Timing your renovation start month strategically can save thousands in cost, give you access to better contractors, and align project completion with seasonal needs. This guide breaks down every month of the year, showing which projects are ideal to start when, when the best contractors have availability, and the booking lead times to secure your preferred crew.
Best for: planning major projects, booking spring/summer contractors, interior-only work (kitchen, bathroom, basement), and HVAC equipment replacement at year-end pricing. Why January is strategic: top contractors take spring bookings starting now — those who wait until April for a May start often find their preferred contractors fully booked. Materials suppliers often run January promotions on flooring, cabinets, and appliances. Avoid: exterior work (concrete, roofing, siding, landscaping), ext...
Best for: kitchen renovations (full project starts), bathroom renovations, basement finishing, electrical upgrades, plumbing modernization. Why February works: contractors who weren't booked solid in January take February starts; HVAC contractors are typically slow this month (between heating service rush and AC install season) and may offer better rates. Booking window: now is the last call for May-June exterior project starts. Avoid: exterior work except emergency repairs.
Best for: completing major indoor projects (kitchen, bathroom, basement) so you're ready to enjoy summer outdoor living. Beginning to source exterior project materials. Booking April-October exterior contractors. Conservation Authority and heritage permit applications (4-8 week timelines mean March applications support May-July starts). Avoid: starting exterior projects (still too cold/wet for most), assuming contractors are available for summer work without confirmation.
Best for: exterior painting (after frost is fully out, typically mid-to-late April), foundation work, deck building, landscaping prep, driveway work, roofing season starts. Why April: ground has typically thawed enough for excavation by mid-month; exterior temperatures support paint cure and concrete pours. Limitation: weather is still variable — rain delays are common. Top contractors are typically fully booked by April for May-July work. Booking window: April is the start of HVAC AC install se...
Best for: all exterior work — roofing, siding, windows, decks, fences, landscaping, paving. Kitchen and bathroom renovations starting now will complete by August. Why May: best weather window of the year for exterior work — long days, warm temperatures, manageable humidity. Pricing premium for May starts: typically 5-10% above off-season because demand is highest. Booking lead time: 4-8 weeks for top contractors.
Best for: all renovation categories at peak season. Indoor projects benefit from contractors having full crew availability. Outdoor projects have ideal weather. Why June: the absolute peak of contractor availability and project execution quality. Why caution: pricing is at annual peak (5-15% above off-season), and the best contractors are typically committed to June projects by April. Last call for July-August starts.
January-February for indoor projects, November-December for indoor projects. Off-peak savings vs peak summer typically run 5-15% with the highest savings on labour-intensive projects (kitchens, bathrooms, basements).
Now, ideally. Top Ottawa contractors take spring bookings from December onwards. Waiting until April for a May start typically means accepting a less-vetted contractor or paying a premium for someone who fits you in.
Yes, particularly on labour-intensive indoor projects. Winter savings of 5-15% are typical because contractors have softer demand and can offer better rates to keep crews working. Quality is often higher in winter because crews aren't being rushed between projects.