Why Winter Is the Best Time to Schedule Your Home Renovation (Yes, Really)

E&E here with a public service announcement. 

Most homeowners have it wrong. They think spring is the perfect time to start their home renovations (what with the warmer weather and all). But while that may make sense on the outside, the truth is waiting till spring just makes things more stressful.

Because here’s the deal: if you want your renovations completed during springtime, you need to be booked and planning during the winter—otherwise, you’re going to be battling longer lead times with all the other homeowners who had the bright idea of waiting until spring. 

So with that in mind, let’s chat about why winter—this winter, in fact—may be the perfect time to kick off those renovations you’ve been dreaming up.

Let’s go.

Is Winter an “Off-Season” for Contractors—or Just for Homeowners?

Over the past 30 years, the E&E crew has noticed a trend. It seems that many of our homeowners think we’re sitting around all winter with nothing better to do than sip hot cocoa and play board games!

Now, while we have to admit that does sound nice at times, the truth of the matter is that winter is one of the most important planning seasons of the year—and the office is typically busy scheduling, designing, and preparing for upcoming projects.

So while the snow and cold can limit when certain work happens, for a general contractor in Lancaster, PA, winter is critically important. It’s when we set the proverbial chessboard… 

So I guess you could say we are spending more time with board games.

The Real Trouble with Waiting Until Spring for Home Improvements

If you’re thinking of starting your project come the warmer weather, know this.

Once winter loosens its grip, the phone starts ringing—and doesn’t stop. Everyone has work they want done, and they want it done now.

The trouble is, even the largest and most well-managed crews can only handle so much at once. Bottlenecks are inevitable. Schedules fill, lead times stretch, and that project you were hoping to nail down in April gets pushed to June… or later.

Here’s how Teddy at E&E puts it.

“Winter is the best time to get on schedule, because you get first crack at work days when the weather turns in the Spring. If you wait to call until the weather warms up, you'll probably be waiting at least three months to start your project.”

- Teddy Denver, Marketing Coordinator Professional at E&E General Contracting

How Does Winter Scheduling Really Speed Up Your Project?

For larger projects—particularly exterior work—work doesn’t begin until spring. However, it can be completed in less overall time if the beginning steps are knocked out in the colder months.

At E&E, our preference is to handle the following during the winter months:

• Finalize designs/material choices
• Dial in budgets and financing options
• Prepare permits and approvals
• Order longer-lead materials

Knocking these tasks out early is especially valuable for custom home remodeling and home addition services, where timelines can easily slip. So be sure to tackle the beginning stages early—so the warmer weather can be spent building.

Scheduling Early—More Than Just Shorter Lead Times

Getting your project on the books now means a sooner completion date. But that’s not all. Here are a few more—not so obvious—benefits of starting work in the winter.

→ Better Craftsmanship

When contractors are trying to cram as many projects in as possible, crews feel the pressure. Unfortunately, this results in overworked laborers cutting corners—not out of laziness, but as a way to satisfy all their clients’ needs. 

Winter scheduling helps experienced contracting teams avoid that pressure. And by handling the design, financing, and ordering aspects in the cooler months, the spring and summer are less hectic all around.

→ Saved Money (And Sanity)

While booking your project over the winter doesn’t necessarily mean massive discounts, it can mean locked-in pricing before seasonal increases, no rush fees, and fewer last-minute changes.

That said, the biggest win may be emotional. By planning ahead, homeowners can take a calmer, more measured approach to their projects. And for many families considering home renovations in PA, that peace of mind is worth a lot.

Which Projects Benefit Most from Winter Scheduling?

Okay, to be fair, this is a bit of a trick question. Nearly all home renovations benefit from a winter runway. However, the following tend to be more involved, and the extra planning time goes a long way.

• Interior remodeling (kitchens, bathrooms, living spaces)
• Additions with lots of planning, engineering, and material coordination
• Roofing services, stucco remediation, and roofing installation
• Exterior siding and window replacement projects

If you’re looking at any of these in the coming year, get a free estimate (and lead time) sooner rather than later!

Winter is Coming—And So Should Your Renovations!

Okay, okay. Maybe we only have a few more days for that headline to work (our copywriter is busy busting this guide out at the tail end of fall), and maybe winter is already upon us. If that’s the case, don’t hibernate your renovation plans just yet. Here’s why.

Because winter is the best time to start your projects. And while you might get lucky with a call in early spring, it doesn’t always work out the way our homeowners hope it would. 

So reach out for your complimentary estimate and consultation today. You’ll have the opportunity to share your dream, get the next steps (often an onsite visit), and then a detailed estimate on bringing your project to life—with less stress, shorter lead times, and the benefits of a well-planned project.

Get Your Complimentary Estimate

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E&E General Contracting got started over thirty years ago as a local siding replacement company. Since then, our team has grown to become a trusted provider of all types of exterior services (roofing, siding, windows, doors) and interior remodels and additions. All projects come backed by a lifetime workmanship warranty and the assurance that comes from working with highly skilled, communicative, and caring crews. And while you might only renovate your home once in a lifetime, we do it every day—and are ready to make your dream home a reality.