Half the year is behind us, which means we are on the downward slope toward the holidays. If you’ve been considering a home renovation project, now may be the right time to get the ball rolling. But is summer really the right time to start a home makeover? Depending on the scope of the project, delaying your home improvement any longer may mean you house is more of a construction zone than a warm, inviting abode come Thanksgiving.
While there are pros and cons to doing a renovation project in any season, we’ve put together a few of the key reasons why you should consider starting your project sooner rather than later.
Contractor Availability — In most cases, contractors are typically booked up during fall, as many homeowners are returning from vacation and getting ready for visitors and the holidays. If you catch a contractor during his off season, you may be able to secure a discounted rate and get your project done quicker than if you wait until a busier time of the year. (Note: Due to weather and supply demands, contractor availability may vary from one region of the country to another.)
Summer Break from School — With the kids out of school, you can take a vacation during the renovation and skip some of the hassle and mess that goes along with a home improvement project when you have kids. Home renovation projects are certainly easier, and safer, without kids underfoot. Once all the plans for your project have been made, you should feel free to get out of town while your house is torn up. If you feel uncomfortable leaving town, schedule a “staycation” at a nearby hotel or resort, where you’ll be close enough to keep tabs on the work but you aren’t living under a layer of dust.
Less Rain, More Sun — Now that the rainy season is behind us, the warm, sunny weather enables remodelers to work more efficiently. There are also more hours of daylight so workers can stay later in the day, meaning the duration of your project will be much shorter than if you were tackling the home remodel during fall or winter months.
More Time to Enjoy Outdoor Additions — If your renovation project includes an outdoor living space, outdoor kitchen or pool, now’s the time to get it done so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the additions before cold weather returns. There’s nothing more disappointing than finishing up your new deck and outdoor kitchen just in time for the first freeze of the season, and you certainly don’t want to be left staring at your new backyard from the inside, waiting on warmer weather so you can break it in.
Have a Holiday-Friendly Kitchen — No one wants their kitchen torn up during the holidays, as it really is the heart of the home, and even more so from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Whether it’s baking favorite treats or hosting a gathering of friends and family, don’t let your kitchen cramp your style. Kitchen improvements include anything from a new paint job and updated cabinet pulls to a complete overhaul with new cabinets, countertops and appliances. Kitchen remodels are also often the most time consuming and expensive when it comes to updating your home, so be sure to set your priorities and know exactly what you want and need done within your budget.
Time to Settle In — If you’ve cleared out cabinets, emptied rooms and rearranged furniture to accommodate your renovation, you’ll need some time to put your house back in order and settle back in before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season sets in. Start your renovation project now so you’re not scrambling to organize your updated space when your holiday guests come knocking. Give yourself time to focus on the personal touches that make your place cozy and comfortable.
The average home improvement project takes between four and eight months, depending on the scope of the project. If you are fully renovating your entire house from floor to ceiling, it could take anywhere from six to eight months. If you are simply giving your kitchen or bathroom some cosmetic updates, your project could be just a matter of weeks. As a general rule of thumb, it should take on average, four to six weeks of build time for every $60,000 to $80,000 you plan on spending.
Of course, the perfect time to do a remodel is the time that works best for you and your schedule. If summer is simply too busy with vacations, kids activities and career obligations, plan your home improvement project at the time of year that makes the most sense for you and your family.
Whether you decide to take on home improvement projects now, or wait until later, you’ll have to work them into your budget. You may want to consider getting a home renovation loan to finance the work. A PrimeLending home loan expert can help you evaluate your options and find a program that fits the scope and type of your project.
