Winter is the perfect time for Florida homeowners to tackle a few house projects. Better yet, many home improvements and upgrades have an excellent return on investment (ROI) and will elevate your property value — a bonus if you want to sell your house in the spring. Here are seven winter projects you’ll want to dive into this season.
1. Spruce Up the Garden
Neat house in South Florida. Image via Unsplash.
Curb appeal matters whether you’re attracting potential buyers or simply want to come home to a beautiful house. According to Zillow and Thumbtack data, 33% of homeowners invest in landscaping before listing their house. Another 21% believe curb appeal upgrades helped them sell their home.
You can enhance your property’s curb appeal by laying fresh sod or fertilizer down for a lush, green lawn. Adding new flowers and mulch to garden beds also exudes a more kept look. Remember to add native plants, too, which require little maintenance and are already adapted to the region.
2. Enhance the Home Exterior
Exterior of Florida home with curb appeal. Image via Unsplash.
Because of Florida’s weather conditions, your home may be covered in dirt and debris. Giving your siding a good power cleaning enhances the exterior appearance. Likewise, winter is the best time to repair holes, dents and cracks, update the shutters or repaint the outside of your home, especially since temperatures are lower and drier this time of year.
Adding a storm door may also enhance your exterior aesthetic value. Storm doors come in various sizes, colors and styles and offer additional protection from rain, dust and pollen. They also allow you to ventilate the indoors when temperatures are comfortable outside.
3. Optimize Energy Efficiency
Smart thermostat for energy efficiency. Image via Unsplash.
With intensifying extreme weather throughout the state, homeowners need to look at ways to optimize their homes. Energy efficiency upgrades help Florida homeowners save power and money on utility bills. If you really want to elevate your property value during the winter, consider the following projects:
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Sealing cracks and gaps around windows, doors and air ventilation ducts
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Adding new insulation to the walls, ceiling and floors
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Replacing outdated windows and doors with newer, more efficient models
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Installing a solar water heater
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Integrating a programmable or smart thermostat for enhanced indoor comfort
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Adding skylights for natural light
Many of these projects have impressive ROIs. For instance, a programmable thermostat can return 5%–25% of your investment, while energy-efficient windows have a 70% ROI. Likewise, you could opt for hurricane-resistant windows to protect your home from more frequent tropical cyclones.
4. Remodel the Kitchen
Modern white kitchen with wood island. Image via Unsplash.
You can’t go wrong with a kitchen remodel. According to a 2024 report, a minor kitchen remodel has a 96.1% ROI, adding $26,406 to your property value. Upgrades could include replacing cabinet fronts with shaker-style panels, adding more modern hardware and replacing kitchen appliances with energy-efficient products.
Additionally, you might paint the walls and trim, replace old counters with quartz or granite countertops and install a new sink. If you have money left over in your budget, give your kitchen a facelift with a new backsplash and flooring.
5. Upgrade Outdoor Living
Luxury outdoor space with swimming pool. Image via Unsplash.
The beauty of living in Florida is you can spend time outside year-round. As such, you’ll want to enhance your outdoor living space to increase your property value. Invest in new patio furniture, add string lights, and integrate a fountain for soothing, trickling water.
More extensive projects include an outdoor kitchen with a built-in barbecue or an in-ground pool for the picturesque aesthetic appeal of the sun hitting the water all year round. If you lack backyard space, a plunge pool may be another option. While it’ll cost you $20,000 initially, it’s worth it in the long run. These pools are much more shallow and allow you to lounge comfortably.
6. Maintain the Roof
Rooftop view of residential neighborhood. Image via Unsplash.
Inspect your roof bi-annually to ensure it’s in proper condition. Most Florida roofs are asphalt, with a life span of 15-25 years — but inclement weather can impact its durability.
Tropical storms and hurricanes bring strong winds and rain, which can lift shingles and leave your home susceptible to water damage. Have your roof looked at by a professional and make the necessary repairs immediately after a storm.
7. Invest in New Flooring
Interior view of attractive flooring. Image by Unsplash.
Flooring — it’s one of the first things visitors and potential buyers see when they enter your home. An attractive, neat floor can significantly boost your home’s property value. In fact, research indicates that new flooring can add up to 80% return on investment (ROI) and over 2% increase in sales price.
The biggest decision is selecting what flooring will work best in a home. Each type has its own benefits and aesthetic value. For example, hardwood flooring remains popular due to its versatility, and with engineered hardwood there’s protection against humidity.
Laminate flooring is often a preferred type for pet owners because it is resistant to scratches, dents and stains. Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) are simple to maintain and are often selected for its affordability, whereas some homeowners look for high-end flooring choices like natural stone. No matter what flooring you choose, it can make a huge difference to the property’s appeal.
Winter Home Projects for Excellent Value
Making home improvements during the winter creates optimal living and improves property value. With the right projects, you can earn a high ROI and impress potential buyers if you choose to sell.