There are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration when trying to decide what time of year to renovate your home, and it’s not a decision that should be taken lightly. When you choose to commence the renovation project can have a significant impact upon how the work is carried out, and how much it costs.
From weather conditions (although these aren’t as easy to predict nowadays), to holidays, labor, and cost, while you can renovate your apartment at any time of year, does that mean that you should?
To help you determine the best time of year to renovate your apartment, here are some helpful pointers:
- Typically, demand for renovation projects increases at the beginning of spring; once the holidays are over and the weather (usually, although not always!) improves.
- In summer when school is out and the weather should be at its finest, demand for construction projects such as renovations, peaks, and often continues well into the fall.
- During winter, work typically slows down as the weather is inclement, and homeowners thoughts turn to the holidays and their year-end responsibilities.
Based upon the information displayed above, here are the best times to schedule an apartment renovation:
- Fall
Many construction professionals will tell you that the perfect time of year to begin renovating your home, is fall. Firstly, this is because contractors aren’t usually at their busiest, as the period beginning in May and ending in July, is their peak construction season. Secondly, the weather is often fine without being too cold. Thirdly, it allows for all of the planning to be carried out during the summer months, so that provided you don’t delay, as soon as the kids go back to school, work can commence and be over before the winter weather sets in.
- Winter
That said, if your renovation project doesn’t require any external work, or demand a certain temperature, why not avoid the busiest times of the year and schedule your renovation during the winter? Depending on the scale of work required, it could all be finished before the holidays and the onslaught of friends and family; larger scale projects may well continue into the new year, and you would have to decide whether this would be an issue for you, or not.
- Spring
While you might be lucky and find some local contractors who can schedule your project for spring, you might also be disappointed, especially if you haven’t contacted them well in advance. If you contact them in the year prior, however, spring could be a great time to carry out renovation work.
Whatever time of year you plan to renovate your apartment, it’s imperative that you prepare for it, many weeks ahead. Not only will this help you get a clearer picture of your budget and timescale, and even give you time to buy fixtures, fittings, and furnishings, but it will also guarantee that the renovation company of your choice, are available. So yes, while you can renovate your apartment at any time of the year, you can’t necessarily expect to do so at short notice. Plan, plan and plan some more!