Year-Round Remodeling Tips
People often ask, “What’s the best time of year to remodel my home?” The true answer is, “Any time is the right time, as long as you’re ready to do it.” However, some times are better than others for different phases of jobs, as well as for cost-savings. Here are some suggestions for timing your project right both in the industry and from a cost/value standpoint.
January – early March: Early in the year is a good time to start an addition. Partially frozen ground and dry air is better for digging foundations and pouring concrete footers than muddy ground and humidity.
April – June: This is the busiest time for most builders, so it’s probably when you’ll pay the most money for their time and materials. It can also be more difficult to get the attention of the best builders. Spring is traditionally home building season. Projects like decks, patios and outdoor rooms are good to plan for this time frame. Decks may require just hand digging, and the ground is usually softer in the spring.
July – September: Tackle any indoor or outdoor work like an in-law suite, kitchen or bathroom remodeling during the summer months, but don’t do an attic bedroom! Roofing projects are often summer projects due to the required sealing temperatures for roofing materials.
October – December: While the first part of this quarter is ideal for outdoor work and new construction starts, it is traditionally the time when homeowners want their remodeling finished. If you’re willing to have crews in your home during the holiday season, this is a good time to schedule anything from an addition to a kitchen remodel. Business is slower for contractors, giving them incentives to lower costs and keep crews busy. Materials may also be less expensive. However, at some holiday times, shipping may take longer, so work those extra days into your time frame.
Keep in mind that detailed costs, design, permits and planning time is necessary on the part of the homeowner. Don’t decide in January to put an addition on your home and expect the foundation to be dug in February. Give yourself time to research, plan and schedule builders. This can take several weeks or months, no matter what time of year.
