When Is the Right Time of Year to Begin a Home Remodeling Project

The Best Home Remodeling Project Starts with A Plan

If you’re planning a home remodel, such as an open kitchen for Thanksgiving, and it’s August, it might already be too late.

These deadlines often drive home remodeling decisions and set project timelines. However, significant upfront work is required before construction can begin. Design, budgeting, material selection, ordering, permitting, and scheduling are time-consuming and determine whether a project stays on track.

From our experience, the best home remodeling projects start earlier than homeowners anticipate. Knowing how timing and season affect planning, availability, and construction can mean the difference between a smooth remodel and a rushed one.

Read on as we break down the best times of year to begin planning your home remodeling project and why starting sooner often leads to better results.

Before Construction Starts

Long before demo day, a successful home remodeling project begins with detailed planning. We start with an initial consultation where we take time to understand your goals, how you’ll use your space, and what isn’t working for you. We’ll also discuss your budget so expectations are aligned from the beginning, and we can make clear decisions.

Next, the project enters the design phase. Plans are refined, layouts explored, and materials chosen, prioritizing aesthetics and performance. This phase lets homeowners see how design ideas translate to their home and ensures the design fits their lifestyle. The process is reviewed again, and costs are adjusted to prevent issues. This balances priorities and keeps the project on budget.

Finally, permitting, engineering (if needed), and scheduling follow. These steps keep your project on time and on budget. Investing time upfront in planning gives homeowners a clearer project vision, fewer disruptions, and an intentional, unrushed experience.

Timing Your Home Remodeling Project

The time of year you begin planning your project directly affects how smoothly it unfolds. Actual construction may take only weeks or months. However, ordering materials, scheduling, and contractor availability must all start much earlier.

The seasons and seasonal demand play a major role. Spring and summer tend to be the busiest times for remodeling, so schedules can fill up quickly. Homeowners who begin planning during slower seasons can have more flexibility when scheduling dates.

Another critical consideration is the materials' lead time. Custom cabinetry, windows, and finishes can require weeks or even months to manufacture and deliver. Choosing features and finishes early allows you to order items well in advance, reducing delays and keeping your project on time.

Weather can affect timing, especially for structural or exterior work. Cold, snow, heat, or rain can slow progress or limit what can be done safely. Aligning planning with seasonal weather helps ensure the project happens at the best time of year.

Ultimately, early planning gives you more control over your home remodeling project. It creates space for unhurried decision-making, offers better scheduling options, and reduces compromises. By understanding how timing affects each phase of the process, you can take an active role in your project and make it more predictable.

The Best Seasons for Remodeling Projects

Different projects are best suited to different seasons, depending on the climate. Planning ahead lets you take advantage of ideal conditions for your home improvement project.

March Through May (Spring)

Spring is ideal for exterior work such as roofing, siding, and window replacement because mild temperatures enable efficient installation and reduce weather-related delays. Completing these projects in spring prepares your home for upcoming summer storms, protecting your investment and ensuring your home is ready for harsher weather.

June Through August (Summer)

Summer is a good time for kitchen and bathroom remodels. Families often take vacations during this season, so these projects can cause less disruption. It’s also a good time for home additions, since longer daylight provides more working hours.

September Through November (Fall)

This is the prime season for interior work, such as refinishing basements and attics. Contractors are more available now that summer projects are wrapping up. Cooler weather also makes indoor work more comfortable.

December Through February (Winter)

Winter is best for interior updates like painting, flooring, and cabinetry. Exterior work is limited by weather, so focus on indoor upgrades during this season. You can avoid the issues of peak remodeling times.

Planning your home improvement project around the seasons can help ensure an efficient, cost-effective remodel.

When to Start Planning for Common Remodeling Projects

Not every remodeling project follows the same timeline. All vary in scope and complexity, which affects when planning should begin. Here is a general guide to help you understand when to start the conversation for some of the most common home improvement projects.

Kitchen Remodels

Kitchens are complex remodeling projects. You must consider the design, layout, storage, and workflow. The process from design to completion often takes several months. To have your kitchen ready by fall or the holidays, consult with your design-build firm in late winter or early spring. View our kitchen remodeling projects.

Bathroom Remodels

Along with kitchens, bathrooms are another common remodel. Even though they are smaller, bathrooms are complex because they require detailed coordination among plumbing, tile, and material selections. Many materials have longer lead times, so planning a few months ahead can minimize disruptions and keep your project on schedule. View our bathroom remodeling projects.

Open Concept/Structural Remodels

Projects that involve removing walls or significantly reworking layouts will require structural analysis and input from an engineer. Designers, engineers, and builders must work closely together. Working with a design-build firm can help. These types of remodels benefit from longer planning timelines to ensure safety, clarity, and seamless execution.

Whole Home or Multi-Room Renovations

Renovating multiple spaces requires a cohesive vision and precise sequencing. Supporting livability during a project of this scope often requires phasing construction. Early planning typically leads to smoother scheduling and better coordination across all project elements. View our remodeled homes.

Additions and Exterior Projects

Additions include local government requirements, zoning, permitting, site-specific considerations, and weather-dependent construction. To align interior finishes with exterior work, planning should begin well in advance, often six months or more before your desired start date. View our home addition projects.

Planning Around Your Life

The right time to start planning your home remodeling project isn’t just about seasons; you need to make sure the work fits into your life. Holidays, family gatherings, and day-to-day life all influence when your project should begin and end. School schedules and seasonal disruptions need to be taken into account. Summer break, work travel, and winter weather can affect how disruptive a project feels, even if the construction timeline stays the same.

For many homeowners, long-term goals such as aging in place, future accessibility, and lifestyle changes can shape design decisions and planning. As a design-build firm, we help clients plan backward from key dates—whether a holiday, milestone, or move-in goal—to create a timeline that supports both the home and the homeowners.

A Well-Timed Remodel is a Well-Planned Remodel

The best home remodeling project does not happen by chance. It comes from careful planning and an experienced team. Starting early gives you the space to make better decisions, achieve smoother construction, and avoid surprises. By connecting with a design-build firm early, homeowners can turn ideas into a finished space that’s on time, on budget, and built to last!

Are you planning a home remodeling project? Let us help you create a new look and design to match your lifestyle needs! If you live in the Greater Madison area, call the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel at (608) 846-5963. We can take your home to the next level of comfort, design, and function! Are you ready to learn more? We're always happy to answer your questions.