As the calendar turns over to a new year, it’s the perfect time to embark on home improvement projects that will set the tone for the months ahead. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into essential January home improvement projects, covering both indoor upgrades and exterior maintenance tasks. Discover valuable tips and find the necessary supplies at Home Hardware to ensure your home is in its best shape in the coming year.
1. Indoor Painting Refresh
Give your interiors a facelift by tackling indoor painting projects. Choose a neutral palette for a timeless look or experiment with accent walls for a bold statement. Select high-quality BeautiTone paint from Home Hardware, known for its durability and extensive color options. Before you start, be sure to prepare the surfaces by cleaning and patching any imperfections. Use painter’s tape to achieve clean lines and protect adjacent surfaces, and lay down drop cloths to minimize mess.
Materials Needed:
BeautiTone paint
Paintbrushes or rollers
Painter’s tape
Drop cloths
2. Energy-Efficient Lighting Upgrades
Save on energy costs and enhance the ambiance of your home by upgrading to energy-efficient lighting. Switch to long-lasting LED bulbs, available in various color temperatures to suit different rooms. Consider installing a smart lighting system for added convenience and control. Many smart lighting options integrate with popular home automation platforms, allowing you to customize settings and schedules.
Materials Needed:
LED light bulbs
Smart lighting system (if desired)
3. Weatherproofing Windows and Doors
Prevent drafts and increase energy efficiency by weatherproofing windows and doors. Seal gaps with weatherstripping, install draft stoppers, and consider adding thermal curtains for extra insulation. Choose weatherstripping materials suitable for your window and door frames, ensuring a tight seal. Additionally, inspect and replace worn-out or damaged door sweeps to prevent cold air infiltration.
Materials Needed:
Weatherstripping
Draft stoppers
Thermal curtains
4. Attic Insulation Checkup
Ensure your home stays warm in the winter by checking the insulation in your attic. Top up insulation where needed to improve energy efficiency and keep heating costs in check. Use insulation rolls or batts for easy installation, and consider using an insulation blower for larger spaces. Home Hardware offers a range of insulation options to suit your specific needs.
Materials Needed:
Insulation rolls or batts
Insulation blower (if necessary)
5. Closet Organization Overhaul
Start the year with a decluttered and organized home by tackling closet organization. Install closet shelving systems to maximize vertical space, providing designated areas for shoes, accessories, and folded items. Use hooks to hang bags or hats, and introduce storage bins for small items. Consider customizing your closet layout based on your storage needs.
Materials Needed:
Closet shelving systems
Hooks
Storage bins
6. Exterior Paint Touch-Ups
Inspect the exterior of your home for any signs of wear and tear. Address peeling paint or weathered surfaces with touch-ups or a fresh coat of exterior paint. Choose durable options available at Home Hardware for lasting results. Before painting, clean the exterior surfaces to ensure proper adhesion. Use painter’s tape to protect areas you don’t want to paint and invest in quality brushes or rollers for a smooth finish.
Materials Needed:
Exterior paint
Paintbrushes or rollers
Painter’s tape
7. Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance
Ensure proper water drainage by cleaning and inspecting your gutters. Remove debris, check for leaks, and install gutter guards if needed. This simple task helps prevent water damage to your home’s foundation. Use gutter cleaning tools to safely remove leaves and debris, and consider installing gutter guards to minimize future maintenance.
Materials Needed:
Gutter cleaning tools
Gutter guards (if desired)
8. Furnace Filter Replacement
Improve indoor air quality and maximize the efficiency of your heating system by replacing the furnace filter. Choose a high-quality filter that suits your HVAC system’s specifications. Check your furnace manual for the recommended filter type and size. Regular filter replacement not only ensures cleaner air but also helps your heating system operate more efficiently, potentially reducing energy consumption.
Materials Needed:
Furnace filter
9. Garage Organization Blitz
Transform your garage into a functional space by organizing tools, sports equipment, and seasonal items. Install garage shelving to store items off the floor, making it easier to navigate the space. Use hooks for hanging bicycles, ladders, or gardening tools, and introduce storage bins for smaller items. Consider labeling bins for quick identification.
Materials Needed:
Garage shelving
Hooks
Storage bins
10. Landscaping Preparation
Plan for spring by preparing your outdoor spaces. Prune trees and shrubs, clean garden beds, and inspect outdoor structures. Consider purchasing seeds or bulbs for early spring planting. Mulch garden beds to insulate plants from extreme temperatures and conserve moisture. Use gardening gloves and pruning tools for safe and efficient landscaping tasks.
Materials Needed:
Pruning tools
Gardening gloves
Mulch
Conclusion
Welcome the new year with a fresh and well-maintained home by tackling these essential January home improvement projects. From indoor upgrades to exterior maintenance, each task contributes to the overall well-being and efficiency of your living space. Find the necessary supplies at Olds Home Hardware Building Centre and kickstart the year with a home that shines inside and out.