12 Home Improvement Chores For 2022

Home chores don’t always have to feel like a chore! There is something about the new year that always gets me motivated and excited again for improvements on our property and in our home. As the year wanes everything does begin to feel a bit like a chore but, one thing about our long winters, by the time spring comes around I am totally excited and ready to go again!

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)

Your home should be a place where you feel grounded and relaxed, if you’re not happy with your property there are many different ways that you can make adjustments. If you’re looking to spruce up your home in 2022 try these 12 home improvement chores.

Inside Your Property

     1 . Seal gaps & cracks

Over time our properties are prone to wear and tear whether it’s cracked in the walls gaps around the window panes. You should be able to fix up these gaps easily using caulk (or a similar sealant). If you’re looking for a healthy and green option there are several eco-friendly caulk brands on the market. Try options like the ‘Green Series Acrylic Urethane Indoor/Outdoor Sealant’, the low VOC content makes it a much healthier option for the home. When you’re shopping for home improvement products it’s best to keep things as green as possible.

2. Re-paint your walls

Does your home look like it needs a bit of TLC? Repainting the walls is the best way to give everything a refresh. Keen to keep up with the latest trends? Pastel colors are making a comeback this season. Team pastel shades of lilac green or pink with floral fabrics and recycled wood furniture. In 2022 it’s all about creating that wholesome ‘cottage’ look. You’d be surprised how much a new color scheme can transform your home.

3. Get an energy audit

You might think that your home is energy efficient but there might be a few improvements that you could make. One option is to get a home energy audit, an energy professional can assess how energy efficient your property is, helping you to make improvements. For a few general ideas to improve energy efficiency, try the following:

• Use energy star-rated appliances.
• Install a smart thermostat.
• Invest in solar power for your home.

4. Conserve more water

Conserving water is a great way to improve your home and go green. You might conserve water by adjusting your water consumption habits or installing low-flow taps and showerheads. Another idea is to add a rainwater collector in your garden. There are many ways that you can use rainwater around the home, including:

• Cooking and laundry. 
• Watering the garden.
• Composting.
• Washing the dishes.

If there’s a problem with your drainage system you could be wasting water without realizing it. It’s best to local plumbing experts if you notice any issues.

5. Remove clutter

If your home is feeling cluttered you might find it a little hard to relax in your property. Once you remove the clutter you’ll create more space and feel more comfortable at home. Decluttering can take some time, so don’t feel that you have to do it all at once. Start off with just one room, all you need is a few boxes and a little bit of spare time. It’s best to dispose of your items in an eco-friendly way.

6. New Artwork

When you add new artwork to your home you’ll give the space a zest of new life. Spend a little bit of time thinking about which type of art you’re looking for? It can be nice to choose a certain theme or style and apply this to all of your rooms. If you’d like to get creative, why not make your own art piece? For instance, you might take a landscape photo and have it printed on a canvas?

The Exterior & Garden 

1 . Repaint your fences

Looking for a quick way to spruce up your garden? Repainting the fences is a great way to make your outdoor space look brand new. Painting your fences will help to improve the look of your garden plus it will protect the wood from the elements. For a few tips to help you paint your fences, keep these in mind:

• Before you get started, mow the law (especially around the bottom of your fence).
• If the paint on your fence is chipped or flaking use a scraper and sandpaper to remove these areas.
• Clean your fence with the help of a hose or a pressure washer.
• Apply a layer of primer before you start painting.

2. Fix cracked paving stones

Repair any cracked paving stones, if there is too much damage it’s better to replace your paving stones altogether. First, you’ll need to choose which type of material you’d like for your paving stones, you can choose between block paving, porcelain paving, natural stone, or concrete. There are plenty of benefits of using natural stone including:

• Natural stone is considered a durable option.
• A great way to create an eco-friendly garden.
• Natural stone is easy to maintain.
• A cost-effective option.

3. Beautiful plants

There’s no better way to create a beautiful garden than by filling it with plenty of plants and flowers. If you’re wondering which plants to choose here are some of the best flowers to plant in January:

• Hellebores: these are perfect to add a splash of color to your borders and beds. These flowers will attract plenty of bumblebees to your garden.
• Narcissi: These delicate white flowers are a great choice for January, if you take good care of them, they’ll come back each year.
• Snapdragons: Plant a few snapdragons now and they should bloom around June. To stay healthy these flowers need fairly moist compost.

4. Add garden ornaments

Adding garden ornaments is a great way to add a touch of charm to your garden. Ornaments come in plenty of different styles, whether you’re looking for ostentatious and colorful décor, or something more minimal. If you’re keen to save money why not check out second-hand or vintage stores? There are plenty of ways that you can improve your garden on a budget.

5. Clean out your gutters

Cleaning out your gutters is a dull job, but it does have to be done! Unless you clean out your guttering every once in a while you could end up with problems with your roof. It’s best to inspect your gutters and your roof every 3 months, or after extreme weather. If you’re not keen to get up onto the roof yourself it’s best to hire a roofing contractor for you.

6. New garden furniture 

Purchasing new garden furniture is an easy way to improve your outdoor space. With the right furniture, you can create a lovely outdoor living room for entertaining and leisure. Pastel colors are trending this year, from our gardens to our kitchens. Once you’ve chosen the right furniture all you need are a few garden accessories.

Further inspiration

Looking for a little further inspiration to improve your home? These podcasts have got you well and truly covered:

A Beautiful Mess: 

Join Elsie and Emma for some great DIY advice and tips. There are lots to learn from color schemes to mood boards, home improvement hacks, and more. If you want to create a happier home, or perhaps prepare your home for sale, you’ll certainly want to tune in.

Fix it 101: 

Do you need a bit of help fixing up your home? The Fix it 101 can help get all your DIY questions answered from plumbing to electrical problems. Whether you’re looking for advice about rising damp or home security you’ll find it here.

Reclaimed Podcast: 

Keen to get started on some upcycling projects? Then tune in to the reclaimed podcast. When you’re decluttering your home it can be super helpful to get some upcycling ideas.

Challenge yourself to tackle these home improvement chores in 2022. When you take the time to improve your home you’ll add value and enhance your quality of life. Whether it’s creating the perfect bathroom or improving your garden space there are so many ways to design the ideal home.

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)