Don’t Start a Home Renovation During This Time of Year

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Embarking on a home renovation project can be an exciting endeavor, but timing is everything. While certain seasons offer ideal conditions for remodeling, there’s a specific time of year when starting a renovation can lead to challenges and frustrations. Here’s why you should think twice before initiating a home renovation during the peak of summer.

Challenges of Summer Renovations

• Contractor Availability: Summer and spring tend to be the busiest season for contractors and construction companies. With the high demand for their services, it can be challenging to secure a reputable contractor who can commit to your project timeline.
• Weather Constraints: While summer weather is generally favorable for construction, extreme heat can slow down work progress. Workers may need to take frequent breaks to avoid heat exhaustion, and certain materials, like concrete or asphalt, may not set properly in high temperatures.
• Vacation Schedules: Summer is a popular time for vacations, which can affect both your schedule and that of your contractor. Coordinating timelines can become complicated if either party is planning time away.
• Material Delays: The increased demand for renovation materials during summer can lead to shortages or delays in delivery. This can extend your project timeline and potentially increase costs.
• Inflated Costs: Due to the high demand for services and materials, prices may be inflated during the summer and spring months. You might end up paying a premium for labor and supplies compared to other times of the year.

Alternative Timing for Renovations

Considering the challenges of summer renovations, it’s wise to plan your project during other seasons:

• Fall: Known as the best time to renovate a home. The cooler temperatures and reduced humidity in fall make it an ideal time for both indoor and outdoor renovations. Missing the summer and spring renovation rush, contractors are much more likely to have more availability, and at a better price than other seasons.
• Winter: While winter weather can pose challenges, especially for exterior projects, it’s often a slower season for contractors. Winter is known as the cheapest time to renovate if that’s your priority, and has greater flexibility in scheduling.
• Spring: Spring offers moderate weather conditions and is a good time to start a project before the summer rush. However, be mindful of potential rain delays for outdoor work. Also, pricing can be inflated like summer due to demand and popularity.

Conclusion

While summer might seem like an attractive time for home renovations, the season’s challenges can impact the success and cost of your project. Consider alternative timing to avoid the pitfalls of summer renovations and ensure a smoother, more cost-effective remodeling experience.

Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.

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