Knowing when to carry out a renovation can be difficult to decide. The weather, for one, has a key role in determining when a certain job should be done. Yet at the same time, there are no strict rules, as other factors are also at play – from finances to pregnancies to other unexpected elements. But if you can afford to be flexible, here’s which seasons I prefer to tackle the most common home renos.
Bryan Baeumler is one of HGTV Canada’s go-to contractors and the host of Bryan Inc., House of Bryan and Leave it to Bryan.
Spring: Deck or Patio
As the snow melts and you remember that your neglected deck or patio needs an upgrade, try to get it done during spring. This way you hopefully won’t be dealing with freezing temperatures and snowfall, and it can be ready for summer when it will be used the most.
Read More: This is How to Make Sure Your Deck is Safe This Spring.
Spring: Landscaping
From the same perspective, spring is the time to tackle landscaping. Plan ahead for this, and if you need a contractor to complete the job, book them during the winter so their schedule doesn’t fill up.
Looking for inspiration? Here are The Easiest Perennials to Grow and Care For This Spring.
Spring: Window Replacement
If your windows need replacing, don’t attempt to do so during winter. Wait until the warm weather arrives so unwanted cold drafts don’t enter your home. Caulking is also easier during the warmer months. I would suggest the spring, because your home will likely be busy during the summer and you’ll avoid sweltering conditions.
Stay on budget: Here are Common Renovating Costs for Walls, Doors and Windows.
Summer: Basement
A basement can truly be done at any time of year, but the summer is ideal. If your basement is used as a playroom or laundry room, moving these areas elsewhere during the winter can be tricky. During the summer, the kids can play outside, and if you need to dry your clothes, you can put up a good old-fashioned clothesline in your backyard.
See here for Sarah’s Decorating Techniques to Help Hide a Low Basement Ceiling.
Summer: Roof and Eavestroughs
For obvious reasons, getting the roof done during summer makes the most sense. Again, if you plan on using an expert for the job, get them booked in before peak season hits, as this is their busiest time of the year.
Summer: Entryway
If you’re thinking about renovating your main entryway, I would wait until the summer. Upgrading a foyer is always a hassle, but it can be much worse when there are snow boots and bulky winter coats to wrestle. Also, if you have a side entrance or a way in through your backyard, it will be easier to access come summer.
Fall: Kitchen
Renovating your kitchen is always going to be intrusive. Since the kitchen is the hub of the home, there isn’t a convenient time to do this. However, the fall makes sense to me because you’ll want it to be done before the holidays and once summer vacation has ended.
Fall: Family Room
I’d also suggest renovating communal living areas in autumn, as spaces with the most foot traffic are better to have completed before the holidays. This time of year can help in terms of temperature too, especially if you’re installing new floors. The heat and cold can warp hardwood and make it more difficult to acclimatize to room temperature.
Fall: Dining Space
For the same reasons as the kitchen and family room, fall is the best time to renovate a dining room. Just try to get it done before (or begin renos after) Thanksgiving.
Winter: Small Bathrooms or Powder Rooms
The winter is a difficult time to do renovations, but refreshing a small bathroom or powder room is doable. A powder room often doesn’t get as much foot traffic, and therefore can be done during the coldest months when we’re cooped up indoors.
Winter: Plan
In my opinion, the winter months should be utilized for planning and to prep everything for the year ahead. Talk to multiple contractors and gather various quotes now to so you can act fast once the temperatures rise.
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