What you should consider when renovating in winter
Unlike a summer renovation when you can open the windows and air your space out, there are certain challenges in the colder months, but certain advantages as well. The experts atHomeStars have compiled a list of things to keep in mind if you are considering a renovation in the colder months:
1 – Why Winter?
Well for starters, it’s a slower season for many contractors and designers, making it easier to source and secure a great home improvement professional. At HomeStars we looked at searches for general contractors during the summer months vs. the winter months and found that there was a 121% increase during the warmer time period.* This means you often have more negotiating power and can potentially save money as they’re not balancing as many jobs. You could have an easier time getting appropriate permits, and your work could be done faster too.
2 – Stay indoors
Exterior renovations can be out of the question in colder months, especially with snow and freezing temperatures. But interior renovations, like painting jobs, are ideal to start during winter. With your heating on full blast, paint can actually dry quicker than in summer. Beginning a kitchen or bathroom remodelling is fine in the colder months, or replacing any interior lighting, appliances and even flooring. It is also a great time to tackle the basement, attic or closets.
3 – Consider your neighbours
Informing your neighbours is a common courtesy you should always provide. In addition, you’ll want to make sure the renovations only take place during working hours to avoid noise complaints. One consideration that doesn’t apply in the winter months is the impact of potential heating loss. If you live in a townhouse or semi-detached and you share walls, the temperature of your home can also impact your neighbours. So, if you’re moving out during your renovation and your house temperature drops, theirs might too. You can avoid this by installing some temporary insulation, but talk to your contractor at the onset as this could be an additional cost. Also, if you share a driveway or laneway with your neighbours, make sure your contractor and trades are respectful and don’t block your neighbour’s access – whether it’s a vehicle or job materials.
4 – Clear the path to your home
Make sure there is easy, and safe access to your home during the winter months. This means shovelling snow off your driveway and pathways and laying down salt to melt stubborn and dangerous patches of ice. Aside from being the courteous thing to do, you don’t want to be held liable for any unsafe working conditions.
5 – Water woes
This is a common issue for homes in winter regardless, but if you’re moving out during your renovation and the heating system drops, it can increase the chances of your pipes bursting due to water freezing inside. Avoid this by either having a plumber heat the water line that goes into your house, or have the city shut off your water for the duration of your time away. Other easy ways to help prevent them from freezing include keeping your garage door closed and keeping cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathrooms open to help whatever heat is in the house circulate around them.
6 – Prepping for Sale
If you are thinking of putting your home on the market during the busy spring market, winter is the ideal time to call in the realtor to discuss what needs to be done to get your home ready. Cosmetic updates, staging and de-cluttering are ideal to do during the winter months, so you can be the first out of the gate for spring!
Source: – https://ottawasun.com/life/homes/what-you-should-consider-when-renovating-in-winter
