Home Maintenance Projects to Complete in Winter

While you may be focused on hanging lights or putting up the Christmas tree this time of year, don't neglect regular maintenance projects that will keep your home in great shape for years to come.

Here's our list of the best projects to complete around your home in the winter:

Inspect & clean your fireplace

Nothing says, "home for the holidays" like gathering your family around a roaring fire. But if your wood-burning fireplace hasn't been cleaned or inspected in a while, you're signing up for a living room full of soot and smoke. That's why it's a good idea to have your fireplace inspected by a chimney sweep and clean out ashes from previous fires.

Outdoor maintenance

Mild winters in southeast Louisiana allow for time outdoors without fear of sub-zero temperatures, so completing light outdoor maintenance on your home can be advantageous. Cleaning out your gutters, checking in on your irrigation system, and enhancing or replacing outdoor lighting are quick and easy projects to complete in the winter.

Paint

Painting is a super easy DIY project that instantly boosts your home's value. It's a great way to give your home a fresh appearance, and if you're looking to sell your home in the new year completing this project in the winter makes sense. You may want to consider painting your home's exterior if temperatures remain above freezing, but be sure to check the label on the paint you choose to use. Our higher quality paints suggest that the temperature should be above 35 degrees while some lower quality paints suggest it is ok above 50 degrees. To be safe, check your paint label!

Check smoke detectors

While this simple "project" may only take a few minutes, it's an important part of your home maintenance routine—regardless of the season. Increased use of space heaters in the winter months also increases the chances of home fires. Making sure your smoke detector works is your first line of defense.

Deep clean & organize

It's never too early to get a head start on spring cleaning. Make a list of cleaning tasks that tend to be neglected throughout the year, and complete them one by one. Pay attention to places where mildew, dust, and mold can build up like baseboards, windowsills, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. A decluttering session may be in order after the holidays, also. Then, keep your home organized by adding storage and shelving to highly needed areas like the kitchen, kid rooms, and closets.

While some may feel that winter is a time to hibernate from home maintenance, staying ahead of the game will allow you to enjoy milder weather in the spring and summer. Whatever project you decide to tackle this winter, Gabriel Building Supply is here to help you with home projects. We have everything you need to keep your home looking great. Stop by our stores in Amite and Ponchatoula in southeast Louisiana to get started!