When is the best time to remodel your home?

Multiple choice:

When is the best time to remodel your home?

A.       It depends on your budget

B.       It depends on your schedule

C.      It depends on your priorities

D.      All of the above

The answer is D, All of the above. In this post, I will explain why and how that is, and provide some insight on when actually is the best time to remodel your home.

A.       It depends on your budget.

If you have a particularly generous budget, you will enjoy the most flexibility on when to begin your remodel. However, having an impressive budget is only helpful when you can be, or hire, a designer and project manager. If not, refer to the next point. (To learn more about budget planning for remodels, check out blog and FAQs)

B.       It depends on your schedule.

If you have a flexible schedule, and are usually available on demand, I recommend starting the planning phase in fall, bid phase and ordering in wintertime, demo by early spring.*

C.      It depends on your priorities.

If you want everything completed in time to entertain for Thanksgiving, plan in summer/fall, bid phase and ordering in wintertime, demo in March. This allows time (usually) for any issues to be buttoned up, punch lists to be handled, and furnishings to be ordered and installed before the big event without rushing (assuming you have a capable and reliable contractor and can make quick decisions on hundreds of line items and layout questions). It also allows you to get early-bird pricing for some contractors who are eager to fill their pipeline in the new year. Getting bids in summer and fall is a pain because contractors are often too busy to respond, and when they do, they will be more likely to inflate their prices, if they don’t ghost you entirely.

In my professional opinion, late winter and early spring is the best time to start a remodel. Contractors are typically rested, having returned from holiday vacations, and are ready to get to work. By contrast, in late summer and fall, contractors are feeling the strain of their busiest time of year, and will be more likely to rush, producing lower quality work. Come late fall and early winter, they are ready for vacation and rest, just like anyone, but with the added impact of an intensely physical and highly stressful job.

If decisions stress you out, and contractors even more so, then consider partnering with a full-service interior designer who can take care of the bulk of the decisions, planning, problem solving, and project logistics. My company’s signature service is the “Less Stress Package” and is designed to alleviate stress and save countless hours for busy homeowners who commute, but still want the benefit of a fully updated home. I work with my team of assistants, contractors, suppliers, and installers to create beautiful, functional, and fully finished spaces that are ready for full enjoyment.

If you’re considering a remodel in the new year, or just want to consult with someone who knows the business of remodeling, inquire today. We’ll identify the best path for your needs.

*Remodels involve many factors, and project timelines can span anywhere from 3 months to 3 years (it varies based on project scope, contractor, location, approach, and whether the project is being permitted), so make sure you have a reliable contractor, licensed, bonded, and insured, AND bring in a designer who can project manage as soon as you are ready to begin the planning. The stereotype of the nightmare remodel was born from clients who either skipped the designer, went with the more affordable rookie designer, or called in a designer too late. Always call a reputable and experienced designer far in advance of demo, and ideally in advance of contractor interviews.

Enjoyed this article? Subscribe to get new articles from Judy Olson Interiors delivered straight to your inbox.