It’s the first day of September! You know what that means: The weather’s cooling, the kids are going back to school, and autumn is on its way.
Many people love the fall season, and it’s easy to see why. After summer’s sticky heat, who doesn’t want to throw on a sweatshirt for a change? Plus, pumpkin-flavored lattes are the best. But other homeowners dread the end of summer and the cold weather to come.
If you hate the cold and tend to get SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) during Pennsylvania’s long winters, you’ll love our home improvement tips for fall! These are designed to make your home warmer, brighter, and more cheerful — important qualities during the colder months:
1. Get a new garage door.
A new garage door doesn’t sound like it will make winter any more bearable, but you’d be surprised. Uninsulated garage doors can be responsible for major thermal losses, making the rooms nearby uncomfortably cold. Is there a room near your garage that’s too frigid to enjoy in February? Your garage door could be the culprit.
Installing a new one that seals properly won’t just help keep the warm air inside; it could also improve your home’s curb appeal and lower your energy bills.
2. Tend to your windows — and maybe add a few.
We don’t claim to be research scientists, but it’s no secret that sunlight plays a role in seasonal depression. Namely, not getting enough of it can bring on sadness, sleep problems, and that feeling of lethargy you get mid-January.
As a result, your windows are so important when the weather turns cold! Our next home improvement tip for fall is to take care of them: seal cracks around windows with caulk, replace those that are damaged or energy inefficient, and consider hiring a contractor to add a few. Skylight, anyone? Seriously: A new skylight can help warm the interior of your home and allow you to enjoy more sunshine without a loss in privacy.
3. Get organized.
Another not-so-secret fact is that our environments affect how we feel — so make sure that your environment is free of clutter! Our third home improvement tip for fall is to get rid of the non-necessities that have been crowding your living space and making you feel subconsciously stressed.
Need help tidying up? Hire a contractor to install some organizers in your closet, drawers, and cabinets. These are a worthwhile investment for those who love knowing exactly where everything goes.
4. Update your color schemes.
On that same note, the colors you use in your home can also affect your mood. In time for fall, replace your white walls with warm browns, yellows, and creams. Pair yellow with blues and reds for a bright, stylish vibe, or put red beside neutral browns and tans for a sense of warm energy.
It seems like a small thing, but fresh, bright colors may keep you from feeling blue!
VCG Construction would love to help you put these home improvement tips for fall into action! All you have to do is ask: (888) 936-7824!
Photo credit: mendhak, Flickr Creative Commons
Some important tips for getting ready for winter. I especially like the idea of a new color scheme. It is simple and uplifting, for the sometimes depressing and dreary winter to come.
Thanks!