Home improvements for a stress-free winter

As the foliage changes, displaying glorious hues of rich golds, reds and every shade in between, it’s all too easy to get carried away by the magnificent scenes and just get lazy. What some homeowners may miss is that this also means the arrival of the queen of winter and when temperatures begin to drop, it is crucial to make home improvements to keep one of your biggest investments in tip-top shape.

Especially since New York offers a wide variety of fun and entertainment, even during the snow and cold, you never want to miss out on the holiday cheer and quality time you’ve been hoping to spend with your loved ones. To avoid the stress of maintenance and repair hassles, here are the best home improvements to keep homes more functional and comfortable during the snowy months, whether you’re in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, or Long Island.

Roofs and Gutters

This tandem is among the hardest-working parts of the house that keep the interior as cozy as possible. Being the surface most exposed to aggressive elements, natural or not, topping your home improvement list with a roof inspection is a great start. Inspect the roof for bald spots and damaged shingles, gaps along flashing, especially between siding and vent joints, moldy and damp areas, and broken mortar around the chimney. Without any problems on the roof, no leaks will seep through the house and runoff water will flow into gutters which will then run away from the foundation to prevent water damage.

service heating system

Call a furnace technician from an HVAC contractor to do those home improvements if you’re not up for the job. The heater should be inspected, cleaned and maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Consider replacing your thermostat with a programmable one. Bleed the valves on your water heater.

prepare the fireplace

If it’s been a while since a chimney sweep has been on your home improvement list, then it’s about time you called one in to clean up the creosote and soot. It is important that this buildup be removed periodically to prevent chimney fires. To keep birds and rodents out, install a screen or cap over the chimney.

lawn for winter

Winterizing your lawn will basically consist of home improvements that focus on cleaning and repairs. Practically doing these things will be easier before winter without the inconvenience of snow and the inconvenience of freezing cold. Some of the possible jobs you can do include:

• Clean and reseal waterproof decks and porches to help prevent damage during subsequent snow and rain showers.
• While the ground is still clear and getting around is easier, outdoor home improvements like fixing fences are ideal.
• Clear away dead branches and leaves to prevent snow formation.
• Fertilize the lawn with nitrogen.
• Fill cracks along sidewalks and driveway.
• Having defrost heaters installed is a great idea to prevent your property from being buried in snow.