A house remodeling project can be a pain. It’s costly, time-consuming, and uproots your daily life. Have you have been looking at your outdated kitchen or pea green bathroom for years, but keep putting off renovating it month after month?
Taking the time to plan your project in advance and brainstorm solutions for living in your home during the renovation are great ways to save yourself some aches and pains during the process.
Some seasons, however, are better than others for breaking walls or tearing out floors. Consider these tips to help you calculate the correct time of year for your project so you don’t get “left in the cold.”
Plan Home Renovations in Advance
Whether you are repainting your living room or remodeling your entire kitchen, you need to prepare. While there are many things to keep in mind, here are a few to consider:Budget and Timeline
Putting it simply, the best time for home renovations is when you can afford it. Do your research, gather quotes, and price out your project. Make sure you have enough money to cover the project’s cost, plus an extra 10% for emergencies. You never know what could go wrong during a home renovation.Remember that supply and demand fluctuate throughout the year. Different projects cost different amounts in different seasons, and it can be frustrating when the demand lines up with your timeline. For instance, more people use lumber for outdoor projects in the summer, which means higher prices than in winter.
When it comes to the timeline, consider your options and look at your calendar. Do you have enough money to tackle the entire project at once, or do you need to complete it in stages? Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? If so, it’s best to make sure your kitchen isn’t torn out at that time.
Sometimes, storm damage or an unforeseen emergency creates your timeline for you. At that point, use what you have learned here about budgeting and timeline and condense it all to fit the scenario. You can’t plan for every emergency, but you can figure out what you can do if you’re faced with one.
Convenience vs. Cost
What is most convenient is usually more expensive. Take a look at the reasons to complete projects in each season.Is it more important to complete the project for the least amount of money? If you are a busy person who does not have much extra time set aside for house projects, this might be what you want to budget for.
Perhaps it is more important to complete the project with the most negligible direct impact on your finances. If so, it may be cheaper to complete your siding replacement in the winter because the demand for products and contractors is not as high. Keep in mind, however, that outdoor winter projects usually take longer and negatively affect your life (because you’re freezing).
Springtime Home Renovations
After the cold and darkness of winter, spring brings motivation to start projects. Because spring is an in-between season, it allows you to schedule season-specific tasks, such as HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) inspections and replacements, more easily. These professionals are busy with essential tasks at the height of winter and summer.In addition, it’s a great time to start projects that need to be completed by summer or that are large enough to stretch many months.
Popular Springtime Renovation Projects
For some of these projects, mild weather is critical. For others, it’s timing.- Exterior painting
- Resurfacing your driveway
- Drywall projects
- Landscaping
- Building an addition
- Foundation work
- In-ground pool installation
- Carpet cleaning
- Kitchen remodel
- Tuckpointing
Affordable Springtime Renovation Projects
As last year’s models are retired, this is a great time to find deals on appliances! Be on the lookout for discounted services during this time, too.- HVAC installation and inspections
- Upgrade appliances
Summertime Home Renovations
Summer is a prime time for home renovations. The days are long and warm, and there are more chances to get out of your house.What a great excuse to grill to your heart’s content if your kitchen is torn out. Maybe even camp out in the backyard if there are more disruptive renovations happening. Better yet, what great excuse to go on vacation so you don’t have to be home at all!
Popular Summer Renovation Projects
For obvious reasons, outdoor projects are the most popular during the summer.- New siding
- Deck additions
- Refurbishing walkways and porches
- Exterior house painting
- Exterior cleaning
- Landscaping
Affordable Summer Renovation Projects
Completing projects in an “off-season” saves money. Think about what you will need in winter, and take care of it during the summer.- Furnace installations and inspections
- Fireplace updates and repairs
Fall Home Renovations
Some of the best sales happen during this seasons! Snag appliances, home decor, furniture, and tools during Labor Day and Black Friday. Don’t just for a cozy winter, either. Buy what you need for the projects you want to complete in the year ahead.Popular Fall Renovation Projects
In addition to incredible sales, the cooler weather makes it easier to accomplish renovations that require opening up your house.- Adding storage solutions
- Replacing windows and doors
- Home additions
Affordable Fall Renovation Projects
As another in-between season, fall is a great time to consider winter projects so they are ready before the weather gets too cold.- Landscaping
- Exterior house painting
- Appliance and furniture upgrades
- In-ground pool installation
- HVAC inspections
Wintertime Home Renovations
Some projects are impossible to complete in winter. This is especially true of some outdoor projects. However, it’s a popular time for indoor projects. Winter is an easier time to connect with a contractor and get going on a project.Popular Winter Renovation Projects
Because of the weather, interior projects are popular this time of year.- Basement finishing or remodeling
- Bedroom, kitchen, or bathroom remodeling
- Interior house painting
- New flooring
Affordable Winter Renovation Projects
In the off-season, you can save money on larger projects. Keep in mind some are only possible in mild climates, while others may take longer due to weather delays.- New siding installation
- Gutter cleaning and replacement
- Deck installation
- Carpet cleaning
Which Month Is Best For My Home Renovation?
Ultimately, only you can answer this question.You might find that It all comes down to what works best for your budget. Perhaps the cost doesn’t matter, but the remodel affects your daily flow too much during most of the year. Maybe you can only spare a couple of weeks to finish a project that is supposed to take much longer.
Taking the time to plan in advance will allow you to evaluate your finances, connect with a contractor, and make plans for yourself during the renovation. This leads to the motivation you’ve been after to get going on your project!
Are you thinking about that project you have been putting off for years? Stop letting your ideas just sit and gather dust. Imagine your satisfaction when your new windows aren’t drafty, your bathroom is fully functional, or you finally have the kitchen of your dreams. Having more joy in your own home is life well-lived and loved.
Why wait? Click here to start your home exterior remodeling project!
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