New Year, New Home: How to Plan a Year of Home Upgrades

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New years are full of possibilities. You can do anything within the next 12 months, so what’s on your mind? If you’re like many homeowners, you’re likely thinking about home improvement projects.

Check out this guide to learn how to plan a year of home upgrades that work with each season. You’ll construct a budget and figure out how your house will transform with your upcoming renovations.

Create a Budget

Renovating your home is always a costly endeavor. Consider how many projects you have in mind to start crafting a budget. Depending on what’s on your mind, you’ll know how much time you need to complete your work.

After picking your upgrades for this year, research how much they might cost. You may be able to save for a renovation that will happen in the fall because there’s time to put money away. However, extensive projects could require financing.

Getting contractor quotes is the best way to finalize your budget. You’ll know exactly what you can afford or what financing you need to start the work.

Break Projects Down by Month

Once you have a few dreamy home upgrades in mind, it’s time to start assigning your projects by month. Check out a few of these ideas while learning each season’s pros and cons.

January

When it’s too cold to go outside, focus on your indoor projects. You could finally finish that basement or create that walk-in closet you’ve been dreaming about for a while. Start your most extensive indoor projects in January to use the next few months of cold weather to your advantage.

Pros: Construction supplies may be cheaper due to less construction demand in the winter; Getting permits may be faster for the same reason

Cons: Frozen ground is harder to break through; Snow storms could cause renovation delays

February

Homeowners get a nice pause between weather systems in February. It’s still cold and snowy, but spring rain showers are right around the corner. Take time this month to replace your weather-warped doors and reseal your windows. You’ll prevent leaks and drafts that allow spring allergens into your home.

Pros: February could signal the start of your shorter projects with a guaranteed quick turnaround timeline

Cons: Frozen ground, snow, and ice could still present shipping and construction issues, depending on where you live

March

When the weather starts warming up, it’s a good idea to jump on timely spring upgrades. You could create a garden in your backyard, complete with hardscaping features. Your plants will start forming roots just in time for frequent spring thunderstorms. Plan your work around your spring break, and you’ll accomplish even more of your home upgrade bucket list.

Pros: The warmer weather makes outdoor projects easier; More landscaping plants will thrive

Cons: Permits and supplies may take longer to get as more homeowners start projects in the spring

April

Use the few weeks in April to kickstart your most extended summer projects. Order those kitchen cabinets and granite countertops. They’ll take a few weeks to arrive, but you’ll be so busy with springtime graduations and vacations that you won’t mind.

You could also spend the month of April with hands-on indoor projects. Revamp your laundry room and build your new bedframe. It’s best to wait until all the pollen washes away before starting your outdoor work.

Pros: You could get ahead of summer construction orders; Complete indoor projects to avoid seasonal allergen triggers

Cons: Contractors walking through your home will trail allergens into whichever rooms and hallways they access

May

You’ll likely spend much more time outside this month because summer has begun. Use the next few weeks to build a firepit, construct a new porch, or hang mood lighting around your backyard. You’ll enjoy the space so much more and have the rest of the year to use it.

Pros: You’ll invest in multi-season upgrades; Many outdoor upgrades also increase a property’s value

Cons: You may get too busy with graduations and vacations to be at home for lengthy projects

June

Cold and rainy weather might make a few floorboards squeak in your home. Now that the weather will remain stable at June’s warmer temperatures, tackle that issue. You could fix the creaking from below or replace your floors altogether. 

Pros: Your projects will be twice as enjoyable because it will feel like spring cleaning

Cons: Contractors may already have their weeks booked, so you’ll need to schedule spring and summer projects as early as possible

July

The disappearance of cold weather also means you won’t use your fireplace anymore. Make it your July home upgrade by renovating the chimney or replacing the hearth with a modern design. You could also fill the space in if you never use your fireplace in the winter.

Pros: Your living room will look brand new or you could gain more wall space by removing your fireplace

Cons: Flash thunderstorms in the afternoons will make it tricky to have any open construction areas on your roof

August

Ever dreamed about installing an in-ground pool? Now’s your time to start. Fall is the best time to begin a pool project because you’ll have everything ready and picture-perfect by your first springtime pool party. 

You could also finish the month by power washing your home’s siding. It’s the last chance to use the machinery while the weather’s warm, and your house will look pristine for the winter holidays.

Pros: Your kids will go back to school, which makes it safer to start extensive projects that occur while they’re away from home

Cons: Pool installations will tear up your yard, and your plants may not grow back before the first frost

September

Fall is the ultimate season for replacing your roofing materials. The weather is cooler and less rainy, so you could finally make your roof more durable against pests and fire with shingles made of treated wood, metal, or slate. You’ll also get to closely inspect your roof for potential water damage and clean your gutters.

Pros: Preparing your home’s external features makes it winter-proof; Contractors may be more available after their summer rush

Cons: Construction materials may be at peak prices still; Prospective buyers at peak winter homebuying season may not consider homes with in-progress work during autumn

October

Take advantage of the beautiful autumn season by putting a fresh coat of paint on your front porch or upgrading your garage door. You could even replace your gravel driveway with concrete before the first snowfall.

October is also an excellent time for renovating your bathroom or finishing your attic. The weather won’t overheat or freeze your house after walls and windows come down during construction.

Pros: You can ventilate your home and get outdoor work done because the weather is pleasant

Cons: Bigger upgrade projects may disrupt your Halloween decor and festivities

November

It’s time to finally repaint your ceiling and touch up any scuffed walls. Paint has numerous early-winter advantages for homeowners with extra time on their hands.

You could warm up your home for the winter season by transforming it with teal paint or covering your walls in a bold brown. You’ll also get the next few months to admire your work since everyone will spend more time indoors. Add new throw pillows, blankets, and seasonal decor to complete your work.

Pros: Your home will get a makeover before family and friends visit for the holidays

Cons: Ventilating in-progress rooms may get uncomfortable if the outdoor temperature drops too low

December

The last month of the year will be crucial for your home. Use the year’s final four weeks to add the finishing touches to your work. You could seal any cracks around your windows, replace your crown molding, and even repaint your cabinets. Don’t forget to remove dead trees or plants from your property since your landscaping will hibernate.

Pros: Small efforts will make your home even more inviting for the holidays

Cons: Fitting larger projects into your schedule may prove difficult if you’re visiting family or hosting parties

Start Planning This Year’s Renovations

Consider how you would change your home this upcoming year and list your dream renovations. With this seasonal guide and a realistic budget, you’ll plan a year of home upgrades that will make your house the talk of the town.