Spring and summer aren’t always the best time to renovate your house, especially the kitchen, one of the busiest rooms in any home. Many contractors are heavily booked during those months, which makes winter a sensible alternative for a kitchen remodel.
Still on the fence about remodeling your kitchen in winter? In this article, we walk through the benefits of renovating in the colder months, along with a few drawbacks to keep in mind.
Why is kitchen remodeling in winter a good choice?
More contractors are available
Most contractors are at their busiest during spring and summer, so it can be hard to get on the schedule of the company you want for a full kitchen remodel. In winter, calendars tend to open up, which makes it easier to book appointments at a time that suits you.
There is also less competition from other homeowners who want to hire the same remodeling company. With a lighter workload, the crew can give your kitchen more attention, and the project is more likely to stay on schedule. It is also a good moment to replace your old kitchen countertops as part of the same project, so the whole renovation runs smoothly.
A better chance of seasonal savings
Many remodeling companies have less work in winter, so some are more flexible on scheduling and pricing than in peak season. Retailers also tend to run holiday sales, which can help when you are shopping for new appliances. Winter is a good time to settle design details as well, such as browsing kitchen cabinet color ideas before work begins.
When you renovate your kitchen during winter, you are also safe from hosting every family gathering. It’s funny but true: you have a perfectly good reason not to host while the heart of your home is a work zone.
Spreading out your home maintenance costs
Summer is when most outdoor repair and maintenance happens. If you remodel your kitchen in the same season, those costs land on top of each other. Renovating the kitchen in winter spreads your home spending across the year instead of concentrating it in a single period.
Potentially faster permits for a kitchen redo
Fewer homeowners remodel in the winter, so local permit offices may be less busy, and the wait for the documents and permits your kitchen makeover needs can be shorter than in peak season. Processing times vary by jurisdiction, so it still pays to finalize your kitchen remodeling ideas early and have everything ready before winter arrives.
Best time to travel and renovate
If you plan to travel with your family in winter, pairing the trip with your renovation is a good idea as well. You can vacate the house and give the remodelers room to work on your kitchen. You also won’t be bothered by not having a kitchen to cook in, since you’ll be away while the work is under way.
How long does a full kitchen remodel take?
A full kitchen remodel can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Many variables affect the timeline, such as the scope of work, permits and material lead times, but proper planning and preparation make it go far more smoothly. To give you an idea of why it takes this long, here are the basic steps of a full kitchen remodel:
- Research remodeling companies that serve your area.
- Talk to several contractors and compare their bids for your kitchen remodel.
- Pre-order your materials.
- Let your neighbors know you’ll be renovating so they understand if they hear some noise from your house.
- Demolition.
- Checking whether the electrical and plumbing need to be moved.
- Scheduling the inspections your city or county requires.
- Installing the floors.
- Installing the cabinets, countertops and appliances.
- Cleaning up after the renovation.
- Inspecting all the work.
- Paying the balance for your kitchen remodel.
Why consider hiring a remodeling company?
Completing a kitchen remodel is challenging. You have to think about design, budget, materials, layout and labor. For most homeowners that is a lot to handle on top of work, social life and family. For most projects, the simplest way to complete a kitchen makeover is to hire a reliable contractor. Ask to see examples of their previous kitchen remodels before you decide.
Here is what to look for when hiring a remodeling company for a kitchen renovation:
- A valid contractor license and insurance
- A clear written estimate and a design consultation
- Established sources for cabinets, countertops and other materials
- A realistic schedule for the project
- The tools and skills to measure, customize and install accurately
- Experience protecting materials and your home while working in cold weather
Are there setbacks to renovating your kitchen in winter?
If you don’t want noise and disruption during the winter holidays, this may not be a good option. And if you are uncomfortable leaving your house while contractors work on your kitchen, a winter trip won’t help. A winter kitchen makeover is a personal choice. There are benefits and setbacks to it, and what matters most is that you are satisfied with the outcome of the project.
It’s best to talk the timing through with your remodeling contractor and your family. Once everyone agrees on the plan, you can move forward with revamping your old kitchen.