Looking to give your house a facelift? Great timing is crucial when planning a home exterior remodel. Weather plays a significant role in determining how smoothly your project progresses. Some months are better than others for outdoor work. Spring and fall typically offer the most ideal conditions, according to experts. Every successful home exterior remodel starts with picking the right season. The right climate enables your contractors to work more efficiently and achieve better results. Let’s break down each option so you can decide what works for you.
What Is A Home Exterior Remodel, And Why Does the Timing Matter
A home exterior remodel involves updating the exterior of your house. This includes siding, roofing, windows, doors, or paint jobs. These upgrades boost your property value and curb appeal fast. However, here’s the thing – weather conditions can significantly impact or even derail your project timeline.
Cold temperatures slow down the drying of paint and the installation of materials. Rain delays can push your schedule back weeks. Hot summer days can also affect certain materials. That’s why planning around the seasons saves you time and money. Good weather means your crew can work efficiently without constant stops and starts. A properly timed home exterior remodel prevents costly weather-related setbacks.
The Four Seasons For An Exterior Home Remodel:
Every season brings unique advantages and challenges for outdoor projects. Some months offer perfect working conditions while others create headaches. Your location matters too, since climates vary across the country. Understanding what each season provides helps you make intelligent decisions. Planning your home exterior remodel around the right season is crucial. Let’s look at what spring, summer, fall, and winter each bring to the table.
Spring
Spring wins as one of the top picks for a home exterior remodel. Mild temperatures from March to May create ideal working conditions. Your contractors can install siding and windows without having to deal with extreme heat or cold. Rain showers might pop up, so keep an eye on the forecasts.
Some brands recommend spring for roofing and window replacements, specifically for materials set correctly in moderate temperatures. Plus, finishing early prepares your house for summer storms. Longer days also give crews more working hours. Just schedule around April showers and you’re golden.
Summer
Summer brings peak season for renovations with good reason. Extended daylight hours mean contractors can work full days. June through August works great for additions and significant structural changes. Families often vacation during the summer, reducing household disruption. Your home exterior remodel can progress quickly during these warm months.
However, extreme heat can be particularly challenging for workers and specific materials. Morning starts help beat the afternoon sun. You might pay premium prices since everyone wants summer slots. Book early if you’re targeting these months. The dry weather is a plus, however. Your project is unlikely to face rain delays.
Fall
Fall stands out as another prime choice for outdoor work. September to November offers cool, comfortable weather without the bite of winter. Our colleagues noted that mild fall temperatures provide ideal conditions for exterior projects. Contractors often have better availability after the summer rush ends. Scheduling your home exterior remodel during the fall gives you great value and quality.
Material costs may drop as demand decreases. You can lock in better pricing this time of year. The main downside is that shorter days mean less working time. Your project might take longer than it would in summer. But the weather stays predictable and pleasant for most outdoor tasks.
Winter
Winter isn’t typically recommended for exterior projects in most regions. December to February brings freezing temperatures that affect material installation. Paint won’t dry properly in cold weather. Snow and ice also create obvious safety issues. Most contractors focus on indoor work during this time of year.
That said, some structural foundation work actually benefits from frozen ground. Additionally, you can secure lower prices due to reduced demand. If you live somewhere with mild winters, you could pull it off. Just know your options are limited. Save major exterior updates for the warmer months, unless necessary.
How To Boost Curb Appeal With The Right Exterior Remodeling Ideas
The best professionals have a solid track record of completing similar projects. They should be willing to show photos of their past work and connect you with satisfied customers. Look for basement contractor teams that communicate clearly and respond quickly to questions.
Reliable experts will provide detailed written estimates that cover all aspects of your project. They should explain their process and timeline so you know exactly what to expect. Most importantly, you want someone who makes you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities.
How To Choose The Right Season To Change Your Home Exterior Design
Your local climate should guide your decision more than anything else. Check historical weather patterns for your area. Discuss with local contractors their busiest and slowest months. They know what works best in your region.
Also, consider your timeline and budget. Need it done fast? Summer and spring offer longer work days. Want to save money? Fall and winter often bring better deals. Think about when you can handle the disruption. Having crews at your house affects your daily routine. Pick a time that minimizes stress for your family.
Hiring The Right Expert: Finding Professional Exterior Remodeling Contractors
Finding quality contractors makes your project run smoothly. Start by asking friends and neighbors for recommendations. Online reviews help, but nothing beats word-of-mouth referrals. Verify credentials, including licenses, insurance, and BBB ratings.
Interview at least three contractors before making a decision. Inquire about their experience with projects similar to yours. Request references and actually call them. Review their portfolio to assess the quality of their past work. Our friend suggests obtaining detailed written contracts that cover scope, timeline, and costs. Never pay everything up front. Good contractors work on payment schedules tied to project milestones.
Final Thoughts On Home Exterior Remodels
Choosing when to tackle your home exterior remodel impacts everything from cost to quality. Spring and fall emerge as the clear winners for most projects based on weather and contractor availability. Summer works well if you book early and are willing to pay premium pricing. Winter is best avoided unless you’re doing specific foundation work.
Plan and you’ll achieve better results at more competitive prices. The right season, combined with a quality contractor, sets you up for success. Your house deserves an upgrade that lasts for years to come. Now you know precisely when to schedule it for the best outcome possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Basement Contracting
How much does the cost of an exterior home remodel typically run?
The cost of an exterior home makeover varies significantly based on the scope of your project. New siding runs between $8,000 and $24,000 for average homes. Exterior paint jobs cost between $3,000 and $8,000, depending on the size of the project. A garage door replacement adds $800 to $4,000 to your budget.
Window replacements range from $300 to $1,000 per window installed. Front porch additions can range from $5,000 to $30,000, depending on the size and design. As a homeowner, get multiple quotes to compare pricing. Your specific needs and material choices significantly impact the final numbers.
Can I apply exterior paint during colder months?
Most exterior paint requires temperatures above 50 degrees to dry correctly. Cold weather causes paint to thicken and not adhere well. The exterior of your home needs warm, dry conditions for best results. Paint manufacturers specify minimum temperature requirements on their labels.
If you must paint in fall or early spring, pick warmer afternoon hours. Watch weather forecasts closely for unexpected cold snaps. Some specialty paints work in cooler temps but cost more. Wait for consistently mild weather to avoid a sloppy job that won’t last.
Which exterior projects give your home the best return on investment?
Garage door replacement tops the list with nearly 95% ROI. New exterior paint delivers excellent returns of around 50-70% of your investment. Fresh siding boosts curb appeal and typically returns about 75% of its cost. These upgrades create a stunning exterior that buyers notice immediately.
Front porch additions and exterior lighting improvements also perform well. Your front yard landscape also plays a crucial role in making a good first impression. Trim color updates cost little but have a significant visual impact. Even simple touches, like new house numbers, can significantly enhance your property’s appeal.
How long does a typical exterior home remodel take to complete?
Most exterior home remodeling projects are completed within two to six weeks. A simple exterior paint job takes one to two weeks. New siding installation runs three to four weeks for average homes. Garage door replacement usually finishes in just one day.
Larger projects, such as front porch additions, typically take four to eight weeks. Weather delays can extend any timeline during unpredictable seasons. Complex home makeover projects involving multiple updates need two to three months. Your contractor should provide a realistic schedule based on your specific scope.
Should I update my landscape when doing exterior work?
Absolutely, landscape updates complement your exterior home remodeling beautifully. Fresh shrub plantings frame your new siding or exterior paint perfectly. Your front yard gets trampled during construction anyway, so why not refresh it? Coordinate colors between your home and landscape for a cohesive and appealing look.
Add outdoor lighting to highlight your stunning exterior at night. Create a defined outdoor living space with patios or walkways. Even a simple mulch refresh makes everything look polished. Tackling landscape and exterior work together saves you from duplicate setup costs later.
Can I tackle any exterior remodeling work myself as a DIY project?
Simple tasks, such as exterior paint touch-ups, work well for handy homeowners before you begin your professional home exterior remodel. Installing new house numbers or updating shutter hardware saves money. Basic landscape improvements, such as planting shrub borders, are totally doable. Fresh paint color on your front door makes a quick weekend project.
However, skip DIY for major siding, roofing, or structural work. These jobs require proper permits, specialized tools, and expert knowledge. Poor installation voids warranties and creates safety hazards. Your home could suffer expensive damage from amateur mistakes. Hire pros for anything involving ladders, power tools, or building codes.
How should I prepare the exterior of my home before contractors arrive?
Yes, before home exterior remodeling starts, clear your front yard of toys, furniture, and decorations first. Trim back shrub branches near walls to give crews access. Move vehicles away from work areas and garage door zones. Cover outdoor living furniture with tarps to protect it from dust and other elements.
Remove wall decorations and shutter hardware if you are replacing them. Tell neighbors about upcoming work to maintain good relationships. Set up a temporary outdoor living space away from the construction area. Protect your interior living space by sealing doors and covering vents to prevent drafts from entering. Your prep work helps contractors work faster and more efficiently.
