When you’re planning a bathroom renovation, there are certain important things you need to consider. One is the season. Spring and summer may seem like the perfect time of year to remodel, but they are also the busiest. Renovating your bathroom in winter may seem very challenging but it may be one of the smartest decisions you make. Yes, days are shorter and the cold can force you indoors for weeks at a time. But with proper planning, renovating in winter can save you a lot of money.
Here’s how.
Why Bathroom Renovations in Winter Is a Good Idea
Any home improvement in winter may seem challenging. But remodelling in the least busy season can be more beneficial than waiting for the warmer months.
Here, we cover the perks of renovating in winter.
· Seasonal Cost Savings
Remodelers are less busy this time of year. As a homeowner, this is good news. Since there’s less demand, the supply of contractors is improved and you don’t end up paying a premium to hire the most in-demand ones. You may even be able to avail yourself of discounts from manufacturers due to the slower season. In short, winter projects are cheaper.
· Easier-to-Schedule Opportunities
Other than the cost savings, convenience is another major benefit of winter bathroom renovations. Since contractors aren’t as busy this time of the year, getting on their schedule becomes easier. If you’re someone who dreads long project delays, this is a valid enough reason. In the busy seasons, workers may handle multiple projects so carving time in their busy schedule gets more difficult. That’s not the case in winter. You may even have the luxury of choosing a time that is convenient for you instead of them.
· Chance of Choosing Better Products
Similarly, there are fewer chances that the appliances or materials necessary for your renovation will be out of stock since they’re less in demand. Therefore, you can more easily access the type of products you need.
· Best Time for Indoor Work
No one wants to work outside in the cold, so chances are that your contractors will be happier working on your bathroom remodel than redoing your patio stones.
You may also consider having your interiors painted, as having your furnace on will dry paint faster than in summer. Along with your bathroom, consider other interior projects, such as kitchen renovations, changing the interior lighting, and even flooring.
· Chance to Prepare for a Resale
One key factor people often forget during remodelling is potential buyers. Renovations add to the resale value of your property, if they’re done right. When renovating your bathroom, keep the design elements timeless so you can maximize the resale value.
But it’s not just the wrong paint colour you need to worry about. If you’re planning to sell your home at a good price this spring, winter is the best time to start your remodel. From subtle cosmetic updates to staging and de-cluttering, there are a lot of things to be done. And doing them in the slow winter season will open up new opportunities for you in spring.
What to Consider When Renovating in Winter
· Access to Your Home
During the winter months, you need to ensure that there’s safe and easy access to your home at all times, especially if you’re renovating. This means you may have to shovel snow to keep your driveway and pathways clear. That also likely means using salt to melt stubborn patches of ice. This isn’t just a courtesy. You can be held liable for unsafe working conditions if you don’t keep the area clean and a worker slips and falls.
· Problems Due to Water
Winter invites a host of problems related to water. If you plan to move out of your house during the renovation and the heating drops, the water inside your pipes can freeze, causing pipes to burst. To avoid this, you can either get the plumbing set up to keep the water line hot, leave taps running just a bit to prevent freezing or ask to have your water cut off during the time you’re away. Certain practices, such as keeping the bathroom, kitchen cabinet and garage doors closed, will help retain heat within the house.
· Your Neighbours
Don’t forget to be courteous towards your neighbours. Whenever you’re doing any type of remodelling, you need to inform them first and make sure the project takes place during working hours to avoid noise complaints. If you share walls with your neighbour, temperature fluctuations in your house can affect them. If you decide to move out during the reno, offer to install a temporary insulation solution so their home’s temperature doesn’t drop when yours does. Being considerate of your neighbours will help finish your project faster without hassle.
If you consider the perks, winter is the perfect time for a bathroom remodel. But you need to properly plan to take full advantage of it.