Clients often ask me what time of the year is best to remodel their home. The truth is, any time is the right time, as long as you’re prepared.
Certain times of the year are better than others for different phases of jobs as well as for cost-savings—although the two don’t necessarily coincide. Moreover, I can offer suggestions about the “ideal” guidelines to help keep your remodeling project on track from a cost and timing standpoint.
Based on my experience in the U.S. northeast where there are four seasons, the ideal time for work outside is fall or spring. Of course, the window of time when the weather is dry and between 60 and 70 degrees is very small. So, if you want to work year-round, you need to look at other timing advantages.
Remodeling January through early March
Winter in New England can be brutal, but despite the thought of working outside, this is actually a good time to start an addition. Frozen ground and dry air are better for digging foundations and pouring concrete footers than muddy ground and humidity.
If your foundation is finished and the room addition is framed before the rainy season, the space will be under cover during the unpredictable spring weather. You’ll likely have fewer “rain days” where no one works on the construction site.
In addition, the winter months tend to be less busy for builders. The reason is because everyone is waiting for spring and tax refunds to start their home projects.
Remodeling April through June
Remodeling in April, May, or June may be more expensive as this is the busiest time for most builders. That means you’ll pay the most money for their time and for materials. It’s the simple law of supply and demand.
Spring is traditionally home building season. One reason is because consumers are finding the money to pay for projects. Also, it’s the time of year that we start to come out of winter hibernation and want something new. Not to mention spring is the perfect time to plan projects like decks, patios, and outdoor rooms. Decks require hand-digging, and the ground is usually softer in the spring. In addition, the homeowner will be able to enjoy the deck and outdoor space in the coming summer and fall months.
Remodeling July through September
Tackling indoor work like kitchen or bathroom remodeling is recommended during the summer months. The last thing you want to remodel in the sweltering heat is an attic bedroom! To most people’s surprise, however, roofing projects are often done in the summer. Since the roofing material needs certain higher temperatures to seal, the heat of summer is preferred for roofing projects.
Builders will be cautious about the safety of their workers, and they will tell you if it’s too hot for the job.
If you want to avoid the unpleasant inconveniences of living with a renovation, then take a vacation! You will come back to a brand-new addition!
Remodeling October through December
While the beginning of October through mid-November is ideal for outdoor work and starting new construction, it is traditionally the time when homeowners want their remodeling finished. The impending holidays are a looming deadline for builders, and there’s a scramble to get things done by mid-November.
Furthermore, 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 and materials may be less expensive. But shipping may take longer, so work those extra days into your timeframe.
Get the timing right on your remodeling project
In general, wet weather is the least desirable for any kind of remodeling project. Interior work can take place any time, once the building is under cover. Homeowners should be confident their builder and crews will respect the home at all times by:
Being careful not to track dirt, mud, or water through the living spaces
Informing the homeowners when they won’t be on the job due to inclement weather
Providing clear communication throughout the job
In addition, some planning time is necessary on the homeowner’s part. Don’t decide in January to put an addition on your home and expect a contractor to dig the foundation in February.
While this may happen, you’ll probably need time to research, plan, and schedule builders. Similarly, the builder will need time to plan, order materials, and schedule the team. Allow several weeks for planning your remodel—no matter the time of year.
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Based on an article originally published on Angie’s List.