The Best Home Projects for Every Month in 2020

At the beginning of a new year, it’s only natural to have some lofty ideas about home projects you'd like to tackle. But an overambitious to-do list can lead to stress and major home improvement burnout. Avoid to-do list fatigue by spreading projects out over the year instead! To help you plan, here’s a month-by-month guide to projects that will keep your home clean, safe, and properly maintained all year long.

You probably clean out the lint trap every time you put a new load of clothes in the dryer, but if you can’t remember when you last cleaned the dryer vent, it may be high time to do so—and the cold, dismal month of February is ideal for an indoor chore like this. Over time, lint, dirt, and dust can build up in the dryer vent, which carries moist air from the dryer out to the exterior of the house. This accumulation can hamper your dryer's efficiency and create a fire risk. Be vigilant about keeping the vent clear, especially during winter months when it can become blocked by snow or ice.

Related: Bob Vila's 10 "Must Do" February Projects

Before spring showers inundate your house, you’ll want to clear your gutters of all the pine needles, twigs, leaves, and other organic material that accumulated over the long winter months. Give the gutters a thorough cleaning, and while you're up there, consider installing gutter guards, which are screens or foam inserts that prevent debris from piling up in the first place.

Related: Bob Vila's 10 "Must Do" March Projects

Now that your house is freshly washed, does the front door look a little dingy? Take time in June to refresh the door with a new, bold coat of paint that will rev up your home's curb appeal. With June's sunny but not scorching temperatures, the paint will dry quickly, and as you probably won't be using the air conditioning yet, you'll be able to keep the door propped open.

Related: Bob Vila's 10 June "Must Do" Projects

If your asphalt driveway is cracked or chipped, or if it has a distinct alligator-like appearance, repaving may be in your future. Repairing or repaving an asphalt driveway is best done in the summer months as it’s easier to pour, spread, and level asphalt in warmer temperatures. 

Related: Bob Vila's 10 July "Must Do" Projects

The temperatures are starting to dip, which means your heating system will be getting some serious use over the next few months. Before you turn on the system for the season, take an afternoon to vacuum any radiators, baseboard heaters, and heating grates to remove accumulated dust and dirt. Clean radiators work more efficiently, and the indoor air quality will be better. 

Related: Bob Vila's 10 "Must Do" October Projects

With November come the holidays and the accompanying rush of guests that give your bathrooms a real workout. As you prep and prime your home for the onslaught, why not take the opportunity to update outdated fixtures? Change out the shower head, faucets, or even the toilet to give your bathroom a fresh look for the festive season.

Related: Bob Vila's 10 November "Must Do" Projects

If you have the money to hire a handyman for every household woe, go ahead. But if you want to hang on to your cash and exercise some self-sufficiency, check out these clever products that solve a million and one little problems around the house. Go now!