If you’re planning to update your home, one of the important decisions you’ll need to make is determining the best time to remodel. Many personal factors influence when a homeowner is ready to remodel like finances, family plans, availability, etc., but when it comes to the perfect season to renovate, summer may seem like the most favorable time.

While there are some advantages to remodeling during the summer, we’re going to discuss the many reasons why fall is a better time of year to embark on your house renovations.

Why Summer is Peak Home Renovation Season

Most homeowners who plan a home renovation schedule it during spring and summer. This is why most contractors are busiest in June and July. The summertime makes sense to many households. The weather is better, which is a factor in regions that experience harsh winters. Since winters in San Jose are mild, this isn’t much of a contributing factor. With schools closed for the summer, household schedules tend to be more flexible. Many homeowners take time off work during the summer, so they are more available mentally and otherwise to focus on renovating their homes.

When Should I Renovate My Home?

It may surprise you that the best time of year to do a home renovation in San Jose is off-peak season. The fall is best for exterior renovations, and for interior renovations, winter is worth considering too.

Here’s why fall is the best time to renovate:

Finding available contractors for summer projects can often be quite challenging because this is the height of renovation season. There are often scheduling conflicts with contractors and other tradespeople needed to complete the project. In fact, many projects are delayed due to the unavailability of contractors. During the fall, contractors are less busy and more available to work on your project, which means it can be completed sooner.

It’s also worth noting that the renovation process may be smoother when it’s less busy, as contractors have a lighter workload and more time to focus on your project. This may allow you to connect better with your contractor.

Generally, summer is a busy time for households. While school-age children may be home from school, there are other activities like weddings, graduation parties, family vacations, family and friends coming to visit, and other summer events that can interfere with renovation plans. When fall comes, routine sets back in, kids go back to school, and the house gets less busy. This is an ideal time to remodel because it allows contractors to do their work more efficiently.

Since summertime is the peak of home renovation season, it may be challenging to get the materials and finishes you want due to high demand. Many suppliers run out of stock, and you may have to compromise on some items on your wish list. Generally, the off-peak season offers more material availability since fewer people are conducting renovations.

Many manufacturers increase their prices leading up to summer. The combination of rolling out new products and catering to the high demand drives up costs. When you order materials off-season, you tend to get better deals and save on your renovation.

If your renovations require a permit, the approval process is much shorter during the fall because there are fewer applications for the municipality to process.

As we mentioned, a lighter workload may allow you to make a better connection with your contractor. This may work to your advantage for future projects. The good rapport can lead you to being able to book future projects before your contractor’s schedule gets booked up.

Renovating outside the busy season gives you more time to weigh your options without the pressure of long lead times or rushed decisions. Whether you’re selecting tiles for the kitchen backsplash or finalizing layout changes, having that breathing room can lead to choices you’re more confident about. You’re not just reacting to timelines—you’re making intentional moves.

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SeasonProsCons
SummerLonger days, so more work can be done in each day

Dry climate makes it great for outdoor projects like replacing roofs

Allows you to prepare your home and conduct repairs on your home before the cool season.		Supply issues for materials due to high demand

Heat makes it difficult for contractors to work outdoors

Delays due to contractor scheduling conflicts
FallCooler weather makes it more comfortable for contractors doing exterior projects

More predictable household routine, easier for contractors to get the work done quickly

More discounts available on labor and materials		Less flexibility due to school and work schedules

Longer delivery time for some products
WinterGood time for interior renovations

More contractor options to choose from since this is off-peak season

Better deals on products, materials, and contractor services

Nice way to prepare your home for the holidays		You may have to contend with longer delivery times for materials

Shorter days so less time daytime hours for contractors to work

Rain can cause delays
SpringNatural time for spring cleaning and freshening up the home, fix repairs

It is before the summer rush, so some flexibility in contractor schedules

A good time for landscaping		Spring is a busy time for renovations, and it may be difficult to source materials

Final Thoughts

While each season has its own set of pros and cons, fall stands out as the best time of year to do home renovation in San Jose. With cooler weather, lower contractor demand, better material availability, and smoother scheduling, fall offers more efficiency, cost savings, and convenience. By planning your renovation during this off-peak season, you can enjoy a less stressful experience and better results.

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FAQs

You can renovate your home anytime during the year. The best time to embark on your renovation project depends on factors like your finances, your schedule, type and scope of project, contractor availability, and weather. However, it’s best to conduct home renovations during the fall and winter for potential savings, more material supply, contractor availability, and better overall results.

Yes. Renovating during the off-season often leads to cost savings on both labor and materials. This is because the demand drops and many suppliers run off-season promotions or clearance sales.

Fall is a great time for both interior and exterior projects, including painting, new roof installation or repairs, window replacement, kitchen and bathroom remodels, and new flooring installation.