Winters in Connecticut can be harsh and there is nothing like a bit of ice and snow to remind you that there may be a few winterization projects that need to be done around the house this year. The cost of energy to heat your home can be an extreme drain on your budget. Fortunately, many of the home remodeling projects needed to prepare your home for winter are cost effective and can by undertaken during the early portion of the winter. Here are a few winter remodeling projects that can be completed during the colder months of the year.
Siding
An older home can lose a great deal of heat through the walls and can feel drafty during storms and high winds. You can stop the drafts and heat loss by installing vinyl siding with sheets of rigid insulation foam behind it. The insulation will help retain heat while the siding helps keep the wind and cold out. Agreeably, it takes more skill to install vinyl siding once the temperature drops below 40 degrees. The siding becomes brittle, requiring experience to install it without a large amount of scrap, but if professionally done, siding can be installed at most temperatures above zero.
Window and Door Replacement
Replacing your doors and windows during the winter may seem counter-productive, but the short inconvenience will save you so much more in the long run. When properly measured, a replacement window can be back in place within fifteen minutes. Doors can be a little bit more time consuming, but can still be sealed with minimal exposure to the cold or other outdoor elements. Statistics published by EnergyStar.gov show that replacing your windows can lower your energy bill by as much as $465 a year in the New England states. The savings increase by nearly $100 a year if you replace entrance doors as well. There are also several tax credits available for installing energy efficient windows and doors.
Basement Remodeling
Many homeowners use their basement for laundry or storage. These are great uses, but they leave a lot of empty space that is not very well insulated. Remodeling your basement during the winter months can offer you a great new living space while improving the overall energy efficiency of your home. If you do not want to completely remodel your basement, you can insulate the perimeter joist bays and the basement ceiling to help keep the upper floors warmer.
Floors
Do your floors feel cold no matter how high your thermostat is set? You may be able to eliminate that feeling by installing a new floor. Placing a cork substrate under a new laminate or wood floor can reduce noise and cover cracks in existing sub-flooring. Additionally, if you have a crawlspace, you can have rigid sheets of insulation installed in each bay between the floor joists. The same contractor should be able to find and seal any cracks that you may have in your foundation.
Insulation
Adding insulation is the easiest way to keep your home warmer while lowering your energy bill. Replacing or adding insulation in the attic and between floor joists are typical places to start, but you should not stop there. You can find added savings by adding foam insulation to wall sockets and around windows and doors.
Key Takeaway
Not only can winter remodeling greatly improve your home's energy efficiency, but, if done professionally, it will add to the value of your investment. The key to any home remodeling project is choosing the right contractor. You will want to hire a contractor that is both licensed and insured. In Connecticut, you can check a contractor's license with the Department of Consumer Protection at this link.
Litchfield Builders is a highly respected company with over 20 years of experience in home exteriors and residential remodeling in New Haven, Connecticut and the surrounding area. Click the button below to request your free initial consultation and discuss your project with one of our experts.
