The weather is getting colder, and that can only mean one thing: winter break! If you'll have some time off this winter, why not spend it improving your home? There are plenty of simple but rewarding home improvement projects you can tackle in a week or less. So if you find yourself with a bit of extra time on your hands during the holiday season, get ready to complete one of these projects our brokers recommend. 

1. Re-Painting Your Trim
   Take a look at your baseboards and any trim around your doors. Is it scuffed? Do you see a lot of chipping paint? Trim often suffers more wear and tear than your walls. Luckily, a good paint job can make it look as good as new.
   
   Tape off the trim so you can paint it quickly without leaving brush marks on your walls. When you buy paint, look for either a satin or eggshell finish. These finishes have a bit of sheen, which makes it easier to wipe stains off of the paint once it's dry.
   
   
2. Sealing Leaky Windows
   On a cold day, take a moment to stand in front of each of your windows. If you feel a draft of cold air in front of any of them, then that window has a leak. You can generally locate the leak by looking for missing caulk.
   
   If the window is missing a lot of caulk, you may want to pull all of the caulk and completely re-apply it. If there are just a few gaps, you can leave the existing caulk in place and just do a few touch-ups. Just make sure you buy the same color caulk that's there currently.
   
   
3. Add a Backsplash
   If your kitchen counters don't currently have a backsplash, adding one can completely transform the look of your kitchen. You will need a tile saw for this project. Luckily, many home improvement stores rent them. You'll also need tile, mortar, grout, tile spacers, and a trowel for applying the mortar.
   
   Watch a few videos to get a good idea of how to lay tile. Then, get to work! Medium-sized tiles are usually the easiest to work with, and there are thousands of options to match any kitchen.
   
   
4. Add Insulation to the Attic
   Many homes only have one layer of insulation in the attic and could benefit from having two. If this is the case with your home, purchase some rolls of fiberglass insulation. Look for the kind without backing. Unroll them on top of the existing insulation in your attic. The second layer should run perpendicular to the first.
   
   Adding insulation to your attic will save you lots of money on energy over the years. Plus, if you ever sell your home, it will be an energy-efficient feature that buyers appreciate.
   
   
5. Upgrade Your Light Fixtures
   If your light fixtures are outdated, you're not alone. They're easy to overlook, but replacing outdated fixtures can make your space look so much more modern. Find a few you love, and make the swap.
   
   You don't usually need to do any electrical work to change fixtures. You just need a screwdriver and maybe a wrench. If you do want to move a light fixture or add a new one, consult an electrician. Touching wiring is never a safe idea if you're not a professional. 
   
   

If you are planning to move and looking for Albuquerque homes for sale, feel free to contact us. Our agents are happy to help.