As Canadians, we get to enjoy four very different seasons during a short twelve-month period. With seemingly endless winters and short summers, it can feel impossible to get everything done inside and outside the home. With the right planning, you can keep your home looking great and functioning well all year round. Here are the home projects we recommend for each season.
Winter
Canadian winters make many of us want to curl up and hibernate for the months of December, January and March. Even for those of us who feel less strongly about the cold, freezing temperatures and snowstorms generally don’t encourage homeowners to take on any additional responsibilities. That being said, there are actually a number of benefits to taking on home improvement projects in the winter. In fact, tackling a few projects this winter could end up saving you time and money come spring.
Painting & Drywall
Because excess moisture and humidity can affect the way paint cures, dry winters are the ideal time to paint or drywall your home’s interior. While exterior paints require mild outdoor temperatures to properly adhere, indoor painting projects can be completed in the dead of winter. Keep in mind that with more and more fume-less paints on the market, you likely won’t even have to open your windows to air out your home.
Bathroom & Kitchen Renovations
Winter is also a great time to tackle a few larger renovations. Generally speaking, business is slower in the winter for most home improvement professionals. While finding the right pro at the right price can be challenging in the busy season, in the winter, pros will be looking for jobs to keep their crews busy. You’ll be able to choose from a wider range of available pros and might even get a better price. Don’t forget that contractors will also be eager to get your job done in time for the busy season, making them more likely to adhere to your project’s timeline.
Spring
Unlike winter, you probably won’t get any discounts for hiring in the spring. Spring is a busy time of year for many kinds of projects, mainly because the ground is soft and the weather is mild. That being said, there are a few projects you should be sure to get done between the months of April and June.
Seasonal Maintenance
The first items on your spring-time to-do list should be exterior maintenance projects, like lawn care and landscaping. Ensure the outside of your home is summer-ready by having your lawn and garden tended to by a professional landscaper early in the spring before the best pros get booked up for the season.
In terms of indoor maintenance, you’ll want to get your air conditioner ready for warm weather. Get this job done as early as possible and you’ll be able to beat the rush. Once your system is prepped, you won’t have to worry about it until it comes time to turn it on.
Outdoor Projects
To many, it seems odd to start planning a deck build when there’s still snow on the ground. Likewise, it can be hard to imagine putting a fence in while the ground is still frozen. That’s what makes early spring the perfect time to start planning your outdoor projects. While the majority of homeowners wait for a big thaw to contact carpenters and contractors, you’ll be ahead of the game with a design in hand and a pro on call. Start collecting quotes as early as possible for your project and you’ll be able to enjoy the first hints of warm weather on your new deck.
Flooring
While everyone turns their attention to improving the outside of their homes, there are a few indoor projects perfect for mild spring temperatures. One big one is flooring — floors are best installed in minimal humidity and dryness. Having the furnace or air conditioner running while you’re installing new floors can lead to boards cracking and warping. As soon as temperatures reach a point where you feel comfortable turning off your heating, call up your floor installer of choice and get your project underway.
Summer
Summer is considered by many to be the high season for home improvement. Dry, warm weather makes these months the best time to complete any number of home improvement projects. That being said, with so little time, you should focus on projects that can only be completed in the summer. Another thing to keep in mind is that while these projects can only be started in warm weather, they can be booked well in advance.
Roof Repairs & Replacement
Once spring showers have cleared, it’s time to focus on your roof. Sunny, dry weather is the ideal climate for roof work. Roofers tend to get extremely busy come summer, so book these services well in advance – worse comes to worst your project gets pushed back a little further into summer. Trust us when we say you don’t want to deal with a leaky roof during the damp fall season.
Major Home Additions
For major home additions, particularly projects where you need to knock down and extend exterior walls, you’ll want to wait for summer to get started. Summer is the only time when you can expect extended periods of mild weather with minimal rain. While it can be tempting to get a head start on your project in the spring, it’s better to be safe than sorry and wait until you’re confident the warm weather is here to stay before opening up any walls.
Depending on your vacation schedule, renovating in the summer can have a few additional benefits. If you and your family are planning trips, you won’t have to worry about living in a home that’s under construction. Remember that it can take months to get the right quotes, contracts and permits for major builds, so start planning your projects months in advance to ensure you can complete your project in this limited window.
Fall
Unfortunately, fall weather is unpredictable, making it hard to plan major projects for October and November. That being said, there are few important home projects you should schedule for every fall.
Seasonal Maintenance
Early fall is the right time to start prepping your home for harsh Canadian winters. Start by having your furnace serviced and your ducts cleaned. Be sure to make time to have your wood-burning, gas or electric fireplace maintained to avoid any winter-time disasters. Lastly, once the leaves have all fallen, clear your gutters of debris to avoid the build of water and prevent ice dams from forming.
Now that you know how to time your projects, it’s time to start planning. No matter what the weather’s like, you never want to start a project you aren’t prepared to tackle. Take your time finding the right pro for the job and find a time that works for you and your family. Once you’re ready to start getting quotes, head to HomeStars.com and connect with top-rated pros in your area.
