What's the best time of year for your remodel???

As if there weren't enough decisions to make when it comes to remodeling part or all of your home.  Let's discuss a decision that many people rarely realize the importance of... timing.  Your comfort, budget and time line will all be affected by this decision.  There are benefits and drawbacks to each season, and I will lay them out for you.

Summer 

Drawbacks:

Most remodeling contractors are busy during the summer months making it difficult to get on the schedule.

Due to supply and demand pricing is usually at it's highest during the summer.

Your contractor may be spread between more jobs during the summer, causing it to take a bit longer to complete your project.

Benefits:

In the Seattle area some projects should only be attempted during this time of year. Think roofing, siding, exterior painting and to an extent concrete projects.

The sunny weather allows you to spend more time away from the house (vacations and camping trips are good options). This helps in two ways. The first and most obvious way is that you can avoid living in a construction zone. The second benefit is that crews are able to finish your project more quickly if they don't have to work around you.

The long summer days allow crews to put in more hours per day to complete the project in the most timely manner.

Fall

Drawbacks:

The rainy season is starting up again affecting all outdoor projects.

The damp fall weather will make treks in and out of your home a messy muddy ordeal.

Most contractors are still likely busy.  Important for monetary, scheduling and focus of your contractor.

Do you really want to deal with the disruption caused by a remodel while getting back into the routine of  a new school year?!

Benefits:

Like spring the weather isn't too hot or too cold, making the work force more efficient.

Things are beginning to slow down in contractor world, so it'll be a bit easier to get your work scheduled.

The climate of your home will be less affected by trips in and out by crew.

Winter

Drawbacks:

Unless it's an emergency, or there is a LONG break in the weather don't schedule your roofing, exterior painting and other similar jobs for winter.

Having people in and out of the house numerous times throughout the day may have your furnace running non-stop.

Mud and dirt are most likely to be tracked in during the winter (no matter what precautions are taken by the crew).

Days are short making the project a bit more drawn out. (possibly... see benefits of this season)

Benefits:

This is the slowest time for contractors!

The cost of your remodel will likely be discounted due to lower cost of many materials as well as your contractors desire to keep his crews busy.

Crews may team up and knock your project out at breakneck speed.

Just as remodeling companies are slower in the winter, so are planning departments making it faster to get permits.
 
You should have no problem getting on the schedule this time of year.

Just like in the summer this may be a good time to go visit family for the holidays.
   

Spring

Drawbacks:

Think summer scaled back a bit.

It is starting to get more difficult to get on the schedule.

Pricing is starting to increase from the winter lows.

Contractors are scheduling more projects, therefore spreading their attention thinner.

Added to that; more caution must be used in the spring when doing projects like roofing or painting.

Benefits:

The days are starting to get longer, so crews can work longer hours and complete your project a bit more quickly.

The weather is mild allowing crews to work harder without being too hot or cold.

The mild temperature also means your homes temperature should be affected less by trips in and out of your house by crew members.

No matter what time of year you would like to renovate your home, High Plains Construction would love to help you work through the pros and cons related to each season and how they will effect your desired project.