Can You Remodel in the Winter?

Getting the itch to remodel this winter? You’re not alone! Turns out, 55% of homeowners decided to renovate in 2022, most often citing the desire to increase their home enjoyment or modernize their living space as the reason why. But it was for the best! 93% reported better quality of life after finishing their renovations.

So whether you’re looking to get out of a seasonal funk, are inspired by this year’s trends, or just want to modernize your home tech, winter could actually be the perfect time to get many of those interior projects completed! Let’s take a deep dive into the benefits of remodeling in the winter.

Stick to interior projects this season.

Freezing temps and snow can make it difficult or impossible for contractors to dig into your exterior projects. Interior designs, on the other hand, can flourish in winter months! If you’re looking to hire a contractor, this season is great because they have more flexibility than in the spring and summer months. Not to mention, if you’re using this time to visit family or go on vacation elsewhere, your contractor can swoop in and do the project with minimal disruption to your daily life.

Forbes expert contractor points out that a good contractor isn’t necessarily cheaper in the winter, but many times they do offer sales in lieu of the holidays or upcoming spring. So while we don’t recommend skimping out on a good contractor, you may be able to find one offering a sweet seasonal deal for your budget!

The most renovated rooms in the home are the bathroom and kitchen.

This past year, bathroom and kitchen renovations made up half of the total home remodeling projects in the country. If you’re looking for a short-term project, consider revamping your kitchen countertops! The project typically takes between one to three days (perfect for a weekend project) and has an average return on investment of 72%. Similarly, minor bathroom remodels, like cabinets and faucets, can have an ROI of 102%!

If you want to spend more and do a complete overhaul of either room, architect Steve Straughn does say it’ll pay off. “Kitchens and baths are the areas in a home “where you can tell if money has been well spent or not. They’re the most expensive areas of the home in terms of construction. And they’re where people spend time in their homes.”

So whether the winter holds the time and budget for you to do a large project or a small weekend one, any homeowner has the opportunity to get their remodeling pants on this winter!

Renovating can be good for the mood.

If you’re one of the ten million Americans who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), remodeling your home may be a conducive way to combat the winter blues. Basically, your environment affects your mood, so improving your space can do wonders to take away stress and make you feel more at home. Simple projects like changing the lighting and repainting can leave the dingy, cluttered feeling behind and welcome new warmth into your home. Not to mention, completing projects is scientifically proven to improve psychological health.

If you’re curious how your dream renovation projects may improve your mood, check out the 2022 NAR Remodeling Impact Report! It breaks down the typical costs of interior projects so you can best budget for your winter remodeling plans, and it lets you know the average joy score on each of the completed projects as well.

In short, winter is a great time to renovate.

The days may seem short, but the opportunities are endless. If you’ve been thinking about renovating your interior, winter is a great time to make a jump on your plans.