When is the best time of the year to start a kitchen remodel? Friel Kitchen & Bath Design Centers get asked this question quite often, and in our experience, it’s essential to have the design plan completed in the first part of the year. Many say fall, but we would disagree. With holidays right around the corner and lead times for materials, this can create an issue. So what is the best time to get started? Late winter, spring. Since the kitchen is a highly used part of your home, this can be the least impactful time.
Things To Consider On Timing
Your kitchen needs careful planning with an expert giving you sound design advice. Whether your kitchen needs a refresh or you’re designing a kitchen for a new build, it is essential to make sure you have taken into consideration family vacations, holiday breaks if you have children, and when you will be entertaining.
By starting your design plan with experts now, you can think about the calendar year and when it best suits you to have the work begin. However, completing the project early in the year allows you to consider manufacturing dates for the materials wanted and needed, material styles, storage options, lighting, appliances, and layout.
Let’s not forget to plan with contractors to begin the work. You can figure out when the busy seasons are for them and opt for non-busy seasons, allowing faster work completion schedules. Here are some other considerations:
Eating Plans
Eating out every day can be tiring and expensive. So while your kitchen remodels are underway, you’ll need an alternative meal prep area. A simple mini-fridge and microwave may do. For others, an outdoor grill is perfect.
Now we are talking about winter and spring, so it’s still chilly in Maryland. Working with our designers helps you establish a timeline. However, you should communicate expectations and needs with your contractor, so you aren’t out of a kitchen longer than necessary.
Weather
Depending on where you live, and the time of year, weather plays a role in considering kitchen remodeling projects. For example, replacing windows or doors in cooler temperatures in Maryland could be better than in the rainy, humid seasons. However, indoor remodeling can happen year-round.
Hiring a contractor at certain times of the year is more manageable and less expensive in colder months. One of the biggest concerns is to ensure you have a dry space to store items like cabinets and room for a temporary kitchen indoors.
Product Lead Times
While you can remodel a kitchen with products off the shelf, you will most likely need to order cabinetry and other materials. Planning now will allow you to understand when to purchase materials and the lead times you will experience for them to be delivered. Everything from faucets and lighting to appliances and countertops can require early ordering. Ultimately this will also affect the time you choose to remodel your kitchen.
Cabinetry often has one of the most extended lead times and, on average, can take 4 to 8 weeks to build and be delivered. Your design consultant will be able to consider that as you both develop your plan.
Questions to Approach Your Design Plan?
How you approach the design plan of your kitchen remodel depends on the size of the room and your budget. Thinking through such preliminary criteria as:
- What type of kitchen remodel are you looking for? (Think layout – open plan, gallery, u-shape, etc.)
- What is the size of the space and shape?
- What is your budget?
- What are your “must haves” and “nice to haves” in the kitchen?
- What is your timeline?
- Are other renovations happening too?
Of course, our designers will assist you with these types of preliminary decisions and have more knowledge about what other questions to review. In addition, they will give you the expert advice you need as you finalize your plan.
Kitchen Remodel and the Best Time of Year
The best time of year to start a kitchen remodel is after you’ve thoroughly planned your timeline and budget. Starting a kitchen remodel requires researching, shopping, setting goals, budgeting, and talking to professionals. However, nothing will stop you once you’re ready to create your dream space. Discuss the kitchen remodel plan and process with our Friel Kitchen & Bath Centers experts.
