3 min readNo matter what’s on your calendar—or what time of year it is—there’s no denying that a major renovation can really disrupt your life. Between moving out of your home (even temporarily) to securing a team and finding the right materials, renovations can be a logistical challenge, so you want to do what you can to mitigate the mess ahead of time. The good news? Scheduling your renovation during the right time of year can be helpful.
“Renovations aren't just about updating your house; they're about transforming it into a home that reflects who lives in it and creating a place where your family can truly thrive," says Dave Marrs, builder/contractor, brand ambassador for Cornerstone Building Brands, and co-host of HGTV’s Fixer to Fabulous. "Whether you're bringing modern functionality to a historic home, reimagining a floorplan, or refreshing an exterior, thoughtful renovations make spaces work harder and better for the people who live in them."
Ahead, we talked to contractors and renovation experts about the best time of year to schedule your renovation. They also share insights on what to consider if you’re planning a seasonal renovation and how far in advance you should complete each step for the best results.
The Best Time of Year to Schedule a Renovation
Experts note that spring is generally the best time of year to schedule a renovation. “Spring tends to be the most popular time for exterior and curb appeal projects because people want to enjoy the results right away,” says Marrs. “Think about renovating decks, porches, fixing the roof, or installing new windows during this time,” adds Brian Meussner, president of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company.
While this seems obvious, spring is the preferred season to schedule and carry out a renovation because of the weather. “It makes the most sense because you’ve got warmer weather on the way and all the people involved in the project have just had a reset over the holidays and are ready to hit the ground running in the new year,” says Danny Pitcher, principal at D Gilpin Properties. He adds that many exterior renovations are better suited for the spring because of the fairer temperatures, and generally less rain and/or snow, which can make these types of projects more challenging (and in some cases impossible) to complete.
Despite the many advantages of scheduling a spring renovation, we’d be remiss not to mention the potential downsides. Meussner notes that the availability of many contractors tends to fill up quickly during the spring and summer months because it is peak season, which may lead to a higher-than-usual quote for the project. Furthermore, you might have to reserve your preferred contractors in advance to ensure their availability for your project. You may also face extra competition when securing your permits and materials (and you might also have to pay more for them, too).
All that said, there are some instances in which you may find it beneficial to carry out a fall or winter renovation. “Late fall and winter are great for planning, design work, and interior renos, especially if you’re thinking ahead to exterior work once the weather warms up,” says Marrs.
Since the fall and winter months are considered off-season for renovations, Meussner notes that you’ll likely have an easier time getting your materials, permits, and sometimes booking contractors. Still, it’s important to be mindful that some contractors will want to wait until the holiday season is over to kick off work on a new project.
How to Plan Your Renovation
While our experts note that the spring is an optimal time to schedule many renovations, “the best renovation season is when the weather works with the materials, not against them,” says Mark Aumen, owner and ceo of Colorado Preferred Roofing, a TAMKO Diamond Pro Certified Contractor. You’ll also want to consider whether you’re planning your renovation with a specific focus or to be completed by a certain time or season.
If you are considering a renovation project tied to a specific season, such as a new porch ready for summer, Aumen and Meussner suggest that you prioritize working backwards. “You start by planning backward from the goal date you would like the renovation done by,” explains Meussner. “Then, add in about another two weeks for a buffer in case there are delays.”
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Jenna Clark is a freelance writer from New York City specializing in home, gardening, lifestyle, health, and travel content. She frequently writes content for digital publications, including House Beautiful, Parade, Dengarden, Good Housekeeping, SheBuysTravel, and Attractions Magazine. When she's not writing, you can usually find her on a plane or at a theme park.
