When the warmer months of spring and summer come around, most homeowners can catch the remodel bug. Naturally, this seems like the best time to undertake big projects like a kitchen or bathroom remodel–the weather is nice and construction is booming. But did you know that many home experts recommend kitchen and bathroom remodels take place during the winter?
If you think that winter is an unusual time to take on these big projects, keep reading. In this article, we go over some of the top reasons winter is the best time to plan for your new kitchen or bathroom remodel.
Why Choose Winter for a Remodel
Contractor Availability
In the warmer months, contractors and their teams work from dawn until dusk. Timelines are often pushed, and projects can run behind schedule. Top contractors can be booked out for months. If you’ve got a kitchen or bathroom remodel you’re planning during these busy seasons, your chances of getting the contractor you want may be slim to none.
Project Completed Faster
As we mentioned above, timelines in the spring and summer can be hectic for contractors, suppliers and their teams. When you’re working on a kitchen or a bathroom remodel in the winter, there’s a better chance that your project will get completed on time or maybe even a little early.
Lower Priced Materials
When building slows during the winter months, materials such as lumber, tile and appliances tend to drop in price. The hectic summer months deplete supplies, so prices rise because of lack of availability. Planning your kitchen or bathroom remodel for the winter will help you cut back on costs, saving you hundreds to thousands.
Quicker Approvals
Local governments expect contractors and builders to follow clear standards when they’re taking on construction projects. These keep worksites safe, ensuring teams adhere to regulations and specifications. During warm months, these government agencies get bogged in processing permits, which will delay your remodel. If you’re doing the work in the winter, you will get approvals quicker.
Coordinate with Travel
If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel in the winter, you should consider doing so during your holiday travel. Afterall, when you and your family are out of your home, this gives contractors more space to work and the mess can get cleaned up before you’re back. Check-ins via Facetime can make the project feel like you’re right in the action.
New Year, New Project
If you’re not a big traveler during the holidays and prefer to entertain at home, you’ll want to delay your kitchen or bathroom remodel for the new year. After your visitors have departed, and the chaos has died down, you can focus solely on the remodel and adding value to your home.
Now that you know winter is the best time to remodel your kitchen or bathroom, it’s time to get ready to plan your project. Here are 4 steps to consider before you jump right in:
1. Write Down Your Wants and Needs
There are many reasons people begin thinking about a remodel. Whether you need more storage space, or want to upgrade your appliances or style, you should first document your wants and needs. Yes, you may want a clean, modern look but does it go with the rest of your home? Or are your kids soon leaving the nest and you’d like the big, 10 head shower you’ve always dreamed of? Write them all down then determine what you can afford.
2. Make a Timeline
Now that you’ve determined the winter is the best time for your kitchen or bathroom remodel, start to plan your timeline. Research the details and products you want, and investigate the timing of material arrivals. Custom products tend to take longer to arrive, so you want to be sure everything will be available for your contractor.
3. Create a Budget
Now that you’ve identified what you need for your kitchen or bath remodel, start adding up the items you’ll need in your space. You should have a general idea already how much you can spend on your remodel, so this is an important step. Knowing beforehand what you can spend will help you determine if the sub-zero refrigerator you’ve always wanted is a realistic purchase.
4. Research Contractors and Design Professionals
The most important step in planning your kitchen or bathroom remodel is researching contractors and design professionals. If the steps above start to overwhelm you, these experts are a great resource for you to get your project planning started. They will also help you get your project started and completed on-time and on-budget. Check out local recommendations by asking friends or family, or research reviews online for more information.
Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom can be an exciting time to upgrade your space and make it look like the room you’ve always dreamed of. If you’re looking to do a remodel by updating faucets or fixtures, the experts at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air can help! Contact us by calling (801) 477-5818 or by filling out this form here.
