Most people think of doing home renovations in the spring and summer. Actually, winter renovations can be the best time of year for many reasons. Contractors are usually slowing down and their schedule is more flexible. These are a few ideas you may consider for your winter home improvement project.
In the Kansas City area, winter can be a difficult time to add room additions and decks. These projects require pouring concrete piers or pads. The concrete needs above freezing temperatures. Therefore, interior project are the best for winter home renovations. Bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and basement remodels are the most popular during the months of November thru February.
The cost of material will often decrease in these months. It’s all about the supply and demand. Home improvement supply stores see a drop in material purchase during the winter months. Therefore, they have decreased prices on the building material or sales on building supplies. Keep your eye out for black Friday discounts for appliances and home improvement material. A good contractor will want to help you find ways to save money. Be sure to ask him for cost saving ideas.
The cold air can be a benefit for projects like painting. The cold dry air helps cure the paint, but be sure you crack a window for ventilation if not using low-VOC paints. Some paint manufactures offer sales during the winter months. Again, keep an eye out for these savings at your local home improvement store. If you are not prepared to repaint a room this winter, you can take advantage of these discounts and store the paint until you are ready. Remember your paint needs to stay at a temperature between 60* Fahrenheit and 80* Fahrenheit. Do not store cans on concrete floors, where they rust more quickly.
If you are remodeling your kitchen, most major appliances go on sale during the months of September and October. The newer models will hit the stores in the winter. You can take advantage of these sales and prepare for a kitchen remodel. While you are replacing your appliances, it is a good time to upgrade your kitchen cabinets and flooring.
If you are expecting guest for November and December, you might want to consider finishing a basement for more entertainment living space. Remodeling a bathroom or adding a bathroom will also benefit the comfort of your home while hosting guest. As I mentioned before, contractors are in their slow season. They can accommodate a home owner’s time schedule more efficiently. Depending on the size of the project you may be able to complete a project in several weeks. Ask your contractor about a timeline for the project at your consultation.
If you are not ready to start a home improvement project this winter, think ahead for future projects. Contractors book up when the weather warms up. If you want warm weather home improvements, do the research now. In my previous blog, Locating a Contractor, I walk you through the process of hiring a contractor. Spend the winter months locating a contractor that fits your need, so you are ready to begin a project come spring. Booking him now will put you at the top of this spring project list and you will be able to break ground when the weather warms up. Another way to be prepared is have your ideas ready to discuss and questions prepared for your contractor. If CH Construction can assist you with your home renovations, please give us a call.
