6 Affordable Winter Home Renovation Projects

Jennifer Taylor

Mon, Nov 14, 2022, 5:01 PM 4 min read

You're interested in doing some home updates, but the weather outside is frightful. To keep from freezing, you're looking for projects that can be completed indoors this winter.

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This is a great way to make your home even cozier, since you're probably trying to avoid going outside at all costs right now. Plus, it will make your space look even better and/or function more efficiently on a year-round basis.

If you're even a little handy, you can complete some of these projects on your own over the course of a weekend. However, you might need to call in a professional for others -- at least for part of the job.

Despite that, all of these home improvement projects are still affordable. This means you might want to take on more than one before the chilliest season of the year is over.

Ready to start planning your winter updates? Here are six budget-friendly projects to consider taking on this winter.

Add an Electric Fireplace

Average Cost: $425 to $1,725, according to HomeAdvisor

During the winter months, there's nothing better than curling up by the fire. If your home doesn't have a fireplace or you'd like to add another to a different room, this is a project you won't regret.

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Choosing an electric fireplace will keep you from having to build a chimney, which can be both costly and time intensive. This will allow you to enjoy all of the warmth -- without the mess, flames or potentially harmful emissions.

Expect to spend $200 to $1,500 for the fireplace and around $225 for installation.

Wallpaper an Accent Wall

Average Cost: $90 to $125 per roll, according to Fixr

Bring fresh life into any room in your home by creating an accent wall. If you think simply covering one wall with wallpaper won't make a difference, prepare to be impressed.

Prices for this vary greatly, according to the type of wallpaper used, the size of the wall and whether or not you hire someone to do the work. If you need to hire someone, add another $30 to $70 per roll to the cost.

You can also opt for peel-and-stick wallpaper, which is typically easier to install and remove.

Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets

Average Cost: $20 to $60 per gallon of paint, plus approximately $150 on supplies, according to Angi

If your kitchen needs an update, painting the cabinets can make a world of difference. This is a great way to change the aesthetic without investing the time, money or energy into a full remodel.

You can hire a professional to take on this job, but it will cost an average of $850. Therefore, if you have time to do it yourself, this can allow you to enjoy significant savings.

Since kitchen cabinets are frequently used, be sure to choose high-quality paint that can handle the traffic.

Replace Old Carpet

Average Cost: $9.50 to $19 per square foot, according to HomeAdvisor

When the weather outside is cold, being inside with fluffy carpet beneath your feet is the ultimate comfort. However, if yours is old, worn and stained, it's probably not providing the luxurious feeling you deserve.

The cost of this project will vary greatly, according to the type of carpet you choose and the amount you'll need. For example, polyester and polypropylene/olefin material averages $1 to $3 per square foot, while nylon costs approximately $2 to $5 per square foot and cotton is roughly $6 to $7 per square foot.

Install a Backsplash

Average Cost: $655, according to Houzz

Change the look of your kitchen or bathroom by installing a backsplash. In addition to looking great, it also can protect your walls, keeping them clean and safe.

As with many other upgrades, the cost of your backsplash project will vary according to the type of material selected and the size of the wall. For example, ceramic tile costs $6 to $26 per square foot, while quartz averages $65 to $95 per square foot.

Alternatively, if you want to take on this project yourself but aren't sure you can succeed with traditional installation, opt for a peel-and-stick backsplash. Notably user friendly, this option ranges in price from $4 to $30 per square foot, according to Angi.

Install a Smart Thermostat

Average Cost: $100 to $500, plus $200 installation, according to HomeAdvisor

Change the way you heat and cool your home by upgrading to a smart thermostat. While the initial price tag is higher, it will more than pay itself back, as it can help you save 10% to 15% per year on utility bills.

Prepare to be amazed by your new thermostat, as it offers many innovative features, including learning your preferences and Wi-Fi remote management and monitoring. Given the complex nature of the thermostat, you will need to hire a professional to install it.

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