Indoor Home Improvements to Consider Making This Fall
When the weather starts to cool down, it’s no surprise that American families start spending more time indoors. But with all that extra time you have at home, you might start to notice an overwhelming amount of work that needs to be done. If you’re thinking of taking on a home improvement project this fall, you certainly aren’t alone. According to the Home Improvement Research Institute, nearly one-fourth of the U.S. population made home improvements during 2017.
Even if you choose to DIY your home remodeling, you’ll still need to invest a bit. A recent survey found that 58% of Americans were ready to allocate funds for home improvement projects in 2018. In fact, we’re willing to put more money into our homes than ever before. Home improvement spending is growing by 6% annually, according to recent estimates. That said, not all renovations are created equal. Some come with a higher ROI than others, while certain projects are better to do right away than to delay. So which improvements should you make this fall? Here are a few ideas that will make your home more comfortable and that you don’t have to wait until spring or summer to complete.
Amp Up the Insulation
Before the weather turns frigid, you’ll want to address your home’s insulation. If you don’t, you could end up losing a lot of heat through your attic, basement, doors, and windows. Not only will that make your home a whole lot less comfortable, but it will also cause your heating system to work harder than necessary. Unless you enjoy wearing multiple layers indoors and paying substantially more each month for your energy usage, you should identify any areas that are prone to leaks and drafts now. According to the 2016 Remodeling Magazine Cost Vs. Value report, adding fiberglass attic insulation comes with an impressive 117% return on investment. In other words, making an effort to keep the heat inside where it belongs can really pay off.
Maintain Your HVAC System
While you shouldn’t need to completely replace your HVAC system frequently, it is a good idea to have it serviced regularly. For one thing, this can be a great way to keep costs down. Home heating makes up roughly 42% of the average American’s energy bill, so there's a significant financial incentive to ensure your system is working as smoothly as possible. In addition, catching small problems now can save you money later -- and can potentially eliminate the need for emergency repairs or replacement on the coldest day of the winter.
Paint the Interior
If you’re looking to be a bit more creative and a little less practical with your home improvement project, the fall is a great time to paint a room (or several!) in your house. A chilly or rainy day when you’re stuck indoors can provide a great excuse to give your living room or bedroom a fresh coat of paint. Painting interior spaces during the cooler months is ideal, as you won’t have to deal with as much excess moisture in the air. It’s best to paint when the humidity level is somewhere between 40% and 70%, as this is optimal for painting quality and drying time. Just make sure to use low VOC paints to ensure the indoor air quality isn’t compromised!
Have a hankering for a DIY project this autumn? The three options mentioned above can help you save money, add value to your home, and really “fall” in love with your home again this season.