
Why Winter is a Great Time to Finish Your Basement
Posted on October 14, 2021As the weather changes, temperatures drop, and winter starts to set in, opening up your home for construction may be the last thing on your mind. But, winter can be a great time to remodel and improve your home, especially when it comes to interior remodeling work. Why wait another season to finish your basement or remodel it into a great living space? Here are a few reasons why winter is a great time to finish your basement:
- Improved Energy Efficiency
- Greater Contractor Availability
- Faster Permits and Inspections
- No Disruption to Holidays
- More Controlled Environment
- Potential Cost Savings
- Increase in Property Value
1. Improved Energy Efficiency
If your basement is unfinished, it can be an uncomfortable place in the winter and contribute to energy loss in your home. When your basement is finished, improvements are made, including energy-efficient window options, better insulation, and sealing any gaps, which can all help in reducing heating costs.
Finishing your basement is one of the best ways to warm up a cold basement. If you haven’t been able to fit it in earlier in the year, winter is a great time to finish your basement. A good contractor will use methods to contain their work, prevent energy loss, and ventilate properly to ensure your home remains comfortable and safe while they work in your basement. This ensures less disruption for you and your family while your home is being improved.
One of the biggest benefits of finished basements is improved energy efficiency for your home. Finished basements offer better insulation and a more comfortable space. By getting this remodeling project done during the winter months, you can start enjoying those benefits sooner and make sure you have a comfortable space to use once spring rolls around.
2. Greater Contractor Availability
Outside of abnormal market surges, home improvement contractors tend to be busier in spring and summer. Plus, it’s a common misconception that the spring and summer are better suited for construction and renovation. Although this is generally true for exterior work, there is still a lot of opportunity for interior remodeling work during the colder months.
With things normally slowing down in winter, this can mean greater contractor availability in the fall and winter. This can mean that scheduling conflicts are not an issue, and you will not need to delay your project while you wait for availability. Whether it’s finishing your basement or tackling another one of the popular winter home improvement projects, winter can be a great time to get things started.
3. Faster Permits and Inspections
Because winter is traditionally a slower time of year in construction and remodeling, there can be a shorter wait time when it comes to obtaining permits and inspections. If you want your renovation project to start quickly and with fewer delays, wintertime might be a great time to do so.
A good home improvement contractor will handle the permits and inspections for you, and you will still be able to benefit from the normal seasonality associated with construction and remodeling. Having someone experienced to handle all of the paperwork associated with building permits and inspections is just one of the benefits of working with a home improvement contractor.
4. No Disruption to Holidays
If your basement is unfinished, it’s likely not an area that you use during the holidays or use much at all during the winter. This is one of the reasons why keeping an unfinished basement could be a mistake and why winter is a great time to finish your basement.
If you are planning to go away for the holidays, contractors can work on your basement remodeling project with no disruption to your plans. If you plan to stay home during the holidays, you don’t have to worry about disruption to your plans or your day-to-day activities. The basement is a contained area, and you can still enjoy the rest of your home without having to worry about not being able to use the space.
5. More Controlled Environment
Winter can be prone to unpredictable and harsh weather, which is why exterior work is usually limited. But, this is also why winter is a great time for interior work that doesn’t depend on the weather. For the most part, winter often gives a relatively stable environment to do home renovation projects inside.
Because there are typically lower humidity levels and consistent indoor heat, the conditions are much better for tasks such as drywall installation and painting. This controlled environment can help reduce issues concerning moisture and temperature fluctuations that are more common during warmer months.
6. Potential Cost Savings
Because demand for home renovation projects tends to be lower in the winter, some contractors may offer discounted rates or special promotions. This can mean more savings for you or room in your budget to add extra features to your basement remodel.
Sometimes, supplies may even be discounted during the winter months. You might be able to get a specific material that might be out of your budget at other times of the year. Work with your contractor to see if they can advise you about which materials might be easier or less expensive to get during the winter months.
7. Increase in Property Value
Finishing your basement is a great way to add value to your home. Scheduling this project for the winter means you can enjoy those benefits sooner rather than later. A finished basement expands your living space and gives your home much more functionality. There are many home upgrades that add value to your home, and these are some reasons why a finished basement can be one of the best ones, especially for the winter.
Finish Your Basement With Zephyr Thomas
These are just a few reasons why winter is a great time to finish your basement. If you’re ready to finish your basement or remodel it, contact Zephyr Thomas at 717-399-4708 to start your free quote!
Take a look at the Zephyr Thomas team remodeling a basement in the video below!