Weather-Ready & Wallet-Friendly: 8 Home Projects Iowans Love To DIY
Iowa’s wild weather swings from blizzards to tornados to summer scorchers can really test our homes. Luckily, we Iowans are a handy bunch who love fixing things ourselves!
These DIY projects help protect homes from harsh weather while keeping hard-earned dollars in your pocket. Grab your tools and let’s make your home more comfortable year-round.
1. Insulating Drafty Windows
Those sneaky winter drafts cost you serious cash! My clients often complain about chilly rooms even when the heat’s cranked up. Window insulation kits with plastic sheeting create an instant air barrier that traps heat inside.
Weatherstripping around window frames works wonders too. The materials are cheap at any hardware store, and the installation takes just an afternoon.
Your heating bill will thank you when those notorious Iowa winter winds come howling.
2. Installing Storm Doors
If you’re feeling that telltale breeze sneaking under your door, it’s time for action! Storm doors create an additional barrier between your cozy living room and Mother Nature’s worst moods.
The installation might seem intimidating, but most storm doors come with detailed instructions. Measure twice, cut once as we say in the design world!
Storm doors typically cost between $100-300, but considering the energy savings and added home value, they practically pay for themselves after a few Iowa winters.
3. Sealing Driveway Cracks
Where there’s a crack, there’s a future pothole! Iowa’s freeze-thaw cycles turn tiny driveway cracks into car-swallowing monsters by spring. Catching them early saves hundreds in repairs later.
Asphalt crack sealer comes in easy-to-use bottles with applicator tips. Simply clean the crack, apply the sealer, and let it dry.
For concrete driveways, use a masonry crack filler instead. This weekend project costs under $30 and adds years to your driveway’s life, protecting your property value and your vehicle’s suspension.
4. Painting The Front Door
Though it takes just a few hours, painting your front door delivers the biggest visual bang for minimal bucks! A fresh coat protects wood from Iowa’s harsh elements while instantly refreshing your home’s appearance.
Choose exterior paint specifically formulated to withstand temperature fluctuations. Bold colors like navy, red or forest green make charming statements against white or neutral siding. The project costs around $30-40 for quality paint and supplies.
My favorite designer trick? Remove all hardware before painting for a truly professional finish that neighbors will assume you hired someone to do!
5. Upgrading Weather Stripping
Where there’s daylight showing around your closed doors, money is literally flying out. Weather stripping is the unsung hero of energy efficiency that most homeowners overlook.
Self-adhesive foam strips make this project incredibly simple. Just measure, cut, and press into place around door frames and windows. For door bottoms, screw-on door sweeps block drafts while still allowing smooth operation.
This quick fix costs under $20 per door and can reduce heating bills by up to 10% during brutal Iowa winters. That’s serious cash back in your pocket!
6. Creating Mudroom Storage
Did your entryway become a dumping ground for boots, coats and pet leashes? Iowa’s four distinct seasons demand specialized gear, creating storage nightmares for many homes.
A simple bench with hooks above and baskets below transforms chaotic entries into organized transitions. Repurpose an old bookshelf by adding cushions for seating and hooks for hanging items. Even pre-made hall trees run $100-200, far cheaper than custom built-ins.
My clients are always amazed how this small organizational project completely changes their daily routine and morning stress levels!
7. Adding Rain Barrels
Why pay for water when it falls from the sky? Rain barrels capture roof runoff for garden use, especially valuable during Iowa’s increasingly unpredictable summer dry spells.
Many counties offer discounted barrels through conservation programs, or you can convert a food-grade plastic drum for under $50. The installation requires minimal plumbing skills, just redirect a downspout into the barrel and add an overflow hose.
Beyond saving money on water bills, rain barrels reduce basement flooding risks by directing water away from foundations. It’s a common Iowa homeowner headache during heavy spring rains!
8. Building Raised Garden Beds
How about growing your own veggies despite Iowa’s clay-heavy soil? Raised garden beds let you control soil quality while extending the growing season by warming up earlier in spring.
Cedar boards make excellent beds since they naturally resist rot. A simple 4×8-foot bed requires just six cedar boards, screws, and basic tools. The whole project runs about $60-100, depending on lumber prices.
My clients love that raised beds mean less bending over. Your back will appreciate this smart design choice almost as much as your taste buds will enjoy those homegrown tomatoes!
