It may still be the height of summer, but it is worth keeping an eye to the future and considering the different ways to prep your home for the cooler months. It is often best to get any significant renovations done during the summer. The disruption caused by building works and tradespeople coming and going from the home will be less impacted by the weather.
If you’ve wanted to inject a little luxury into the home this year, now is the perfect time to start. You could consider the different changes you want to make around the house and develop a plan of action to get it all done by the time winter arrives.
Consider Different Lighting Options
One relatively simple way to change the look of your home is by updating the lighting fixtures. It is vital to use an electrician if doing any electrical wiring work to carry out the task safely.
You could also consider switching from traditional to LED lights, which are much more energy-efficient and long-lasting. New lamps and light shades can also help the home feel brand new.
Insulate Your Pipes
An important practical consideration leading up to the colder months, ensuring your pipes are well insulated is crucial to keeping your home’s plumbing safe. Very cold weather can lead to burst pipes during winter freezes, which in turn can cause flooding and structural damage to your home.
You should consider your outdoor pipes to see if you need to invest in insulation for the pipes outdoors and, if you have underground pipes, hire a plumber to install insulation for you.
Get A New Boiler
Regular boiler maintenance is crucial to ensure your home stays warm and cosy over the winter. You should ensure you get the boiler serviced at least yearly, and if it’s been a while since you last replaced your boiler, it may be time to do so. Modern boilers are often much more reliable and energy-efficient than older boilers, making them ideal for your peace of mind come winter.
Upgrade Your Insulation
Excellent insulation is a crucial element of keeping your home warm during the winter. It can also be a major hassle to get installed when the weather is already cold. This is why summer is an ideal time to upgrade your insulation. Consider investing in top of the range insulation that will help keep your energy bills low and reduce your impact on the environment.
Invest In New Windows
Replacing windows in the winter can be a real pain! It is a good idea to look at your windows well before winter to see if they could do with being replaced. One good way to check your windows are still sealed properly is to place a candle near to them when closed. If the candle flickers, it can be a sign that there is a draught coming from the window.
If you decide to put in new windows, you could consider choosing something a bit different for your home. A bay window can be a beautiful addition, or you could consider ceiling to floor windows that will help you make the most of the natural light year-round.
Find A New Front Door
Our front doors are often overlooked when it comes to home improvements. A new front door can make a massive difference to the home’s exterior and help keep your house, family and belongings safe and secure. Wood tones are always a classic and attractive choice for a front door, or you could put your stamp on the property by choosing a bold and interesting colour.
Put In New Window Dressings
The way we dress our windows can make a big difference to our comfort, whether during winter or summer. If it’s been a while since you updated your window dressings, then they may be looking a little dated or worse for wear. Now is an excellent time to consider new dressings, which can dramatically improve the look of your home.
You could consider new drapes or curtains, which can help to insulate your home over the winter and keep it cool over the summer. Another excellent choice are blinds. Blinds are a more timeless option and are perfect for allowing in natural light while ensuring privacy. It is a good idea to take a look at the widest variety of blind options available to ensure you find the right fit. Make My Blinds specialise in luxury, made to fit blinds that will make any home look amazing.
Clear Out Your Gutters
Another practical step to winter maintenance, keeping your gutters clean and clear before heading into the winter months can help prevent blockages that can turn into cracks during the winter. It is vital to get a professional tradesperson to do this task, particularly if you don’t have experience working safely at heights.
Make Use Of Underfloor Heating
A truly luxurious touch for the home, underfloor heating can help make hard flooring warm and cosy during the winter months. This is another home improvement that will need to be undertaken by a professional to ensure the best and safest results.
You could consider installing underfloor heating wherever you have hard floors. The bathroom and bedrooms are a common and popular choice.
Build A Porch
A porch can be the perfect space to store outerwear such as coats, hats, scarves, and shoes. It can also serve as a mudroom to prevent mud and dirt from being tracked into the home. It can help reduce drafts and cold seeping into the main house from the front door.
Update Your Conservatory
A conservatory can be an excellent investment all year round, but it is crucial to prepare it properly for the winter. If your conservatory tends to get a bit chilly over the winter – as many of them do – there are steps you can take to keep it warm and cosy. One great way to make the conservatory a great place to be during the winter is to update the roof with one that offers greater insulation, meaning that the warmth in the room will no longer leak out through the roof.
You could also consider putting in warm rugs to keep your toes toasty and a large snug sofa. Finish the space off with some throw pillows and blankets, and you have the perfect space to cuddle up warm in the winter.
Take Care Of Your Carpets And Rugs
Summer is a great time to get your rugs and carpets cleaned, as it is much easier to keep them dry than during the winter months. You could consider a steam clean to have a deep and thorough clean.
If your carpets are showing a lot of wear and tear, it may be time to consider replacing them. Review your options carefully to choose the best replacements and ensure you choose high-quality materials that will stand the test of time – and footfall.
Consider A Bathroom Upgrade
A bathroom can serve a lot of different purposes. It is a place to get ready in the mornings and a place to relax after a long day. You could consider a complete bathroom remodel this year to ensure you get the most out of the space.
You could install a new, deeper bathtub for when you want a long, luxurious soak or consider a walk-in shower if you are keen to reduce the amount of water you use.
