Guest Author - Donna Coogan

Winter is here and sometimes home improvements slow down this time of year. What can you do to work on your house this season to stay on top of things? If you live in a cold weather area you won’t be doing too much outside work, so it’s a great time to tackle indoor projects.

You probably have a list for seasonal maintenance. Anything there you haven’t caught up on? What about new repairs that you’ve been putting off? Can you knock some of these out?

Winter is also a good time to organize your workbench and all your tools. Have you been taking good care of them? Sometimes when we are caught up in projects, we just toss tools back on the worktable without taking the time to put them in their rightful place. Sort through your tools and make sure they are clean, functioning and safely stored. Toss out the broken ones, give away any extras and make a list of those you would like to eventually own.

Kids often get bored in the winter when their outdoor activities are curtailed by inclement weather. Maybe you can start some fun home improvement projects around the house with them. I gave my 9yo son a toolbox for his birthday and he had a great time going around the house helping me hang pictures and nailing down loose carpet tacks. Are there things in your home that you can enlist a younger helper to do?

Working with kids is a great way to spend some quality time and build up memories. Plus you are teaching them life-long skills about home maintenance. Show them how to use a hammer, screwdriver, pliers and even a simple saw. Children love to get involved in home projects and have an opportunity to use real grown-up tools. Just teach them proper safety and make sure they can recite it back to you each time they reach for a tool.

Decorating is always an option any time of year. Have you been putting off some ideas in your home? This might be a great time to jump on some of those. Then when the warmer months come, you can focus on the outdoor projects, knowing the inside looks great.

Or maybe you are caught up with your home maintenance projects and just want to take a break and enjoy your home until spring projects beckon. It’s great to spend the winter months snuggled and secure in peace and comfort in a home that reflects your interests and is well cared for. Enjoy!