While you might still be in the throes of winter and looking for ways to cut your heating costs and clear snow from your driveway and walks, some folks are already looking ahead to spring and summer.

"Consumer lifestyle trends such as 'staycations' and outdoor rooms will encourage consumers to invest in outdoor spaces and trade-up outdoor products," read this recent Appliance Magazine report about a study by the Freedonia Group. The study projects growth in the sales of grills, outdoor heaters, and outdoor furniture and accessories over the next few years.

If your calendar is likely to be filled more with the dreaded staycation than wide-ranging travels this summer, you'll want to plan now for projects and essential repairs that will keep your home and yard in good shape and looking their best. Painting, roofing, and concrete work, for instance, are best scheduled for spring, when materials and skilled labor are in better supply and the weather is more conducive to good results. Use the resources on our lawn and yard guide to map out work on your property and power equipment.