It may seem counterintuitive, but winter is a great time for some home renovations. After the holiday rush winds down, why settle into a rut waiting for spring start? By planning your project within the first quarter of the year, you stand to catch nice savings on the costs of labor, materials and appliances. Suppliers need to clean out inventory before spring to make way for the summer stock. By the time the warmer weather hits, they do raise prices in anticipation of heavy demand. When your general contractor can pick up the needed items early in the year at a discount, they can pass those savings to you.

Once April rolls around, reputable contractors get busy. Scheduling crews become more involved, and delays can result. Since most people prefer to start their projects during the warmer months, if you plan yours for winter, your contractor may be able to offer a lower labor price. They will have more time and less stress. You can either top their list in the winter or join it in the spring.

What projects are suitable for a winter start?

Windows
Yes, removing an old, single-pane window will permit frosty air to enter the house. However, your contractor can cover the interior opening with thick plastic and close the door to the room to mitigate cold air penetration into the home. Once you have new, double-paned, energy efficient windows, you should see immediate savings on your winter heating and summer cooling bills. What you gain in winter comfort will more than make up for the brief inconvenience of the cold rooms.

If you're planning to remodel bathrooms or the kitchen, having these projects done in the winter means that you'll be ready for summer guests when the seasons change. Plus, summer vacations are better spent traveling than monitoring an extensive renovation project.

Floors
Since flooring is all inside work, the period between early January and early March serves as the perfect time to upgrade your flooring. With all of the discounts available during those months, it may be possible to renovate flooring at a much lower cost. Tile, natural stone, hardwood and carpet can be found at discounts such that you may be able to accomplish more than what the budget would otherwise allow in busier months.

Doors
Old, cold exterior doors, like windows, allow too much heat loss and should be replaced as soon as practicable, especially in the winter. Heat escaping through your doors adds to your heating costs and makes the home feel drafty. A well-insulated door will put a stop to your losses and grant relief to the heating bill.

Bathroom and Kitchen Remodels
If you’re planning to remodel bathrooms or the kitchen, having these projects done in the winter means that you’ll be ready for summer guests when the seasons change. Plus, summer vacations are better spent traveling than monitoring an extensive renovation project. You may be concerned about the amount of dust in the home if windows must remain closed, but with many professional-grade tools and equipment and the right contractor, the inevitable particulates can be controlled without opening windows.

When you’re ready to plan your renovation project, you don’t have to wait for spring. With contractors readily available and pricing as low as it will be for the year, you can do yourself a big favor by scheduling in the midst of winter. At Quality Craftsmen, we’re ready to help put your remodeling ideas on paper. Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation.