Fall is the perfect season to get things done. The weather is just right, the humidity is gone, and now you can focus on prepping your home for colder days ahead. If you spent your summer remodeling, fall is also a good time to revisit those projects you might’ve put off. But which home improvements are best to tackle this time of year? And how much will it cost you? Check out these top remodeling projects to get you started.

 

Determine Your Budget

Before you start Pinteresting and purchasing, take the time to determine your budget for the project. Start by listing which areas of your home you’d like to focus on and what you’d like to do to them. This will help you estimate costs.

Then, look at your household income versus expenses to determine how you will finance the projects. What can you reasonably contribute? Can you pay in cash, or should you take out a loan? Once you know how much you can afford, set aside 10 to 20% of the funds to cover any unexpected expenses. It’s important to have a buffer.

If you find your projects will be costlier than expected, check out your monthly expenses to see where you can cut back or pay down existing debt. Freeing up extra money from debt payments or unnecessary costs might be just the boost your budget needs.

 

Paint Your Home

If a total renovation isn’t in the cards, a fresh coat of paint on both the exterior and interior of your home can make it feel brand new. Painting has the added benefit of sealing surfaces as well. So, before the cold weather moves in, you can protect your home from the winter elements for a fraction of the cost of other insulation methods.

If you can’t commit to painting your entire home, or just worry you won’t like your paint choice in a year, consider painting only the front door. There are few things that enhance curb appeal quite like a fresh-looking entryway, and this simple project could be just what your home needs to elevate it. You can make this a DIY task or, if your budget allows it, consider hiring a professional to ensure a quality finish.

Clean the Gutters

Though it’s likely at the bottom of many homeowners’ favorite to-do lists, cleaning out your gutters before winter is an important task to accomplish. And there’s no better time to get the job done than fall. If you play your cards right, you could even wait until the last leaves drop to give your gutters a sweep before the snow falls. If you need to replace your gutters, this is a great opportunity to evaluate your options.

Meanwhile, take this time to inspect your roof as well. Are there any minor repairs that need to be taken care of like missing shingles or small leaks? While these aren’t the most exciting home projects, they’re important to handle before they become a major problem.

 

Prep Your Fireplace

If you have a fireplace in your home, fall is the perfect time to make sure it’s in good working order. If you regularly maintain your fireplace, this might not be a huge lift. But if it’s been a while, consider hiring a professional to inspect and clean your chimney. It might seem tedious, but unmaintained fireplaces are dangerous, so it’s best to keep up with them.

If you don’t have a fireplace already, consider installing one if your budget allows. Not only will it make your home feel warm and cozy before the holidays, but fireplaces can add value to your home as well.

 

Winterize Everything

Getting your home ready for winter is probably the most important remodel you can do this fall. This could include re-caulking the windows and doors, sealing any cracks where heat could escape, and insulating your attic. You’ll thank yourself for tackling these projects when you’re saving on heating costs and preventing damage to your furnace, plumbing, and roof.

 

Bottom Line

Fall remodeling doesn’t have to be a total gut job, nor does it have to break the bank. Taking the time to plan and care for your home is the best way to ensure its long-term health while giving you the best chance to cozy up this winter.