Waukesha County Home

Family Features E ven if you're not terribly handy, there are many simple household repairs that you can easily do your- self to avoid unnecessary time and expense. This is especially true in the winter, when little improvements can make a big difference in your comfort and energy consumption. If you're like most people, your home is your single largest investment, so it's common to be apprehensive about tack- ling home repairs if you have little expe- rience. However, lear ning to do some basic home maintenance is a smart way to protect and maintain your home's value without having to locate, schedule and supervise a contractor. These common household fixes to win- ter-proof your home are easy enough for a novice, but might just give you a boost of confidence to tackle bigger projects in the future. Painting There's no time like the dull, dark days of winter to realize how dim a room may be. When you're spending more time indoors anyway, it might as well be for a productive purpose, like adding some life to a dreary room. Whether you update the entire space or simply add an accent wall, painting is a low-cost, entry-level way to enhance your home's aesthetic appeal. Seal air leaks According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average home has a half-mile of gaps and cracks where air and mois- ture can enter, and these air leaks account for 25-40 percent of the energy used for heating and cooling a typical home. Fill- ing gaps and cracks brings immediate sav- ings while making the home more com- fortable and environmentally friendly. It actually takes little time or skill to fix air leaks, which are especially common around doors and windows. The key is using a quality product, such as the Great Stuff Insulating Foam Sealant, which is specially for mulated to seal gaps and cracks to help block air, moisture and pests. To make repairs even easier, the sealant is available with the Great Stuff Smart Dispenser, which offers more preci- sion, less mess and product reusability. Add insulation Another energy-saving idea you can tackle by yourself is improving your home's insulation. A great deal of the home's heat escapes through the attic, but adding more insulation can help trap warmth, making your home more energy efficient. Insulation also helps resist moisture infiltration and condensation, which is particularly concerning during the winter months. Tile accents If you're overwhelmed by the idea of laying your own tile floor, starting with some accent tile is a simple way to practice. A bathroom or kitchen backsplash is a small space that requires a relatively small amount of material and a well- defined work space. When selecting your tile, be conscious of how much trimming you'll need to do to accommodate features like electrical outlets; choosing a smaller tile or using sheets of tile may make that step easier. Add storage Spending extra time indoors is likely to remind you just how cluttered some areas have become. Take advantage of the time to organize and add storage elements to help keep your space neat and clean. Organizer shelves and closet systems are typically easy to assemble and can serve as func- tional additions to your home. Get more ideas for DIY projects to tackle this winter at GreatStuff.com. When weather, wear sneak up and surprise you 5 DIY winter home repair hacks you might be unfamiliar with Getty Images Among the home maintenance tasks that can be tackled in the winter is painting. You might be surprised by how a fresh color or just a coat of new paint can change a room — and your outlook on winter. HOME FEBRUARY 2019 4 K i t c h e n s | B a t h s | D e n s | C a b i n s | O f f i c e s | R e c R o o m s Work With Experienced Design Professionals "We Specialize in Cabinetry" 1005 Richards Road, Hartland | 262.367.9439 www.kitchencreators.com Cabinetry For Every Room, Every Budget! 263407001 We Beat All Big Box Stores and all Competitors | Visit Our Showroom By Appointment NEW SHOWROOM DISPLAYS! WE SPECIALIZE IN NORCRAFT'S MID CONTINENT CABINETRY

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