With December’s holidays firmly in the rear-view mirror it may seem early to plan for next year’s festivities.
It’s not.
In fact, now is the best time to plan those remodeling projects to add to your home’s enjoyment and holiday entertaining.
And while the linens and glassware may be stowed and the aromas of holiday cooking, baking, entertaining, party giving and attending are over, now is the perfect time to take stock of your home’s past performance and plan changes.
“Right now is a good time because we’ve just had people coming through over the holidays, and we saw what functioned well — and what did not,” said Nancy Gracia, an interior designer and owner of Bare Root Design Studio Inc., in Newtown.
Before picking new lighting fixtures, furnishings, color palettes and textiles think about the impact of a minor – or major renovation – and the extent to which you’re willing to be inconvenienced.
“What is your appetite for change?” Gracia asked rhetorically.
Allowing plenty of time means you’ll feel more comfortable with every step along the way.
Even when an entire remodel isn’t on the table, minor home and room updates benefit from an interior design professional.
“There is a lot of work that goes into making what you already have in place look good,” Gracia said.
Your interior designer can help with guidance and perspective about choices to make your spaces more functional and appealing.
A minimal room refresh can include a crisp coat of new paint and a monochromatic approach to walls, baseboards and trims.
Editing items in the kitchen and stowing things you don’t use regularly can make a huge visual difference, too.
“People tend to have a lot out on the countertops. Take a look at what is there, edit and de clutter your kitchen counters,” Gracia said.
While special orders and contractor schedules have improved since the coronavirus pandemic allow plenty of time for your job — from order to completion — and hire the right construction professional for your particular project.
“I recently had 12 leads come in, since the first of the year, asking about home remodeling projects,” said John Gemmi, owner of Gemmi Construction Inc. in Buckingham.
In a normal cycle, Gemmi would be booking summer work. This year, he’s already booking fall projects.
“If you’re thinking about a kitchen — which translates to a first-floor renovation — now is a good time if you want to have the work complete for end-of-year holidays,” Gemmi said.
“Don’t wait for the spring and, for sure, don’t wait to the summer” to make those calls, he said.
Now is a good time to schedule pergolas, new decks, patios and hardscaping projects, too.
When calling to interview contractors and construction companies, Gemmi suggests these tips for savvy consumers:
When it comes to budget and cost, think of remodeling and renovation projects as an investment.
“I like to have an investment conversation rather than a cost or budget conversation because it reminds people they are making an investment in their home,” Gemmi said, “and remember — you’ll be using and enjoying the completed project…and it will add value to your home.”
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