Home Maintenance Projects to Tackle This Winter

Winter is a great time for hot chocolate, cozying up by the fire, and playing in the snow.

It also happens to be a great time to tackle home maintenance projects.

But what home projects should you plan to add to your to-do list this winter?

A recent article from realtor.com outlined the maintenance tasks homeowners should plan to tackle this winter (and save themselves money and frustration in the process!), including:

• Check the foundation for cracks. When snow starts to melt, water can leak into your home through cracks in the foundation. Take a walk around your home’s perimeter to check for any cracks. If you spot small, hairline cracks, you can fill them with concrete-friendly caulk; if you notice any larger cracks (larger than 1⁄2 inch), you’ll need to get in touch with a structural engineer and schedule an assessment.
• Paint. In winter, the air is drier and, thanks to the heat, the temperature in your home is warmer—both of which make paint dry faster. If you’ve been considering painting your home’s interior, winter is a great time to do it.
• Install a smart thermostat. Adjusting the heat in your home (for example, turning it down when you leave the home, or turning it up when temperatures fall outside) can be tedious—and, chances are, there are times you’ll forget to turn down the heat when you mean to, driving up your energy bill. Smart thermostats automatically regulate the temperature in your home and make everything more energy-efficient—which can help to slash your energy costs.