Winter Home Improvements to Do Now

 

Although wintertime doesn’t seem like an ideal period for DIY home projects, there are still many things that you can do to update your residence, even if the weather outside is not perfect. These easy yet effective changes will keep you occupied and significantly improve your household, from expanding your storage space and getting rid of excess items to doing simple tasks like changing your cabinets’ handles and pulls. If you are ready to roll up your sleeves and do some work, take a look at the following lines and see the winter home improvements that you can do right now.  

Expand your kitchen storage space

Every kitchen lacks storage space. Still, regardless of whether you need a place to keep your fancy china or kitchenware that you rarely use or want to make your kitchen more functional, additional space will surely be more than welcome. Luckily, a simple and easy hack will turn your kitchen wall into storage without losing any square footage, even if you are not well-versed with tools and woodworking. Get a pegboard that you will buy or construct on your own, and install it on the side of your kitchen cabinet. Our recommendation, however, is to buy a pegboard, which you can find in various colors. This way, you will avoid painting fumes because of which you will need to open your windows.

By adding a pegboard where you will hang your pots and pans, cutting boards, and other tools and utensils that you use daily, you will make your small space appear big and make your kitchen more functional.

Pegboards are great for hanging kitchenware, but they also have many other purposes.

Replace old pulls and handles on your cabinets

Let’s stay in the kitchen space for an hour or two more to replace old pulls and handles on your kitchen cabinets. This is also one of the most effective winter home improvements that you can practically do with just a screwdriver. Whether you inherited kitchen cabinets with not-so-appealing handles or there are no handles at all, installing new ones will have a dramatic effect on your kitchen. Of course, you do not have to restrict yourself only to remodeling your kitchen space. You can do it wherever you think it is necessary.

Declutter to gain additional storage space and make your home neater

Decluttering is one of the winter home improvements that require some time and effort but can significantly impact your home’s appeal. No matter how neat and organized it is, every home has a number of excess items that are unnecessarily occupying the space. So, let’s turn this into a home improvement project that you will do this winter. 

Get into your storage space and get those items out. Go through your inventory and see what things you haven’t been using in the past six months. Those are the items that need to go. You can sell them, donate them, get them to recycling, or rent a storage unit where you can store your items hassle-free. Just make sure that you pack your things for storage properly. 

Organize your new storage space according to your needs

After you clear out your storage, construct or buy shelves and get boxes, organizers, and bins of different colors to organize your newly created storage space. You can also use pegboards or utility hooks for hanging your ironing board, brooms, mops, dustpans, etc. Hang a clothing rack to keep your summer clothes in good condition. And if you are using storage for keeping documents and paperwork, you can invest in a file cabinet to keep them well sorted. 

Get help when moving your items to storage

If you are decluttering and moving some items to storage, besides finding a good unit, you will also need to make sure that your belongings are well packed. 

This, however, can be a demanding task, especially if you have a large number of items to store. The experts from Eagle Van Lines always recommend hiring professional assistance when packing your stuff for storage, as in-storage conditions can vary depending on the facility. And your items need to be well packed if you want to ensure their safety. Moreover, professionals can even transport your belongings to a storage facility, which will make these winter home improvements even simpler. 

Call movers to help you declutter and get your excess items to storage

Seal your windows and other openings

One of the things that are particularly important to address before winter is sealing your windows and holes that might cause your home to lose precious heat. Also, during winter, rodents and other animals are looking for shelter from cold and are more likely to invade your home if they find a way in. Unfortunately, this is something that people often forget to do on time and only realize when cold air and critters start creeping inside. Luckily, it is something that you can fix with ease for less than $500. Check your windows and use caulk, waterproof sealant, or weatherstripping to seal your windows and other openings. You will get a warmer and more energy-efficient home in just a few hours of work.

Insulate your attic to keep your living space warm and protect your roof from damage

Insulating your attic is one of the most effective winter home modifications that almost anyone can do for less than $400. Insulating your attic will keep your living space warmer, make your home more efficient, and keep your attic cold, which is very important if you live in an area with harsh weather. A warm attic is one of the prerequisites for forming roof ice dams that can heavily damage your roof. And that is something that you definitely want to avoid. Luckily, insulating your attic can help you create a more environmentally friendly home and, more importantly, prevent damage to your roof. 

Avoid roof ice dam formation by insulating your attic.

Replacing your bathroom faucet is one of the simplest winter home improvements

One of the simplest things that you can do to improve your bathroom appeal is to install a new faucet. If you have never done this before, do not worry, it is really simple, especially if you get a faucet with the same number of mounting holes as your sink. Simply turn off the water shutoff valves under the sink and install a new faucet following the instructions that came with it.

Why wait for spring?

As you can see, you do not have to wait for spring to start improving your living space. These few winter home improvements will keep you occupied for the time being, and when the weather allows it, you can deal with other projects that require more effort and warmer conditions.

Photos used:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/snowy-house-grayscale-photo-60774/

https://unsplash.com/photos/Rtr7JeG4too 

https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-man-and-a-woman-working-for-a-delivery-company-6169668/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/snowy-winter-day-in-countryside-4947745/ 

Is It Worth Investing In Custom Blinds for Your Toronto Home?

Summary: Are planning to install custom-made blinds in your Toronto home? Discover the top reasons for choosing this option. These include getting top-quality products, a perfect fit to your windows, a diversity of styles and finishes, and value for your money. 

Image:pexels.com

Many Toronto homeowners spend money on stylish blinds, but are they getting the right kind? 

If you want new blinds or to replace existing ones, you can choose between custom and ready-made models. Readymade blinds are available at your local department store. But custom ones are made to perfectly fit your windows and suit your preferences in terms of colour and material. 

Read this post to discover the top reasons why custom blinds are the perfect choice for your Toronto home. 

Why Choose Custom Blinds Over Readymade Ones in Toronto?

Whether you have oddly-shaped or oversized windows, custom blinds are your best option. Here are the benefits of picking these coverings over readymade or pre-fabricated ones. Let’s check them out.

You Get a Perfect Fit

Readymade blinds seldom offer your windows a perfect fit. They are usually too big or small, leaving several gaps on the sides. This contradicts the key reason to have blinds in your house in the first place.

 

Only perfectly-fit custom window coverings keep your home warm and reduce your energy bills by maintaining the right temperature by eliminating gaps. Custom blinds maintain a snug fit, even on oddly-shaped windows. 

To make these blinds, a window treatment specialist will visit your house to take the precise measurements. They will also help you select materials, work within your budget, and supervise the final installation.  

You Get Multiple Options 

Unlike ready-made blinds, which usually come in a limited number of colours, textures, finishes, and styles, custom ones offer a wide range of options. This includes choosing if they’re to be mounted inside or outside the window frame and additional features such as coordinating valances or matching head rails. 

They Are of Top Quality

Custom blinds use premium fabrics and components. Whether you choose wood, venetian, or vertical blinds for your Toronto home, you’ll get a product that will last. Most custom blinds also come with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. On the other hand, readymade blinds can be of low-quality. Common complaints with them include fading colours and slats that break or fall off.

They Need Professional Installation for a Perfect Fit

 

When buying custom blinds, you need to invest money in professional measurement and installation to ensure a perfect fit. Ready-made blinds do not allow this option. They are cheaper but you get what you pay for. When you measure and/or install your blinds yourself, you may make mistakes that leave you highly unsatisfied. 

They Are the Perfect Addition to Your Home

It’s easy to find ready-made blinds at low prices in most departmental stores. But it’s wise if you consider the quality, durability, and chic appearance of solar, horizontal, or any other custom blinds in Toronto. When you do, it’s easy to see that their true value lies in choosing a product that’s designed to stay beautiful and functional for years to come.

When considering window coverings for your Toronto home, custom blinds are your best option. They perfectly fit your window and are available in a wide variety of colours and styles. They’re also a highly-durable, high-quality window covering that is functional and matches your home decor. Consult a leading window covering company to learn more about custom blinds. 

Sources:

https://www.shuttershadeshoppe.com/blog/benefits-of-custom-window-treatments/

https://curtainandblindco.com.au/inspiration/the-benefits-of-custom-blinds/

https://www.mayfairdrapery.com/b/five-reasons-to-choose-custom-blinds-over-ready-made

https://abbeyblinds.com.au/custom-made-blinds-vs-ready-made-blinds/

https://www.zebrablinds.ca/blog/ready-made-blinds-and-shades/

https://jo-vin.com/blog/top-7-benefits-custom-window-treatments/

https://budgetblinds.com/en-ca/blog/five-reasons-to-choose-custom-window-treatments/

https://curtainandblindco.com.au/inspiration/the-benefits-of-custom-blinds/

How to Shop for a Kitchen Island in Mississauga Like a Pro

Summary: Planning to buy a kitchen island in Mississauga? Not sure where to start? Your kitchen island improves the functionality of your cooking space and is a must-have. To make an informed purchase, read this blog and keep these important aspects in mind. 

Kitchen islands are an integral part of the modern cooking space, but picking the right one isn’t always simple. 

What size of kitchen island should you choose? How many seats should it accommodate? Here, we explore these and other aspects to make choosing the perfect kitchen island in Mississauga that much easier.

Top Things to Know When Buying a Kitchen Island in Mississauga

Kitchen islands are quite trendy and help to improve the functionality of the space. But what factors do you need to keep in mind when getting one? Let’s explore them here. 

Why Get A Kitchen Island? 

A kitchen island is a feature desired by many homeowners. In fact, about 77% would like to own one, with a granite and quartz countertops being preferred. So, if you want to add value to your current home or are simply looking for an upgrade, this is a great feature to consider. 

In addition to looking good and improving your property’s value, kitchen islands are a great space saver. How do you design the perfect kitchen island?

Here are some tips to consider. 

1. Make Sure You Have Space 

A kitchen island works best when there is sufficient space. While you can buy kitchen islands for small kitchens, it won’t work well in a very tight space. The point is that the traffic in your kitchen should not be interrupted. Ideally, it is best to have about 36 to 48 inches of space all around the kitchen island. 

To understand this better, do this.

• Map the area where you want to install the kitchen island. 

• Measure the space around the chosen space.

• Take note whether you can open doors and drawers freely and safely. 

If your measurement is less than 36 inches it is likely that adding a kitchen island may compromise foot traffic. While there are kitchen islands designed for small spaces, it is best to get professional assistance. To understand this better, consult a reputable kitchen renovator company in Mississauga or wherever you live. 

2. Pay Attention To Your Needs

Just getting a new kitchen island is not enough. Consider what you want in your kitchen. Do you need extra storage or a place to prepare your meals? Do you want a natural granite or quartz countertop? 

When getting a new addition to your kitchen, pay close attention to your needs and lifestyle. After all, you will be using this space the most, so it should serve you well. 

3. Consider Seating Arrangements 

Kitchen islands make a great informal dining space. So, in order to make it comfortable, here are a few things to keep in mind. 

• Plan for at least 24 inches of width per person. 

• Make sure there is adequate legroom, with a clearance of 9 to 13 inches between legs and the bottom counter. 

• Choose stools or chairs according to the height of your island. 

4. Notice The Shape Of Your Kitchen 

Take a look at the shape of your kitchen. Not all kitchen islands are built the same way and each space is unique. So, if a traditional kitchen island doesn’t fit your kitchen, consider an oval, L or a T-shaped island instead. Get expert help to figure out a design that works best for you. There is a perfect kitchen island to be had in Mississauga, or wherever you live. You simply need to take the time to figure it out. 

5. Pick The Right Material 

When designing your kitchen island, always pick durable materials. This includes selecting the countertop with care. Choose natural stones like marble or granite countertops for a timeless appeal. If you prefer quartz countertops, that too can be a great choice. Consider how you intend to use the space. Then weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the material you have picked. 

We hope this was useful. There is a kitchen island for everyone. Whenever you find yourself shopping for kitchen islands in Mississauga or wherever you are, it’s best to do your own research first. Knowledge will help you plan better and you will know what to expect going forward. Want to create your dream kitchen? Book a consultation with top kitchen renovators in Mississauga and get started right away.