Winter is a great time to take a chunk out of your to-do list as a homeowner. At Blain’s, we like to keep busy and get things done. We assume you do too, so we’ve put together a list of 5 home projects you can knock out before the weather starts to warm up and you’re occupied outdoors.
1. Replace your furnace filter.
This should have been done at the start of winter, but hey, life happens. Consider this your friendly reminder from us here at Blain’s. Furnace filters typically last about three months during the winter when your furnace runs a lot. So, even if you did replace yours when winter started, you may want to do it once more as we hit the home stretch. Here’s a guide from our experts to help you pick the right filter for your furnace.
Luckily, this is a fairly easy and cheap project. You just need to learn what size and type of furnace filter you need. Furnace filters can start at $10, but they’re one of those things where “you get what you pay for.” Higher quality filters can be worth the cost, especially if you’re prone to allergies. Once you have the right filter, replacing the old one just takes a few minutes.
2. Add pipe insulation to your water pipes.
It’s not too late for this one, as it will pay for itself in the winters to come. You can reduce heat loss and save money by adding pipe insulation to your water pipes. An added benefit is that you won’t have to wait as long for the hot water to start flowing from your shower or faucet.
This is another fairly cheap and easy project. If you can identify your water pipes, you got this. Some old timers will insulate pipes with layers of newspaper and duct tape, which works great. Pipe insulation is a little more efficient and won’t cost much more.
Depending on how many pipes and what type of insulation you choose, adding insulation to your water pipes can take up to an hour.
3. Paint a room. Or two. Or three.
Hear us out. Yes, even water-based paints can have a smell, but nothing can transform a space like a new coat of paint. Especially after spending so much time indoors during the winter, this one can be great to brighten up your home and get you excited for spring.
Your local Blain’s Farm & Fleet paint department associate can help you find just the right color and amount of paint to help you cover your walls with a new cover you’ll love.
You can also hop on over to the Painting & Staining blog for a bucket full of painting tips and inspiration. Here’s how to prep your walls for painting, for example. Be sure to check out our primer of interior painting tips before you start, as well.
This could turn into a pre-spring cleaning project, since you’ll probably have to move some furniture around to get it done.
Just about everyone knows how to paint, so this one is pretty easy and do-able. A gallon of paint usually costs less than $40, which is really cheap for the impact it has on your home. You’ll also need to get some brushes, primer, rollers, and drop cloths.
4. Install new lighting or replace light bulbs.
Installing new lighting is similar to painting a room in that it can change the feel of a room. New lighting can be one of the more tricky projects to DIY, but if you have the know-how, it’s well worth your while.
The process of picking out new lighting and deciding what you want takes longer than picking a furnace filter, but is so rewarding. New light fixtures let you add your own personal style to your home and make it feel more like it’s yours.
This is one project that you don’t cut corners on. If you aren’t confident in your electrical skills, don’t attempt this without a lot of thought and research. If you aren’t properly prepared or make a mistake, it can be unsafe to do this on your own.
These four tips are a must:
With some basic electrical skills, you should be able to complete this in a couple of hours. Cost can vary a lot depending on the type of lighting fixture you pick.
5. Install a new faucet.
Installing a new faucet can take a little bit of know-how. Thankfully, we have an article to show you how to replace a kitchen faucet step by step. Reading the manufacturer’s instructions for your new faucet can be really helpful. They’ll often include pretty detailed instructions for installing the faucet.
Remember to turn the water off before you start!
This is one of those projects where watching how-to videos is helpful. No special plumbing skills are needed. You’ll want to get the correct tools, but aside from that, the cost is not bad. Faucets can range from $50 to $200 or higher, and installing them takes up to two hours.
These are a few suggestions, but we’re sure you have your own list of things to do. If you take one thing away from this blog, let it be this: get started on your next project now. Let’s make this the best year of DIY yet!
