Winter Remodeling: Yes, It’s a Thing

If you’ve got a home renovation project on your to-do list, a great season to tackle it is underway. Yes, we’re talking about winter. Remodeling the inside of your home during the coldest months of the year certainly brings its challenges, but it also has a few unexpected upsides. So instead of hiding from the cold, use it as a reason to finally tackle that home improvement project you’ve been putting off.

More Contractors Are Available

By choosing to undertake your home remodeling projects in winter, you may be able to get your pick of local contractors. Spring, summer, and fall are far busier times for contractors as more customers are lining up to get their projects done. But by hiring one in the off-season, you may be able to choose the right contractor for you.

As an added bonus, you’ll also be in a better position to negotiate the dates that work best for you, rather than working around the hectic schedule of the contractor. This way, the contractor will also have more bandwidth to give your project as much attention as it needs, without feeling pressure from a slew of other clients.

There’s More Material Inventory

Because there are fewer projects happening in winter, you may be able to have your pick of materials. That quartz countertop you’ve been eyeing? Guess what, it’s in stock. The fine cherrywood flooring? You won’t have to wait on it as it’s already in the store. From floors to counters, paints, and fixtures, more items will be sitting on the shelves for longer so you can take your time to find exactly what’s right for you.

You May Be Able to Save Some Money in The Low Season

Since it’s a slower season for remodeling, you may be able to find great deals and spend less money than you would if you were remodeling during peak season. Contractors may be more willing to negotiate since there is typically less demand for their work in the winter.

And another bonus of doing a winter home project? The inventory in stores will likely be on sale as well. And you’ll likely have your pick of both the old inventory from summer and the new inventory suppliers drop before the high season kicks in this spring. With plentiful discounts, you may find it easier to stick to your home remodeling budget, while still getting exactly what you want.

You May Get Permits Cleared Faster

Because it’s likely that fewer people are filing for different permits you may be able to cruise through the line at your local town hall.

And, if your winter home project is big enough to warrant an inspector, you could be able to snag one fairly quickly. And, as a bonus, all this means you’d be able to start and end your home addition project even faster than anticipated.

It’s Actually Better for The Paint

According to Virginia Kitchen and Bath , giving the inside of your home a fresh coat of paint in the wintertime is actually ideal. This is because the colder air provides a better environment for the paint to dry. And it will dry faster to boot, once again speeding up the renovation timeline.

And paint isn’t the only project that benefits from the cold. According to Angie’s List , frozen ground and dry air winter air also make for the perfect conditions for digging foundations and pouring concrete footers.

Yes, You Can Still Renovate Outside

Sure, you probably shouldn’t be painting your exterior during the winter or replacing your windows, but there are still plenty of other projects that can get done outside in the colder months, too.

Remember the aforementioned foundation? Those same tips work for digging posts for a new deck, porch, or addition. Turn to your contractor for an evaluation and to ensure your outdoor project is feasible during more inclement weather.

You’ll Save Your Sanity for Spring

If you’re going to be stuck inside your house while a renovation project is going on, why not do it during the season you’re inside anyway?

By planning and executing your home renovation project for winter, you’ll be freed up for the spring and summer to go on vacation, spend time in the nice weather, or just to enjoy the newly finished renovations.

Making Your Winter Remodel Happen

It may feel like short notice to start a home renovation project this winter, but if you get started right now, you really can make it happen. To get your finances in order, start by having a contractor come to your home for a free estimate of the work.

Then, you can look into taking out a home improvement loan with SoFi. A home improvement loan can help fund a small guest bathroom remodel or a total kitchen overhaul. This way, you can pay back your remodel over time with a low-rate SoFi personal loan, instead of waiting to save or putting the costs on higher interest credit cards.

And when you borrow a personal loan with SoFi there are no origination fees or prepayment penalties.

The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
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