The Best Time of Year to Remodel

Any type of home improvement, or home renovation can take a great deal of time to complete. From hiring the contractors, to choosing and ordering the products, it can be months before a project has been completed. Savvy homeowners who time their projects right, can take advantage of slow times in the design industry to capitalize on deals.

The Best Time of Year to Purchase Product

If embarking on a kitchen or bathroom renovation project, the best times of year to purchase products such as plumbing or tile, is often in the winter, after the holidays. The fall is a very busy time for the design industry, with homeowners hoping to finish up projects before the holiday season. From December through March, however, showrooms slow down dramatically. This means that not only will homeowners be able to get more attention from a design consultant, but that they may be able to get products at a lower price.

Showrooms hoping to move product may hold winter sales, or specials, and many will be flexible with pricing if asked. The showrooms are often quiet during this time period as well, making it easier for homeowners planning a bathroom or kitchen renovation to take their time, spread out plans and materials and get extra assistance from sales people who are not being spread too thin.

Even if the project is not slated to begin until summer, or even the next fall, ordering the material in winter can save time and money. A number of products can take up to three months to arrive, so by planning ahead, it is possible to not only save money, but to have a greater selection of products to choose from.

The Best Time of Year to Hire a Contractor

Ask any contractor his schedule, and often times, the answer will be that he's booked from August to November, even if the question is being asked in June. Fall is the busiest time of year for home renovations, with everyone home from vacation, and trying to get the house in shape for the holidays. To ensure that the best contractor for the job is available and willing to take on the project, try to schedule renovations to take place in the spring or early summer.



Slow times of year for contractors may mean a reduction in pricing on labor, or it may just mean that the most sought after builder or contractor has an opening to fit a project into. If planning to renovate in the late summer or fall, be sure to book the contractor well in advance, even as early as the previous spring or winter. Waiting too long, or until the product is on hand can mean having to settle for a contractor or builder that is out of the price range budgeted, or who is not entirely suitable for the job.

When to Avoid Scheduling a Renovation

It can be tempting to try to schedule work to be done on the home, while the family is off vacationing. This can lead to problems, however, and is best avoided. Products arriving while the family is away may be broken, miss-shipped or miss-placed. A contractor may install just what's arrived, not knowing if it's the right product or not. This can lead to hassles, and lost time and money when the homeowner returns to find that the room tile has been installed on a bathroom floor.

If the renovation is going to be so large, that it does make sense for the family to be away, try to be home to receive all product, and check it over before leaving. Label boxes clearly, and place them in the rooms where they will be installed. Go over everything in detail with the contractor, and don't make assumptions that installers or subcontractors will understand what's to go where. If a product has been miss-shipped or has arrived broken, it can be taken care of before the family is away and a contractor is left to deal with a problem on his own.

By planning well ahead for any type of home improvement or home renovation project, homeowners can often save time and money, while ensuring a smoother, better managed project. Shop for product, and hire contractors well in advance, be home to receive the product and supervise, and know that the home renovation will be everything dreamed of and more.