How to make the most out of your winter home renovation!

There’s never a perfect time to undertake home renovations. No matter the season, you can expect your home to feel upside down while changes are underway. In summer, you might find it slightly easier; warmer weather lets you store furniture outside without damage, and longer evenings mean you can work later without relying on artificial lighting.

Winter, however, brings its own set of challenges. Cold weather can slow down the drying process for paint and plaster, and shipments might be delayed by poor conditions. Shorter days restrict your working hours in natural light, and if you have children, staying outdoors to escape the mess isn’t as appealing in the chillier months.

The good news is that we’re here with five top tips to help you navigate winter renovations and make the most of the colder season.

1. Adjust Your Expectations
If you’re picturing a neat, fairy-tale scenario where everything is magically placed without fuss, think again. Dust is inevitable, and muddy boots may track dirt indoors. Embrace the mess and mitigate it: close doors to upstairs areas, remove valuables, and save your energy for a thorough clean once the project is completed.

2. Keep an Eye on Your Heating
With doors and windows frequently opened, heating the workspace can be a losing battle. Turn off heating in the renovation area and keep it on only in main living spaces, perhaps just the bedrooms. Consider a scarf, a warm hat, and a house coat if you’ll be living in a cooler environment temporarily. You could also opt to heat individual rooms as needed, rather than the entire home, to save on energy and maintain some comfort.

3. See the renovation in daylight
   If you’re at work during renovation hours, you might not see your home in daylight until it’s too late. Natural light can reveal details you’d miss under artificial lighting. Arrange daytime visits to review progress and spot issues like unexpected shadows or color hues. This ensures you’ll catch potential problems—such as paint colors looking off in natural light—before the project is finished.
4. Remember Christmas
   If your renovation stretches into the Christmas season, don’t let the construction chaos overshadow the festivities. You may not decorate to your usual standard, but you can still bring some holiday spirit into the unaffected areas of the home. Smaller potted trees for the kids’ bedrooms or a few tasteful decorations in communal spaces can keep the season’s joy alive. Even if Christmas dinner is served in a half-finished kitchen, it might become a cherished memory you’ll laugh about in the future.
5. Keep the Team Happy
   A happy renovation team can make all the difference. While your builders may bring their own supplies, offering a steady supply of hot drinks and snacks will boost morale and productivity. Warm cups of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate—and a tray of biscuits—will be much appreciated on cold winter days. If you’re feeling extra generous and have the means, whipping up a batch of bacon or sausage sandwiches can truly help power the team forward.