Undergoing a home renovation is a major project. And one of the major headaches is the pricing. Yes, home renovations in Virginia bring significant costs to your budget. But homeowners are smart and come up with ways to save. One of the smart ways to do that is to postpone your renovation for the winter. The off-season is the best time to get a discount.
And the smart homeowners know that. But at this point, you might have certain doubts. Like, how do you do reno work when the weather is freezing? We have the ultimate guide for homeowners. Once you go through it, things will be more clear for you.
Virginia winters can be harsh. January is the coldest month of the year. Naturally, everyone will postpone the major work for better days. But hey, this is an opportunity for all those who want to save. Many homeowners share the postponing mindset, so the contractors will be free to take on more work. And guess what? They will be happy to do it for less money.
Lows can dip to 20s Fahrenheit, depending on where you live. Northern and northeast areas can experience lower temperatures. And let’s not forget about the snowfall.
But hey, here is one thing to look forward to. According to official reports, winters are gradually warming. This is great news for homeowners who want to stay within their Reno budget. The average temperature for 60% of the winter days is above the freezing point. This means you can plan a renovation for the winter in Virginia.
Prevent moisture problems
Yes, it can feel dry outside, so you might not worry about moisture that much. But this is where you can go wrong. Even though it appears dry outdoors, condensation from the heating can quickly build up. At that point, you’re left with wet materials, and you don’t want that.
A hygrometer is a handy tool. It will show the humidity levels in the air. You can use a dehumidifier whenever the humidity is too high. Humidity can warp the wood and damage the finishes, so be careful.
Whenever plaster, paint, and adhesives are included, you should be careful. They don’t work if the temperatures drop below 40°F.
If paint and glue are included, you must keep the area dry and warm. Use a dehumidifier to wick the humidity and ensure a favorable renovation area. Also, you would want to set up a plastic sheet to block the cold air.
Pipe protection
Due to extreme temperatures, pipe bursts can often occur in Virginia. And unheated areas can be a major culprit for this problem.
Therefore, you can wrap the pipes with insulation sleeves. Heat tape can also work fine.
Also, you would want to be ready in case of an emergency. Always know the location of the
Main water shutoff so you can act fast.
Keep the area warm
The area should be warm so that the materials can perform their function. Use heaters safely to warm up the area. This provides favorable conditions both for the workers and the materials.
Always check your heating system before the renovation.
Ensure safety
Creating a safe environment is the most important thing to do. This ensures everyone is safe and secure during a winter renovation in Virginia.
First, you should clear any snow and ice from your driveway. Be sure to sand or salt it to prevent any accidents.
Using heaters? Be sure to check for carbon monoxide often.
If there are any wet areas or construction zones, be sure to mark them. Warning signs are a must to keep everyone safe.
Working in the morning or late afternoon? Ensure additional lighting to brighten the space and avoid accidents.
If there is outdoor work involved, you must wear proper equipment. Non-slip boots are a must.
And hey, don’t forget to keep your first aid kit handy. It is better to be prepared for anything.
Talk to your contractor
When booking your renovation, have an extensive conversation about what it means to renovate in winter. A reputable contractor will guide you through all the steps.
They will share the precautions and special equipment. Also, they will share the requirements for your premises to keep everyone safe. Plus, they will share plan B in case the weather gets extreme. Great planning from their side brings fewer surprises later.
And yes, they will make sure the construction site is neat, even during muddy and wet conditions.
Plan for the unexpected
Power outages aren’t uncommon. Winter storms in Virginia can cause the power to go down. So this is something you should have in mind. Contractors can expect delays due to this. Renting a backup generator is always a great option. But make sure to position it right. It should be outdoors and at least 20 feet away from home.
And yes, keep some extra flashlights handy.
Seasonal suitable renovations
After all, not all renovations can be performed during the winter. And you will have a chat with your contractor about this.
Interior painting is something you can do during the winter.
In addition, a kitchen and bath remodel is fine. Just remember to keep the area dry when paint and glue are involved. Also, doing any outdoor work is questionable.
And remember that not all reno projects are suitable for the cold weather. Make sure to postpone roofing, siding, and window replacement. It is better to do them during the warmer months.
Major structural changes are another thing to avoid. Don’t tackle any foundational issues until the spring.
Final take
Doing winter renovations in Virginia is a money-saving trick. You get to use the off-season discounts and contractor availability. And the chilly weather doesn’t have to scare you. A reputable contractor will handle the project for you. Plus, they will be honest with you and share what can be done.
Ready to transform your home while saving? Contact us now, and we will help you!