Kids Back in School: Time for Home Improvements

Kids will be back in school soon and you can finally bring your home improvement jobs in the front from the back burner. How to start and what to do? Here are a few tips to help you get going.

While the kids were around, you know there really wasn't enough time to carry out those home improvement projects that needed your attention. But now that kids are heading back to school soon, there’s no making excuses now!

Before you know it, winter will be upon us and we really cannot afford to be caught napping! The summer heat has begun to wane and with that there’s a surge of energy coupled with the desire to get those long-standing projects over and done with.

Start with the improvements that are really needed as winter approaches. Here are a few ideas to help you along the way.

Caulk and clean your windows

Windows are the main culprit when it comes to energy loss so the best thing would be to clean them thoroughly of all the grime and dirt that has collected on them during the hot summer. Then caulk, weather strip and seal to ensure that your home is kept warm and cozy in winter. If air leakages still persist, consider replacing your windows with energy-efficient ones that will help reduce your energy bills. This will not only increase the value of your home but make it brighter. Window cleaning will be altogether an easier chore.

Insulate your attic and convert it into usable space

If your attic is fairly spacious and has standing room, why not convert it into a den or a space for practical use. By the same yardstick, you can convert your basement or your garage. Your first step will be properly insulate it and make provision for adequate ventilation. This is the best way to keep the heating and cooling systems of your home effective. Then with sufficient storage capacity, some space-saving furniture and a fresh coat of paint you can have that much needed-extra living space for a study room or a kids playroom or a home office or whatever your need is at the moment.

Clean your furnace filter

Do a thorough cleaning of your heating system. Regularly clean your furnace filters,  as larger amounts of energy are needed to blast hot air through a dirty furnace filter. In preparation for winter, adequately insulate the pipes and ducts of your heating system.

Get your garden ready for spring

Now is the ideal time for all kinds of garden activities. The soil tends to be warmer which promotes root growth. It’s not like spring planting which brings with it the potential of a hot dry summer which is not conducive for the growth of young saplings. If you want to get your lawn going, do it now. Moreover, this is the best time of the year to get your gardening equipment and nursery stock at dramatically discounted rates.

If you don’t have a compost pile, it is definitely a great idea to start one in the fall to accommodate all the leaves and other stuff you rake up in your garden before the onset of winter. You will also need to mulch your garden beds with wood chips, compost or other suitable organic matter like straw to help the soil retain ground moisture and protect plants sleeping below.

Once you are done with your gardening equipment and tools, after properly cleaning them, you can carefully tuck them away in the garage for the long winter season when you will not need them.

Do a paint job

Painting your home’s interior can completely change the way your home looks and feels, but make sure it is done while it is still warm and the windows can be kept open while painting is being done

Repair/replace your roof

Find out where the trouble spots are in your roof and deal with them pronto! That way you’ll save yourself more major repairs and even replacement. Take professional advice.

And while you are attending to your roof, don’t forget the gutters especially during this season when falling leaves put additional burden on them. Remember, leaking gutters are a threat to your home. Apart from promoting the growth of mold and mildew, they can be the cause of more serious interior structural damage. Prompt attention can save you costly repairs or replacement.

Add to your storage capacity

Wherever you can find unused space construct additional storage cabinetry so that you do not have any clutter lying around. Allot closet space in an organized manner so that you do not have to spend hours looking for misplaced items. You can buy ready-made shelves to help you organize and make the most of your space.

Now may be the time for at least one remodel 

Finally, since the kids are away at school, this may be just the right time to do that kitchen remodel that’s been on your mind. With the festive season approaching, there’s no better way than to reorganize your kitchen, from its flooring to the cabinets, and from light fixtures, and faucets to counter tops and back splash.

About The Author:

Michael has a natural flair for interior and exterior home décor. He believes home improvements should not only be aesthetic but sensible and energy-efficient as well.  Michael is a freelance writer who has had 12 years of experience as an interior designer. He currently writes for Dallas Champion Window  and other home improvement companies.