Even though the ground may still be frozen (and currently buried under many tons of snow), late winter is one of the most opportunistic times to start planning a home remodeling project. Homeowners who begin the design and permitting process now are the ones who are ready to build during the warmer weather.
If you’re thinking about a kitchen renovation, addition, bathroom remodel, or outdoor living space, the best first step isn’t demolition—it’s planning.
Why Winter Is the Ideal Time to Start
Many people assume remodeling begins in spring. In reality, the most successful projects are already designed by then.
Planning now allows time for:
- Developing a thoughtful layout and selecting materials
- Creating construction drawings
- Navigating local permitting requirements
- Scheduling your project with everyone who will be involved – from your Gallagher Remodeling team to the painter
But we think that the biggest benefit to getting an early jump start on your project is that it allows us more time to explore the possibilities. What are your visions for your home? What do you want day-to-day life to look like?
Exploring possibilities together allows us to:
- Identify structural challenges and opportunities
- Create 3D renderings to help you visualize what the new space will look like
- Discuss budget ranges
- Understand permitting requirements
- Develop a realistic timeline
Understanding Lead Times
Every remodeling project begins with the design phase, and for good reason. Thoughtful planning leads to better outcomes, fewer surprises, and a smoother construction process.
Permits, in particular, can take time—especially in historic homes or projects that involve structural changes, additions, or zoning considerations. Starting early ensures that approvals are in place when we are ready to build.
In one historic home, pictured below, our goal was to respect the home’s character while improving function and flow. Because we were renovating the entire house, advance planning and permitting were part of the keys to success.
This Belmont home was built in the 1890s. It had been haphazardly updated through the years (the original kitchen is pictured above), but it had been decades since the most recent remodel. From the kitchen to the bathrooms and bedrooms – this was a highly detailed project that was designed and coordinated well in advance.
Projects to Start Planning Now
Kitchens
A kitchen remodel involves more than cabinetry and countertops. Layout changes, electrical upgrades, plumbing, ventilation, and lighting all require coordination and planning. Starting now means your new kitchen could be underway by late spring or early summer.
The rendering above illustrates a kitchen/dining/family/mudroom project. Removing walls generally involves an architect to review the plans to add structural beams and support the weight of the second floor. Below is the completed renovation with the new open floor plan.
Additions
Whether you need more living space, a mudroom, or a home office, additions require design, engineering, and permitting. Beginning the process in winter keeps your timeline on track for a spring or summer build.
After considering renovating within the existing footprint of the home above, we realized that the best way to accomplish the homeowner’s goal to have the “Ultimate Kitchen” was to build a 300 square foot addition (which afforded us almost 600 sf to remodel). Lead times are critical when building an addition to make sure the new space meets all of the building code and zoning requirements. (Psst – you know an addition is successful when you can’t even tell where the original house ends and the addition begins).
Bathrooms
Bathroom remodels may be smaller in scale, but they still involve plumbing, tile selections, fixtures, and scheduling multiple trades. Early planning helps avoid delays when materials have longer lead times.
This bathroom is on the second floor of a two-story addition. The space allowed the homeowners to build a new primary suite complete with full bathroom, bedroom and walk in closet.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Decks, patios, and outdoor living areas are some of the most requested spring projects—but they need to be designed and permitted well in advance.
One recent outdoor project even included a hot tub designed for year-round use—proof that outdoor living isn’t just for summer.
Start Now, Build Later
If you’re hoping to remodel this year, now is the time to start the conversation. Spring construction schedules fill quickly, and the projects that move forward most smoothly are the ones that start with a clear plan.
A winter conversation can lead to a spring start—and a finished space that’s ready to enjoy for years to come.