The short answer to the “when” question of home remodeling is “when everything is well thought out and planned.” Rushing a home remodeling project is never the answer. However, determining the best time of year to begin your project has a few variables including: type of project, budget, and personal deadlines.
Winter Remodeling: January through March
Though frozen ground and bitter, dry air seems like less than ideal circumstances for construction, projects that require new foundations (ex. room additions) are easier. Digging and pouring concrete footers in winter takes some extra care, but is often simpler than working with materials in the muggy air and muddy ground of spring and summer.
Budget-conscious homeowners will be pleased to find that material and labor costs are generally lower during colder months as demand for both dwindle. Contractors have the most room in their schedules around this time so scheduling and timelines get simpler.
Winter is also a great time for indoor projects like basement finishing, kitchen remodels, and bathroom renovations where extra protections aren’t necessary. Snowbirds that escape to warmer climates during the winter can hand their homes over to their contractors for few months and return to their new space.
Spring Remodeling: April through June
With a little extra cash padding their pockets, many homeowners schedule remodeling projects during the spring tax season. Though their disposable income increases, however, material and labor costs rise as well.
Homeowners on a tight deadline may find it difficult to get projects done in time for summer soirees but can be sure of hosting for the holidays. Lead times and project timelines will lengthen as the weather gets warmer, so start early.
Depending on how exposed your project makes your home, the unpredictable spring weather can cause unexpected delays, so be prepared for your project to take a little longer than expected.
Summer Remodeling: July through September
While a summer home remodel is more likely to be done in time for the holidays, it’s the most expensive time for construction as demand for material and labor booms. Predictable summer weather means less delays due to rain, but scheduling conflicts arise between projects as contractors juggle a full calendar
Fall Remodeling: October through December
With the holidays around the corner, fall is a common time for homeowners racing to finish before the holidays. Homeowners who aren’t planning on hosting this year can count on contractor’s schedules being a little more open. However, fall projects can expect delays in shipping and gaps in construction around Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The Best Time To Remodel Your Home: Winter
Though we’re prepared to tackle any project any time of the year, we’d choose winter as the best season for home remodel. With lower labor and materials costs, shorter lead times, light schedules, and time before both approaching summer and holiday celebrations, January through March is a great time to begin.
