There are many remodeling and renovation projects that can boost the overall value of your home. Landscaping alone can add 14% to the resale value of a property. But there are some renovation projects that are actually better to do during certain seasons to save on time and money.
If you’ve been itching to renovate your home, but you want to be smart with your budget, here are some common home improvement projects and when it’s best to invest in them.
Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels
Kitchen and master bathroom remodels are the most popular renovations. Every year, homeowners remodel over 10.2 million kitchens and 14.2 million bathrooms.
Kitchen and bathroom remodels are typically best done during the summer because many homeowners want their projects to be finished by the holidays. But if you’re willing to let contractors into your home during the winter, business is often slower for remodeling services at this time of year. This might make materials less expensive.
Electrical Updates and Retrofits
You can update your home’s electrical system throughout the year, but it’s actually best to do it before the winter months. This is because you’re using more power during the winter to make up for the lack of sunlight.
Coincidentally, this is the main reason why winter is the season for house fires. While the appliances in our homes use voltages thousands of times smaller, usually between 110 and 250 volts, a power surge can quickly turn everyday electrical usage into a disaster. That being said, if your home’s electrical wiring is on the older side, be sure to update it before you need it most.
Your Driveway Pavement
Some homeowners may want to have their driveways repaved before winter arrives, but it’s actually best to repave your driveway during the spring and summer months. Snow, ice, and road salt can damage your driveway, undoing much of the hard work you’ve put in.
It’s also best to pave your driveway during the summer because of the temperature necessary for paving asphalt. Over 90% of parking areas in the U.S. are surfaced with asphalt pavement, which is best paved in 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Home Additions
According to the Census Bureau, around 30 percent of remodeling is through major home additions or renovations, with 40 percent of total remodeling work going towards minor additions and alterations. With home additions being so common, you may want to spontaneously start a new project, but waiting for the perfect time of year might be better. Although you might think that home additions are best done during the summer months, it’s actually best to invest in a home addition during the winter. This is because the frozen ground and dry air are better for pouring concrete footers and digging foundations compared to working in humidity with muddy soil.
You also don’t have to worry as much about unpredictable weather, which can happen during the spring when there are more frequent rainy days. What’s more, as mentioned before, the winter months are typically less busy for contractors and builders. This can make it easier to schedule a home addition at a time that works best for you and at a potentially lower price.
Home renovation and remodeling projects are a great way to add value to your home. But certain seasons are better for specific projects. While warmer seasons are typically good for more renovations, you can actually save money by doing some projects during the winter.