6 Home improvement ideas for fall and winter and how to pay for them

By Citizens Staff

Everyone's got a mental list of projects they'd love to tackle around the house. Right now, you know which upgrades, enhancements and renovations are topping your wish list. But maybe you're unsure about where to start or how you'll pay for those changes.

Homeowners often associate the warmer months with home projects. But fall and winter offer unique advantages for getting started.

So get ready! We're sharing our favorite home improvement ideas for the chilly months ahead. Get inspired with ideas, ballpark your costs and learn how you can finance your projects.

Fall and winter home improvement ideas

Why should you start your home upgrades and renovation tasks this autumn or winter?

Building materials and even contractor rates may be discounted during these less-in-demand months. Some projects can increase energy efficiency as you head into the colder part of the year. And being stuck inside on chilly days can offer great opportunities for DIY endeavors.

Here are some popular projects to consider for this time of year.

Kitchen renovations

Kitchens are often the hub of your home socially and practically. Even minor upgrades can improve your kitchen's functionality, meet your family's changing needs and make the room a joyous place to cook and gather.

Kitchen renovations typically range from $14,600 to $41,500, with an average price tag of $26,960.

Smaller projects include replacing countertops, refacing or replacing cabinets, changing lighting fixtures, adding new hardware, installing a backsplash, upgrading appliances and adding a fresh coat of paint.

You might also consider more costly remodels like new flooring, a custom-built island, changes to wiring or plumbing and structural modifications to walls and windows.

Bathroom renovations

Bathroom upgrades are an excellent way to improve functionality, particularly if you add safety features or make it more accessible. Plus, modifications can enhance your comfort and boost your home's overall value.

Bathroom renovations typically range from $6,600 to $17,600, with an average price tag of $12,093.

You can see inexpensive enhancements with cosmetic changes like upgraded cabinetry and hardware, repainting and new lighting. At a higher price point, you might replace bathroom fixtures (sink, toilet, tub or shower), retile, change flooring or install new countertops.

If you plan to gut your bathroom and change its layout, expect to pay upwards of $10,000 for your project.

New or refinished hardwood floors

Well-maintained hardwood floors can easily last for decades. When yours look lackluster, you can opt to refinish or replace the wood.

Refinishing typically costs $3 to $8 per square foot. Consider refinishing if your hardwood's defects are minor — minimal dents, scratches and color fading.

The cost to replace hardwood varies, depending on factors like wood type, grade, dimensions and finish. Popular hardwood choices include the following:

• Cherry: $6 to $16 per square foot
• Hickory: $4 to $14 per square foot
• Maple: $4 to $12 per square foot
• Oak (red or white): $5 to $12 per square foot
• Walnut: $8 to $14 per square foot

Closet expansion or remodeling

Upgrading a closet can transform your storage, creating better use of space, increasing square footage, maximizing functionality and beautifying that zone.

Remodeling can be a simple DIY project that involves hanging shelves, drawers and rods and adding storage solutions like bins or shoe racks. You might opt for better lighting, freshly painted walls and touches of your style as well.

Expect to pay more if you choose a custom organization system for your closet or hire a professional to design and organize. If you're expanding your closet, you'll likely work with a contractor to remove walls and create the perfect storage space.

New roofing

Roof replacement offers some valuable cost-saving benefits to homeowners. As you head toward the winter months, you'll find that a new roof can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs.

Professionals can ensure your roof offers protection from the elements, quality insulation, controlled ventilation and even reflective properties to maximize energy efficiency. Additionally, a new roof can increase your home's value and even offer tax credits for meeting ENERGY STAR requirements.

Your home's roof will likely last 20 to 30 years. A new roof typically ranges from $5,900 to $13,100, with an average price tag of $9,458.

Upgraded windows

Window projects can vary greatly in complexity and cost. You might replace just the sash, place a new window in an existing frame or make structural changes with new frames and trim.

Windows are an excellent place to improve your home's energy efficiency. Modern windows often include enhanced insulation, tightened air gaps, UV protection and heat-reflective properties. ENERGY STAR-certified windows can save you up to 12% on heating and cooling costs.

Replacing your windows generally costs $3,400 to $11,900, with an average price tag of $7,318. Expect professionals to spend 30 to 60 minutes replacing a single window, with 10 to 15 windows replaced daily.

Pay less for home improvements

While home projects can be costly, you can find significant savings with a few strategies:

1. Consider a DIY approach for smaller tasks like painting, organizing and some renovations.
2. Choose affordable materials over pricier options.
3. Refinish or repurpose fixtures instead of replacing them.
4. Find trusted contractors for bigger projects to save on costly mistakes.
5. Compare quotes on materials and labor before you commit.

How to finance your home improvement projects

Even a few minor home upgrades and repairs can add up quickly. And a major renovation can cost thousands of dollars.

If you don't have all that cash on hand, financing your home improvements may be the right choice. Your options may include a credit card, personal loan, home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC).

A HELOC is one of the most popular ways you can finance home renovations. With 83% of homeowners believing their home equity has increased in the last year, it's no wonder 38% of those planning renovations fund them with a HELOC or home equity loan.

A HELOC is secured by the equity in your home. It's a revolving line of credit, which means it works like a credit card. You can access funds as you choose and only pay interest on the portion you borrow.

While a home equity loan will require you to draw 100% of the funds upfront, a HELOC allows you the flexibility to borrow what you need when you need it. This means you can draw in increments at a time to pay a contractor or buy supplies.

Home renovations often involve multiple payments of varying — and sometimes unpredictable — amounts. The flexibility of a HELOC aligns perfectly with the complexity and duration of home repairs. Plus, HELOCs typically feature interest rates that are significantly lower than other forms of financing.

Most HELOCs allow you to borrow for the first 10 years of the life of the loan, referred to as the draw period. During the draw period, you are only required to make payments toward interest on the amount you have drawn. After the 10-year draw period ends, the repayment period begins. The repayment period usually lasts for 15 years. During this time, you'll be required to make payments toward both the principal and the interest. This longer time frame a HELOC offers could mean more manageable monthly payments than shorter-term options like a personal loan.

Citizens makes it easy to apply for a HELOC thanks to Citizens FastLine®. With an easy online application, you'll receive a personalized HELOC offer in just two to three minutes. After accepting your offer, you could be ready to close in as little as two weeks and have the funds you need for your project in another two weeks.

Finance your wish list with a HELOC

Which home improvement ideas will you tackle this fall and winter? Whatever you choose, Citizens is ready to help you convert your home's existing equity into financing for your big dreams. With our award-winning commitment to your customer experience, we'll partner with you to maximize your home's potential.

Ready to get started? Get your personalized offer on a Citizens HELOC today.