The Best Time to Remodel is…

Kitchens and bathrooms are just a few of the most popular and common areas to be remodeled, on the interior of a house anyway. The question is, when is the best time to tackle a remodel in these areas? Any remodeling or home renovation project will take some time, months even, from hiring the contractors to completion. Remodeling can be done at any time of the year, but there are definitely “seasons” that facilitate the process. Let’s break home renovation down into three steps: hiring a contractor, choosing and ordering product, and the remodel itself.      

Hiring a Contractor

A contractor’s schedule is full of renovations from August to November. The fall is generally the busiest time of the year. After all, everyone wants their house ready for the holidays. Try scheduling a renovation in the spring or early summer. If it’s a slower time of the year, it could mean a reduction in pricing on labor or, at the very least, the best contractor for the job is more likely to have an opening and can commit their attention to your project. If you are absolutely set on a renovation in the late summer or fall – book early! To avoid sacrificing quality or a good fit, book as early as the previous spring or winter to ensure your renovation is on the books with the contractor you want.

Choosing and Ordering Product

When it comes to choosing and ordering the product, particularly products such as plumbing or tile, the best time to do so is in the winter, after the holidays. The fall is a busy time for the design industry as well with all of the renovations to be completed in time for the holidays. After the holidays, from December to March, showrooms tend to slow down.

During this time, not only can you get more personalized attention from a design consultant, but you may be able to get your desired products at a lower price as well. There may be winter sales, specials, or flexibility on pricing within showrooms hoping to move product. If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, this is the best time in the showroom. It’s usually quiet, so homeowners can take their time, spread out plans and materials, and receive highly personalized attention from reps and consultants who are now not caught up in the crazy holiday rush.

Ordering the material in the winter, even if the project is not set to begin until the following summer or fall, can save time and money. Plus, some materials can take up to three months to arrive, so plan ahead. By doing so, you can save money, have a wider catalog of products to choose from, and ensure your project flows smoothly from start to finish.

The Remodel

When it comes to the renovation itself, you want to make sure you will be present for the arrival of the products – at the very least. A lot of families are tempted to schedule a renovation while they are on vacation, but this can end in disaster. If the products arrive while you are away, they can show up broken or misplaced. If you’re not around to start the project, the contractor will do what you hired them to and install the product, not knowing if it’s the correct product or not. Talk about hassles, lost time, and a waste of money – on both ends.

If the renovation is so large and invasive that it makes sense for the family to be away, at least be home to receive all the product, ensure it’s correct and in good condition, and go over everything in detail with the contractor. You’re leaving your home in their hands – make sure they are as informed as possible to ensure a win-win situation. They can get things done quickly and efficiently and you get the room you want.

Plan, Plan, Plan

Remodeling can happen anytime, but keep in mind, everything has a season. Schedule a kitchen or bathroom renovation with your desired contractor early – aim for the spring or early summer. From December to March, choose and order your product. Give yourself some time for delivery as some materials can take months to arrive. Build a rapport with your contractor, talk to them, and review the project with them. By taking these steps into consideration and planning in advance, you can save time and money, ensure a smooth project from start to finish, and rest easy, knowing that your remodel is in good hands and will be everything you hoped.