10 Easy DIYs You Should Teach Yourself This Winter, According to Contractors

Winter often means spending more time indoors, but it doesn't have to mean putting home improvement projects on hold. In fact, winter is a great time to focus on indoor DIY projects. Here are 10 DIYs that contractors recommend you tackle this winter.

Build Storage Cubes

Winter is ideal for constructing pieces like storage cubes, says Myles Robinson of UK Composite Doors. They're compact and can be built in any available indoor space.

"It's a beginner-friendly woodworking project that teaches you valuable skills like measuring, cutting, and assembling, all while creating something practical for your home," Robinson says.

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Paint Baseboards

Painting your baseboards can give a clean look with sharp lines. Unlike painting a wall, which you mostly cover with a roller, this requires more skilled brushwork, says Carr Lanphier of painting contracting company Improovy.

"Painting baseboards requires careful brushwork, using longer strokes and even pressure," he says.

It's a transferable skill too. Once you master this, you can paint trim anywhere in your home, including around windows and doors.

Install USB Outlets

Bulky USB adapters for your devices can clutter your space and take up outlets. The solution: install USB wall outlets.

"They eliminate the need for bulky adapters and free up standard outlets for other uses," says Daniel Vasilevski of Bright Force Electrical.

If you already know how to install an outlet, installing a USB outlet is just as simple. If not, it's a great way to learn a useful new skill.

Paint an Accent Wall

An accent wall can add character to a room by changing the color or texture of one wall.

"Painting an accent wall or interior trim can be a great way to freshen up a room," Lanphier says. Here are some simple ideas for accent walls:

• Bold colors like neon yellow or orange.
• Murals created with paint and painter's tape.
• Pre-cut wall stencils with unique designs.

Replace Hardware

If your door knobs and cabinet hardware are outdated, swapping them out is a quick and easy upgrade.

"Changing out old knobs, drawer pulls, or even door handles can give your home an instant facelift," Robinson says.

Robinson recommends upgrading to soft-close hinges for older kitchens and bathrooms.

Learn Basic Plumbing

Hiring a plumber can be expensive; it can cost up to $500 for simple tasks like unclogging a toilet or fixing a leak.

Save money by learning some basic plumbing skills. With a few basic tools, says Docia Boylen, owner of Handyman Connection of Golden, you can learn to replace a toilet, install a new faucet, or upgrade a shower head.

Feeling more ambitious? Try more complex projects like installing a water heater or replacing copper lines with plastic PEX tubing.

Add Dimmers

Dimmer switches allow you to control the lighting in your home to suit different moods and activities, Vasilevski says.

"They also enhance energy efficiency, improve lighting aesthetics, and reduce eye strain," he adds.

Installing a dimmer switch takes about 30 minutes. Choose the best dimmer switch to match your needs, room type, and light bulbs.

Install a Pegboard

Pegboard walls strike the perfect balance between function and design. They organize your workspace and give the room a unique look.

Teach yourself to build a DIY pegboard by mounting a 4-foot by 8-foot stain-grade pegboard on top of two-by-two mounting boards.

Sand, stain or paint the board, then add pegboard hardware.

Learn Tiling

Learning to install tile can be intimidating, but winter is a great time to develop these skills, Boylen says.

Waterproof your bathroom by installing wall tile. Use plastic tile spacers to keep seams consistent and prevent sliding.

Another easy project is installing mosaic tiles on a backsplash. Or choose subway tiles for a timeless look that never goes out of style.

Hang Pictures

If you have framed pictures waiting for a place on your walls, winter is the perfect time to hang them.

Use specialty hooks to hang a picture in less than 15 minutes. Alternatively, use wire for hanging, which allows you to quickly level the picture.