Why Winter is the Perfect Time to Plan Your Home or Business Addition
Most people think of spring or summer as the ideal season for home improvement, especially when it comes to large-scale additions. But when it comes to planning an addition, winter offers a unique and often overlooked window of opportunity to make decisions and get resources in place.
In fact, if you’re considering a new room, a larger office area, or a complete expansion of your home or business, winter can be one of the best times to get started. In this article, we’ll discuss the many aspects of why winter is a great time to start planning a home or business addition to your Buffalo property.
Why Winter is the Perfect Time to Plan Your Home or Business Addition
Contractors Have More Availability
During the colder months in Buffalo and throughout western New York, many construction projects slow down. Homeowners and business owners are less likely to take on major renovations when the weather turns frigid. That means your local roofing and remodeling experts often have more time to focus on planning, design, and estimates.
Instead of waiting weeks to get a quote or struggling to find a contractor with open availability, winter planning gives you access to expert insights and more personalized attention. This can lead to better results when it’s time to break ground in the spring, getting your project off on the right foot.
Design and Permitting Take Time
Any home or business addition in Buffalo comes with a series of steps before construction begins. Architectural drawings, layout decisions, material selection, and municipal permitting can take several weeks or more to finalize. If you begin these steps in the spring or summer, you may end up waiting until mid or late season before work can actually begin, or may even have to wait until the next year to get the work done.
Starting your planning in the winter months allows you to navigate design approvals and building permits while the weather is still cold and these offices are relatively quiet. That way, once temperatures rise and construction conditions improve, your project can move forward without delay.
Material Pricing and Lead Times Can Be More Favorable
Demand for building materials like lumber, roofing products, windows, and siding often peaks during the warmer months due to increased construction. This seasonal demand can also increase lead times and drive up costs. When you begin your planning in the off-season, you may benefit from lower material prices or shorter wait times for specialty items.
Additionally, placing orders early helps you avoid shortages or delivery delays that sometimes affect popular products when contractors across the region are all working at full capacity. By being proactive in the winter, you can lock in choices ahead of the seasonal rush and ensure that you have the materials that are needed for your project.
You Can Prepare the Site in Advance
For homeowners and business owners planning larger additions, winter gives you time to prepare the worksite. That might include clearing away clutter, making arrangements for temporary workspace, or relocating certain utilities or exterior elements that may be in the way.
This kind of preparation is often overlooked but can make a big difference in how smoothly construction proceeds, especially if you’re planning on staying in your home or business as the work is ongoing. If you’re planning an addition to your home, this might be a good time to trim trees, move outdoor furniture, or relocate gardens and fencing. If you’re planning a business addition, it might mean identifying temporary entrances or workflow alternatives to keep everyone working efficiently.
Be Ready When the First Warm Day Arrives
Western New York winters can be long and unpredictable. But once spring arrives, builders and contractors get busy quickly. If your project isn’t already in the queue or fully prepared, you may end up waiting longer than expected to get started.
Planning a home or business addition in Buffalo during winter means you will be at the front of the line when construction season begins. With blueprints in hand, materials selected, and permits approved, you’ll be ready to move forward on schedule while others are still working through the early steps.
Make This Winter Count
If you’ve been thinking about an addition to your home or business, winter offers the perfect time to get serious about planning. The extra time, contractor availability, and reduced pressure make it easier to design a space that fits your goals and your budget, while you take that time to leisurely peruse the finishes and tones you want to incorporate in the final design.
At AVA Roofing, our design and construction contractors have helped Buffalo-area homeowners and business owners create beautiful, functional additions for years. Whether you’re dreaming of a new master suite, an expanded office, or a larger retail space, we’re here to help you get started. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and make the most of this planning season.
