Ask Angi: What are the best projects for January?

A new year means it's time for new home projects! January is the perfect time to refresh your space. Here are my top projects to complete this January.

I always recommend painting in January. Not only is it a great way to start off the year, but paint tends to dry quicker in the winter due to the cool, dry air. Just make sure to buy low-VOC paint if you don’t want to open all the windows and doors while the paint dries. According to our annual State of Home Spending Survey, interior painting was the most popular home job behind standard maintenance last year.

Like painting, new flooring installation benefits from the winter climate. Consider installing your hardwood flooring now for the best results. The dry air will keep boards from gapping, and with lower humidity, you’re less likely to have water damage. Plus, any adhesive will dry faster.

It’s also a great time to do small, yearly tasks like checking the batteries in your smoke detector. Doing forgettable tasks at the beginning of the year will help you remember to do them every time a new year rolls around. Consider going around your house and inventorying all the small jobs you’ve been meaning to get done. Often you can hire a handyperson for a few hours and knock many items off that to-do list in a hurry.

Do a mid-winter yard check in January. Walk around your home to make sure your yard looks healthy, remove debris and trim back any branches that might get weighed down with winter weather. Make sure your lawn remains short to prevent mice or insects from building a backyard party in your tall grass. Keep a particular eye out for branches that look unhealthy. They’re often the first ones to break when snow and ice weigh them down. While you’re at it, make sure your gutters are clean and free of debris that...