Embracing the the New Season with Must-Have Renovation Tips

There are people who list winter as their favorite season of the year. If you live in southern California, chances are you are not one of them. While the area offers an escape from snow drifts and ice storms, the season still presents its share of challenges even to California residents. With this in mind, keep reading as we explore some of the most essential renovations that can help you embrace the winter season as much as possible.
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Upgrade the Roofing

The roofing is one of the most essential areas of the home during winter. It must be able to withstand lowering temperatures, projectile impact, and precipitation accumulation. And as California residents have unfortunately seen firsthand in recent weeks, the dry air and howling winds can also be a treacherous formula for winter fires.


As such, the debate of wood shingles vs wood shakes is pointless in the California climate. These traditional roofing options offer little utility against fire and harsh winter conditions. A better option is composite roofing shingles. These engineered roofing shingles are fabricated from a combination of asphalt, fiberglass, and recycled polymers. They offer the highest wind, fire, and impact resistance on the market, making them ideal for stylishly withstanding the variable forces that winter conditions are sure to bring.


Improve the Insulation


There is no better time than winter to improve your home’s insulation. It will boost the R-value of the building envelope, helping create a stable interior temperature as the ambient temperatures cool. This establishes a more comfortable, energy-efficient environment for homeowners. On the topic of energy efficiency and eco-friendliness, it is increasingly trendy to opt for sustainable insulation solutions. Products such as recycled denim, sheep’s wool, and hemp offer R-values equal to or greater than traditional blow-in insulation products, all while offering lower toxicity and more sustainable sourcing.


Apply A Fresh Coat of Paint

Sometimes, the most impactful renovations are the most simple in scope. Something as straightforward as a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for protecting the home--and boosting the curb appeal--of the home during changing winter conditions.


Given the aforementioned fire proclivity in California, residents may want to consider an even more robust siding upgrade. Fiber cement can be fabricated into any of the most popular siding colors to give homeowners the exterior aesthetics they desire, along with a Class A fire rating.

Incorporate Low Maintenance Features

Life slows down in winter. It takes more time to get up and moving, dress warmly, and get out the door in colder temperatures. With this in mind, any low maintenance features will pay huge dividends during the winter months, saving time best spent enjoying a warm cup of coffee. Some ideas for low maintenance renovations include nonporous quartz countertops, luxury vinyl tile flooring, and stainless steel kitchen appliances.


Protect Against Moisture

Moisture resistance is one of the top priorities during winter. Even in typically arid southern California, the vast majority of precipitation will occur between November and April. For unprepared homes, the risk of flooding, erosion, and mudslides is palpable when a heavy downpour does occur.


Therefore, it is best to preempt any such episodes with the proper preparation. Guarantee a strong gutter and flashing infrastructure on the roof to keep runoff flowing in the correct direction. Look into how to waterproof basement walls to keep groundwater from threatening the foundation. Make sure that all landscaping is adequately sloped away from the home, installing slot drains as necessary to shield against backflow.


Consider Radiant Heating


Even during the summer, there is always a bit of nippiness in the hours just before dawn. By the time winter rolls around, the nippiness becomes more than just nippiness, and the chill tends to linger long after the break of day. One innovative idea is to install radiant floor heating to the flooring substrate. Using a series of app-controlled electric mats, radiant heating systems release heat up through the floor in a consistent, stovelike manner. This offers a more consistent, efficient heating experience than traditional forced-air systems, eliminating cold pockets and maximizing enjoyment of the home during all hours of the day.


Build a Sunroom


Transitional space is one of the top concepts in modern home design. Homeowners want to be able to seamlessly connect interior and exterior spaces for optimal enjoyment of their property. However, the exterior of the home is not always accessible during the winter months. One great way to create transitional space and leverage biophilic sensibilities in all seasons is through the creation of a sunroom. Glass walls and 12x12 outdoor tile systems for the floor can shape an impression of being outside while offering a degree of insulation from the chilly weather.


Handle the New Season in Stride with Essential Renovations
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Even in the typically warm climate of southern California, winter brings with it some changing weather that requires special attention. From upgraded roofing to the addition of transitional space, consider any of the ideas listed above and embrace the new season. For more of the most trending home improvement and design tips, explore the resources at Jill Seidner Interior Design for ideas and inspiration today!


Author Bio
Andrea Erickson is a freelance writer who loves sharing her knowledge and expertise in renovation and Interior Design. She lives in her hometown of Austin, Texas where she enjoys spending time with her husband and decorating with her children. Andrea’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.