started.
