After a winter storm here in Alabama, we are reminded that sometimes it does get cold in the South. Since this doesn’t happen often, when it does, you may learn the hard way that your space is not equipped for that type of weather.

To help you prepare for future cold weather events, here are 4 improvements you should make to your home to ensure it is winter-ready.

Replace Your Drafty Old Windows

You would be amazed at how much cold air old windows allow into your home. Not only that, but newer windows can offer extra protection during heavy rain or hailstorms that could cause severe damage.

So, if your windows are more than 15-20 years old or have cracks or damage, it’s a good idea to look into replacing them.

Installing double-paned windows will provide your home with an additional layer of air between its interior and the cold, stormy air outside. These new windows will also look more modern while providing you with a more energy-efficient space, which is excellent news since winter utility bills can be sky-high.

Encapsulate Your Crawl Space

A much-needed but, admittedly, not very exciting improvement you should make to your home is encapsulating your crawl space. It’s estimated that close to half of the air that gets into your home comes through the crawl space… and who knows how many bugs get in through there as well!

Encapsulating your crawl space will seal air leaks, prevent moisture and water intrusion, and improve indoor air quality. Even though you may not be able to see the benefits, you will enjoy them year-round as your home will be much more comfortable.

Make Sure Your Fireplace Is Winter-Ready

When the weather gets crazy here, power outages are not uncommon. If you don’t have a generator, you want to make sure you have a way to heat your home so you aren’t freezing inside your home.

A traditional wood-burning fireplace is a functional and aesthetically pleasing way to heat the home. If you don’t have the space for an actual fireplace, wood-burning stoves are efficient and trendy. They don’t take up a lot of space, but depending on the stove you choose, they can heat up to 2,500 square feet. These will also give your space a vintage and rustic look, acting as a great focal point.

Stock Your Pantry (or Add One If Needed)

When even a small amount of snow means a week stuck in your home due to undrivable roads, you need to stock up on supplies. To stock up on supplies, you need a large pantry or other storage space to keep at least a week’s worth of food, water, and other household necessities.

Fortunately, adding a pantry or expanding one you already have isn’t as challenging as you may think. We love converting an unused coat closet or the awkward space under the stairs into a space for storage. If you don’t have either of those spaces, you could get creative with your kitchen layout and install floor-to-ceiling cabinets to act as a pantry space.

Ready to transform your home to new heights? Connect with us to discuss your project and start your home remodeling journey today.