Remodeling? 'Tis the Season!
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Everyone loves to save money. Even people with a lot of it. And many homeowners have at least half a dozen home improvement projects lined up. But they're never sure when to pull the trigger and make the commitment.
The construction and remodeling industry, like many business industries, is cyclical. There really can be seasons to many of the types of projects homeowners request. Because this industry has cycles to it, it usually means many renovation companies and contractors are incredibly busy one month and looking for work the next.
For example, many kitchen remodeling companies are told by their clients that their new kitchen must be ready in time for Thanksgiving. Or at the very latest, by Christmas so they can show off their renovated room to family and friends. Guess how many kitchen remodeling companies would love to have your business the last week in December - - or throughout the month of January, for that matter?
And, as the law of supply and demand tells us, whenever a company is looking for your business it's a great time to get really good discounts. Many homeowners can save a lot of money by completing their wish-list projects during the "off season." As the weather warms up in Spring, it can be next to impossible to find a quality contractor. Why? Because everyone else has already booked them for their projects.
You can consider just about any home improvement project during the long winter months. Most are indoors and and can be done year round. Paints, stucco, and concrete cannot always cure below certain temperatures, but many remodelers have the ability to tent the project to add enough heat to make it work. All the new materials in windows allow replacements to be installed year round. Landscapers have an easy time pruning trees and bushes when they aren't covered with foliage. Adding a new roof during winter weather may not be the best idea, but most roofs are installed during the summer. So, talk to your local roofer today so that your new roof can be installed in the Spring instead.
Also, because the housing market has really cooled off, there is a much larger supply of building materials. The larger supply means better prices. Lumber prices are down as well as a host of other raw materials needed to re-do any part of your home.
Finally, because the new home construction has stalled over the past six months, there are many more available contractors who are looking for work. A lot of the ones who were building houses are jumping over to the remodeling side of business. However, I would suggest that you not always go with the contractor who gives the best price on a job. Many of the contractors who were specifically "new builders" may not have remodeling experience. There is a difference. Make sure any contractor you talk to has experience in the remodeling industry. Make sure their references are from remodeling projects and not just building new houses.
Good luck with you projects and have a Happy New Year!
The construction and remodeling industry, like many business industries, is cyclical. There really can be seasons to many of the types of projects homeowners request. Because this industry has cycles to it, it usually means many renovation companies and contractors are incredibly busy one month and looking for work the next.
For example, many kitchen remodeling companies are told by their clients that their new kitchen must be ready in time for Thanksgiving. Or at the very latest, by Christmas so they can show off their renovated room to family and friends. Guess how many kitchen remodeling companies would love to have your business the last week in December - - or throughout the month of January, for that matter?
And, as the law of supply and demand tells us, whenever a company is looking for your business it's a great time to get really good discounts. Many homeowners can save a lot of money by completing their wish-list projects during the "off season." As the weather warms up in Spring, it can be next to impossible to find a quality contractor. Why? Because everyone else has already booked them for their projects.
You can consider just about any home improvement project during the long winter months. Most are indoors and and can be done year round. Paints, stucco, and concrete cannot always cure below certain temperatures, but many remodelers have the ability to tent the project to add enough heat to make it work. All the new materials in windows allow replacements to be installed year round. Landscapers have an easy time pruning trees and bushes when they aren't covered with foliage. Adding a new roof during winter weather may not be the best idea, but most roofs are installed during the summer. So, talk to your local roofer today so that your new roof can be installed in the Spring instead.
Also, because the housing market has really cooled off, there is a much larger supply of building materials. The larger supply means better prices. Lumber prices are down as well as a host of other raw materials needed to re-do any part of your home.
Finally, because the new home construction has stalled over the past six months, there are many more available contractors who are looking for work. A lot of the ones who were building houses are jumping over to the remodeling side of business. However, I would suggest that you not always go with the contractor who gives the best price on a job. Many of the contractors who were specifically "new builders" may not have remodeling experience. There is a difference. Make sure any contractor you talk to has experience in the remodeling industry. Make sure their references are from remodeling projects and not just building new houses.
Good luck with you projects and have a Happy New Year!
p.s. Ready to save even more? Post your project with Construction Deal - we'll help you get multiple bids from quality contractors for free. No more poking around the yellow pages to find just one or two companies. We'll let you choose how many remodeling pros you want to call YOU! Multiple bids means you'll get a better price!
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RELATED POSTS:
Remodeling Trends: Is Now the Time to Remodel?
Construction and Remodeling Tips
Labels: Home Improvement, Home Repair, Saving Money
1 Comments:
I refer to this type of deadline as an "artificial" and as a contractor can't stand them. Holidays are fueled by emotions and emotions can ignite a remodeling project. So often I'll hear, "We want it done by Thanksgiving, the wedding, graduation party etc. My first response is to ask, "How long have you owned the house?" The typical answer is usually several years. So I'm thinking, "you've lived here 18 years, original owner, and now you decide that you need it done within 3 weeks, so I guess I better get started yesterday." If you have one of these types of "deadlines" be sure to allow enough reasonable time to get it done, and create a cushion so nobody needs to freak-out.
commented by 
Anonymous, 10:02 PM
Anonymous, 10:02 PM
