Asking, “What’s the best time to begin a remodel?” is a bit of a loaded question. It brings to mind the old Chinese proverb, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” That proverb actually makes a lot of sense when applied to home remodeling because successful renovations require some careful thinking on your part. If you are new to home remodeling, you may want some help in identifying what you should consider before beginning construction. The point is, If you want to be delighted with your remodeling results, take your time and be thoughtful about your schedule.
WHAT FACTORS IMPACT THE TIMELINE FOR A PORTLAND HOME REMODEL?
There are a couple of reasons homeowners look at the calendar when considering the ideal timing of a remodel. Special events are often a big impetus for beginning a remodeling project. It could be a holiday such as Thanksgiving or Christmas; or maybe a special family event, such as a wedding, that is the catalyst for the project.
The other major factor has more to do with the weather. Homeowners can sometimes be averse to remodeling in colder, wetter weather., while other homeowners believe that if they remodel in the "off-season" they'll get a better deal. Let's look at each of these briefly.
EVENT-DRIVEN REMODELING
Many of us love entertaining in our homes. It’s a comfortable and familiar place that puts people at ease. Plus, holidays and special events just seem to be more enjoyable at home—if that home is inviting, comfortable, and convenient. Frankly, holidays and family events are a great reason to consider a remodel. However, allow yourself plenty of time to think through what you want to accomplish—and allow your builder enough time to create the plans and do the work to your satisfaction.
When homeowners decide to renovate because they are planning a big event, they often go large on the big ideas but forget a lot of the little details. It is worth keeping in mind that remodeling your home is supposed to solve problems you have with the existing structure and improve your enjoyment of the property while giving you a reasonable return on investment. You will be happier in the long run if you make choices that meet those criteria, even if it means you have to make a few temporary adjustments to the event itself.
Understand Your Planning and Construction Timelines
Embarking on a remodeling project requires not just vision but also a keen understanding of timelines. The design and pre-construction phase, where we shape ideas together and draw blueprints, generally spans 4 to 5 months. Once the foundation of your project is set, the actual construction phase for spaces like the kitchen, dining room, and living room typically runs between 4 to 6 months. It's essential to factor in these durations when planning your remodel, ensuring you set realistic expectations and can make arrangements to accommodate the renovation process. Working backward, your remodeling project should be in the design phase about a year before you plan to enjoy it.
WEATHER ISSUES FOR REMODELING
Some weather-related delays can occur, but that's generally not an issue in the Portland area. There may be a day or two when your builder won't be able to make it to your house to work due to snow or ice, but for the most part, our weather is mild enough that it shouldn't pose a problem. However, some of your materials may experience delays due to weather throughout the year. Storms in the Northeast or Hurricanes in the South may disrupt shipping, thereby creating a slight delay to your timeline. Generally speaking, however, that's not going to impact your schedule dramatically.
As far as being too cold or wet to work, that's just not a big problem for the Portland area. The exception, of course, is exterior remodeling or interior projects that require us to remove your roof or windows. Projects where we will be outside for the bulk of the build are best begun in the early spring to allow for a long stretch of uninterrupted work time outside. Interior projects such as kitchen and bathroom remodeling are classic projects to begin when the weather is colder or more unpredictable. Cooler months can also mean subcontractors are more available to work on your project, which can help speed up the schedule.
MONEY MATTERS
Many home remodeling projects are large enough that a single paycheck is not going to influence your decisions much. And yet, budget and investment are things that everyone has to keep in mind. There are many financial issues that may set limits on the timing for your project. For example, if you want to take advantage of a local or federal tax credit on certain improvements, you must complete the work within the defined dates. Similarly, if you’re remodeling so that you can sell your home, you need to consult with a Real Estate Agent so you know the best time to list the property.
Economic Considerations
When the economy faces a downturn, it's prudent to focus on remodeling projects that guarantee the highest return on investment (ROI) upon sale. Historically, areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor living spaces have demonstrated the most significant value increase. By enhancing these spaces, homeowners strategically position their homes for higher market value when the economy rebounds.
Economic downturns also necessitate smart spending. This can be achieved by combining related projects, thereby maximizing labor and material usage. For instance, if you're considering a kitchen remodel, think about also updating the adjoining hall bath or living room simultaneously. Or, if the primary bathroom is on your radar, why not opt for a full Primary Suite remodel? Such combined ventures not only provide a cohesive aesthetic but also provide cost-savings over piecemeal projects.
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SUPPLY CONCERNS
Some homeowners worry about unexpected delays related to the supply chain. Many of the materials commonly used in construction are sourced or manufactured outside of the United States. If the political climate changes, it may be more expensive or time-consuming to source certain aspects of the project and arrange their shipping to the site. Although this largely relates to foreign transactions, it can happen within the country as well. If you’re expecting to get something delivered from California in the middle of huge wildfires or flooding, you may have to wait.
OFF-SEASON SAVINGS OR SPEED
To be honest, the idea that certain times of the year are “off-season” for remodelers is a bit of a myth. It’s true that in some parts of the country, homebuilders can be slowed down by cold or snow. Some of them turn to home remodeling in those times. Frankly, that's not an issue in the Portland area. And while it's sometimes true that remodelers can be extremely busy right before the holidays, there isn't a "slow time" for them. So, waiting for a remodeler to be less busy isn't a good strategy if you're hoping for a better price or schedule.
Realistically, you should probably plan a few months of cushion if you need your remodel completed by a specific time. Unexpected discoveries during remodeling projects happen. Things like water damage, mold, and dry rot can not be anticipated, but they will affect your remodeling schedule. Our overall advice is, "Don't wait too long to get the project started." You might underestimate how long it takes and end up with an undesirable finish date. You may also discover that the best companies are already booked up well in advance of the start date for each project.
WHEN AND WHERE SHOULD YOU START?
The right time to begin a home remodeling project is when you’re ready. Making sure you’re ready involves educating yourself about the process to ensure that things go smoothly and that you don’t put yourself under unnecessary stress. If you take a look at our design-build process, you’ll have a better idea of what you’ll be dealing with (and why the process shouldn’t be rushed).
Still have questions about what this means for your Portland remodeling project? Ready to get on our books? Reach out to us today to connect!
