While there isn’t a hard rule for a specific time of year, season, or month to complete your remodeling project, there are some things to keep in mind before you start. Certain times of the year tend to be busier in the remodeling industry than others. For example, kitchen remodels are busier in the fall because people want their kitchens to look nice for holiday get-togethers.
So how do you know when to start your kitchen or bath remodel? Planning a remodel during specific times or seasons of the year can make the project go easier and things with flow smoothly. Keep in mind that no matter how hard you plan, there will be things that come up that are frustrating. Remodels are notoriously time-consuming because a lot goes into a home improvement project. However, if you start the remodel at the right time those issues that come up may put your project only a couple of days behind instead of weeks behind.
When Should You Remodel Your Bathroom?
Before you even start remodeling your bathroom, you need to gather materials. You need to make decisions on how the bathroom will look when it is done. Materials you need include bath tiles, hardware, fixtures, cabinets, a toilet, and a shower.
Fall is the busiest time for home improvement projects, so try and stay away from this season. Everybody is trying to get their home improvements done before the holidays. During this time, prices may go up and you won’t be able to find a contractor to finish your project within your timeline. But that’s okay. Buy materials from December through March and start your remodel in the spring.
The winter tends to be less busy when it comes to home improvement projects. If you are going into showrooms, there will be fewer people so you can get personalized attention. Their expert attention can make a huge difference in your bathroom remodel. Furthermore, bathroom supply showrooms offer discounts during the winter. If you don’t see one, it doesn’t hurt to ask for one.
Since you are buying materials in the winter, take this time to plan and meet with contractors. When spring and summer come, you will be ready to start your project. Keep in mind that a bathroom remodel includes both indoors and outdoors work. If you live in an area where there is less rain in the summer, then choose summer. It will make the project go smoother and hopefully keep everything on the right timeline.
Another benefit of a summertime bathroom remodel is the longer days. Contractors can work more hours throughout the day so more work gets done. If everything goes to plan, your remodel might get done sooner than expected.
Things to Think About When Remodeling Your Kitchen
Similar to the bathroom, summer is the best season to remodel your kitchen. The following includes some things to think about and show why summer is the best season for your project.
Natural Light During Summer
When you have your shades open and the door open you can let the natural light shine in. Your kitchen tile backsplash, counters, and stainless steel appliances will look so nice when the sunlight bounces off of them.
When Are Contractors Available?
Most construction jobs are done during the fall and spring seasons, so there are more contractors available during summertime. Since there are more contractors available, this means they have more time for your project. They won’t be rushing from one job site to another, there will be fewer work delays, and things will generally go smoother.
Best Ventilation
Dust gets everywhere during a remodel. If you or someone in your family has allergies, this can get really annoying. Even if no one has allergies, the dust gets irritating after a while. When you remodel during the summer, you can open the windows and let the fresh air come in. If you try this in the winter, all you will get is freezing, bitter air. During a spring and summer renovation, the contractors will appreciate that you considered their breathing as well.
Think About Vacation Time
Some people schedule their renovation during summer vacation. Send your kids to sleep away camp, or even day camp, so they aren’t around construction work. If you have vacation time, take it while your kids are at camp so you and your partner can enjoy quiet, romantic dinners at local restaurants.
Summer is less busy because you aren’t shuffling kids to and from school, scheduling activities, and attending sports events. Plus, it is usually nice weather so if you have to be out of the house for a bit, you can enjoy the sunshine.
Eating Outdoors
If you are redoing your entire kitchen, you are not going to be able to eat at the dinner table for a while. Many times the sink, appliances, and cabinets will all be ripped out, which means it’s hard to cook too. So what are you going to do?
If you remodel in the summer, then you can enjoy grilled meals with your family outside. Whether you eat on patio furniture, a picnic table, or decide to lay a blanket in the grass, your family will like the change of pace. Best of all, you get to enjoy nature.
Summer is the Best Time for a Remodel
Overall, summer is the best time for a kitchen or bathroom remodel. Purchase the materials during the winter season when things are slower in the showrooms. You will get more expert attention, better prices, and have ample time to plan. Search contractors during this time to find the one that is right for you. When summertime comes, the contractors tend to be less busy so your project should go more smoothly.
