In Wyoming, homeowners often wonder about the best time of the year to tackle major home improvement projects. Summer offers the benefits of pleasant weather and fewer delays but reputable contractors can be booked out for summer work many months or even a year in advance. This is just one reason that finishing a basement in winter can be a great idea!
Winter offers unique advantages that you may not have considered. In this blog, we take a closer look at these benefits and give insights into how to make winter basement finishing work for your home and family.
Benefits of Winter Basement Remodeling
There are a number of home improvements that should not be attempted during the cold months, such as siding and window replacement, exterior painting and concrete work. Freezing temperatures generally make installation difficult and risk significant damage to materials. Fortunately, the indoor nature of basement finishing allows it to be completed any time of year! Here are a few reasons winter may be the best time for the job:
- A controlled environment. Wintertime offers a stable environment for indoor renovation work. With the heat on and lower humidity inside, the installation of drywall, paint and flooring can be done without the risk of moisture-related issues that come with spring rains and high summer humidity.
- Contractor availability. Another benefit includes better availability of most basement contractors as the home improvement business slows during winter. With less competition, there may be more time slots to suit the client’s schedule and the work may be completed faster. Similarly, local municipal offices tend to receive fewer permit requests during the winter months, often resulting in quicker approvals.
- Potential cost savings. Another benefit of completing a basement finish in the winter is the opportunity to save on labor and material charges. Contractors may be willing to offer a small discount to keep their crew busy and suppliers may reduce material costs during the slow season, keeping more money in a homeowner’s pocket.
- Improved efficiency. Finishing a basement not only adds extra livable space, it can lead to significant energy savings by improving the heating efficiency of a home. Improvements such as adding insulation, installing new windows and sealing air gaps can all lead to a noticeable decrease in energy costs.
Preparing for a Basement Finish
As with any improvement project, it is crucial to engage with your contractor to discuss design plans, scheduling and permitting before any work begins. This planning stage should include a consultation to ensure what you envision for your basement will be compliant with local building codes and regulations. Taking the time to carefully plan can avoid costly delays and ensure the end result meets your expectations. Read this blog to learn more about types of basements and how to get the most value from a basement finish.
When you work with Gateway, we look forward to collaborating with you to plan a design within your budget and timeline, and ensure that your new basement finish adds comfort and value to your life. After a thorough consultation and review, we can provide blueprints and a detailed cost estimate for the project. If you are finishing the basement in your existing Gateway home, the process will be that much easier!
To tap into your basement’s full potential, call Gateway at (307) 632-8950 or contact us online. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn for our latest news. Let’s start building your future today!