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Home & Garden Articles
3 Home Improvements That Are Cheaper in the Winter
Mon 26 Jan 2009 - 14:53
3 Home Improvements That Are Cheaper in the Winter
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=TC_Thorn]TC Thorn
Everyone is looking for ways to save money these days, even avid home improvement lovers. If you're pinching pennies, this might not be the time to install those granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, or expensive home additions. However there are some home improvements that have to be done, either to help with the energy efficiency of your household or just because old systems have worn out.
Because winter is traditionally a time for hunkering down and staying in, people often don't think of doing home improvements. This is exactly what makes prices excellent on services that can be offered no matter what the weather is doing.
While some work is definitely seasonal (no one wants to get up on your snowy roof to install solar panels in the winter!), others can be done year around.
Here are three jobs you might want to have done before spring comes around:
1 Install a Wood or Pellet Stove at the End of the Season
If you've been thinking about cutting back on your reliance on city-provided electricity or natural gas, a wood-burning or pellet stove may be an option. This is especially true in rural areas or places where wood, pellets, and even corn (many pellet stoves can burn corn) are readily available.
The best time to buy a new stove like this is at the end of the winter. Most people buy in the fall, when temperatures are just starting to drop, and they pay a premium! If you look for a stove at the end of the winter or early spring, you'll be able to find good deals. This is also the best time to buy next year's pellets or firewood!
2 Install a Home Security System
Although "home security" doesn't necessarily have a season, installing cameras and alarm systems are things people don't usually think of doing when snow drifts are snugged up to the side of the house. Professionals who work in the installation business still need work though and as long as the weather isn't too bad, they can mount cameras and set up alarm systems.
If you've said no to home security systems in the past, you may be surprised at how affordable security cameras, home security dvr systems, alarm systems, and the like have become for homeowners. The technology has improved a lot too.
Because business is often slow in the winter, you can often find better deals than during busier times of the year. Installation and monitoring companies compete with each other, and there isn't usually a lot of difference between what they offer, so make sure to comparison shop for the best rates.
3 Get Your Flooring Replaced
If you've been sick and tired of your stained carpets for a long time, winter can be a good time to find deals on carpeting, laminate flooring, hardwoods and the like. While the materials won't necessarily be a lot cheaper this time of year, the installers who are scrounging for business are often willing to provide discounts.
Since flooring is installed indoors, even those deep drifts of snow won't matter.
If you wait until summer, you'll be competing with all the other folks who get the home improvement itch when the sun is shining. Winter is a great time invite contractors out to make estimates.
The author blogs on [http://www.luxuryhousingtrends.com/]home improvement topics and has covered everything from pellet stoves to [http://www.homesecurityinformation.com/blog/home-security-dvr-systems-now-affordable-for-homeowners]home security dvr systems. Check out her sites for more ideas on how to improve your home.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=TC_Thorn http://EzineArticles.com/?3-Home-Improvements-That-Are-Cheaper-in-the-Winter&id=1912290
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