Like every other industry, people in home remodeling notice patterns among their clientele. The holidays wind down, and it’s back to the grind. By spring, when temperatures start to rise, they begin seriously planning that project. At the height of summer, construction is underway–hopefully while they’re on vacation.
There are many reasons why this occurs, and even some obvious benefits. But it’s left winter as a pretty underrated season in home remodeling. If there are interior projects you’re already thinking about, there’s no need to put them off. Here are some of the best home upgrades we recommend making during winter.
A few fresh coats of paint
Nothing lifts the spirits and keeps winter blues at bay like repainting. Hire a small professional crew, and you could have 1,000 square feet complete in under a week. That’s fast enough to be heralding in the New Year with an entirely fresh new perspective on your home.
Homework: White paint doesn’t have to be as stark as snow or as cold as ice. Check out the best whites and off-whites for a warm, bright home.
Kitchen storage upgrades
Holiday gatherings make gaps in storage obvious. With all the cooking, baking, and gifting going on–plus everyone home for the holidays–your kitchen may be bursting at the seams. Custom storage is how you can eliminate clutter permanently.
Winter is a great time to have your pantry layout revised. You can also add clever pull-outs in narrow, unused portions of your cabinetry.
New lighting
As the days grow shorter, the shadows grow bigger. Improving lighting at home can reduce the negative effects winter has on our moods and productivity. Spring for a new fixture or address the brightness and temperature of your current bulbs.
It takes little time and can make your space feel substantially different without major construction.
Homework: Get bright ideas on how to layer flattering light in your home, especially if it’s an older property.
Bathroom tilework
Homeowners frequently opt to do full bathroom remodels during the summer. However, if you’re not doing a full gut, don’t count winter out. Half-tiled walls, tile accent walls, and other tile features are a great cold-weather project.
The lower humidity of the season, combined with stable indoor heating, can create the perfect conditions for curing.
Kitchen backsplashes
The same points above apply to tilework in the kitchen, namely backsplashes. If you’ve got the remodeling bug during a dark winter, start designing a new backsplash. It’s a fast project that gives the room a pretty substantial facelift in just a day or two.
In fact, it can be the exact project you need to improve the scenery during late-fall holiday gatherings.
Extra insulation
It may seem like better preparedness to tackle insulation during the fall, but it’s still a good winter project. Call a pro if you notice that your home’s heating has trouble keeping up once temperatures dip. Colder air will also reveal gaps and cracks that need sealing.
Adding insulation to basements or attics may only take a day. It’ll help you cut down on heating bills for the remainder of the winter months.
Comfortable new flooring
Live in a humid area? New LVP or hardwood flooring is best installed during the fall or winter. The controlled environment and reduced moisture in the air prevent expansion or contraction that can slightly skew results.
This is also a project homeowners hound contractors for in spring, so you can beat the rush by scheduling it now.
Homework: Get an inside look at the hardwood floor installation process. If you plan accordingly (and your subfloor is good to go), it can take just a few days to complete.
Schedule your winter remodeling project with The Designery
Winter is the perfect time to start planning and designing a home remodel. You can even complete interior projects like flooring and painting without much disruption.
With The Designery, you won’t have to do as much running around to locate what you need. We offer professional designers, premium materials, custom features, and contractor relationships all under one roof. See what our clients have to say and book your free consultation.
Winter home remodeling FAQ
Are contractors cheaper in the winter?
Lower demand and greater availability can make contractors less expensive during the winter. However, you shouldn’t assume that your backsplash or paint job will be cheaper just because it’s cold outside.
As with all home remodeling projects, collect as many quotes as you can and compare reviews and estimates before choosing a contractor.
What month is best to start a house renovation?
March and October are generally regarded as the best months to begin larger remodeling projects. The weather during these times of year is typically at its mildest, so larger crews and open spaces aren’t as much of a concern.
Can you do home renovations in winter?
Yes, many projects can be planned, scheduled, and completed during the winter months. Adding storage, remodeling kitchens and baths, and finishing basements are all common.
If you want to start a complete home renovation during winter, work with a designer and contractor to plan and phase it properly for the season.
What do contractors do in the winter?
During the winter, many contractors shift focus to interior projects like painting, flooring, and tilework. Spending more time indoors naturally leads homeowners to notice the need for repairs and improvements inside.
