Guests are a big part of the holidays, meaning a deep cleaning and general spruce-up is on the schedule for most households. While you’re at it, you might want to consider some home improvement projects as a gift to yourself.
1. Face Lift for Your Yard
Hiring a professional lawn service or a landscaper to take care of the lawn, will ensure your home looks its absolute best for the holidays. This doesn’t have to break the bank, since lawn service orders drop off sharply in the winter, and companies are hungry for work. You’ll be surprised at how low you find the prices.
2. New Fireplace
This can mean restoring an existing fireplace to working order, inserting a gas unit into an existing hearth, or adding a brand-new fireplace or wood stove to your home. Whatever method you choose, it will be nice to finally have a fire for roasting chestnuts.
Source: Lowe’s Canada
3. Replacing Windows
As the coldest part of the year comes on, installing some energy-efficient windows is a project you’ll enjoy throughout and beyond the holidays. The tax credits at the end of the year will make for a nice bonus gift come April.
Source: Lowe’s Canada
4. Kitchen Remodel
The kitchen is the heart of your home, especially around the holidays. If you get it done in time for the celebrations, you’ll be able to truly enjoy it as you and your friends bustle around in the new space. Just be sure to start this project early — few things are as unpleasant as holiday cooking in an incomplete kitchen.
Source: Lowe’s Canada
5. Interior Paint Job
If you want a big impact for minimal effort, redo the interior paint. Whether you do a simple new coat, or add texture and some accent walls, this project will impress holiday guests. Resist the temptation to go for holiday colors when picking your scheme.
6. New Door
Greet holiday guests from the start by meeting them at a brand-new door. According to Remodeling Magazine, a new entry door has one of the highest returns on investment of any home improvement project. Like new windows, an energy efficient door will also help keep your home warmer — and qualify you for a tax credit.
Spoil yourself this holiday season. Even if you’re able to do the work yourself, hiring a professional will mean less stress and more free time for you. It will also put some extra money into a local business owner’s pocket. That way, you can spread the holiday cheer.
By Jason Brick
