Is Your Home Ready for Fall? 5 Renovation Projects to Start Now
Fall brings cooler weather to Greater Boston. Leaves change color. And homeowners start thinking about home improvements. But here’s the thing: most people wait too long to start their projects.
We’ve worked with hundreds of homeowners in Somerville and the surrounding areas at Bastos Construction. The ones who start planning in the fall finish projects before the holidays. The ones who wait until spring? They’re competing with everyone else for contractor time.
Why Fall Is Perfect for Renovations
Contractors aren’t slammed right now. Summer is our busiest season. Everyone wants work done while kids are out of school. By September and October, our schedule opens up a bit.
You know what else? The weather in Massachusetts is ideal for construction. Not too hot for crews working inside. Not too cold for exterior projects. This sweet spot lasts only a few months.
Materials cost less during the fall, too. Lumber yards and suppliers often discount inventory before winter. You save money on both labor and materials.
Kitchen Remodels: Get It Done Before Thanksgiving
Planning to update your kitchen? Fall is the smart time to start. You can finish before the holiday cooking season hits.
We just completed a kitchen renovation for a family in Somerville. Started in late September. Done by mid-November. They hosted Thanksgiving in their brand new space.
Think about it. A kitchen remodel takes 6-8 weeks, typically. Start now, and you’re cooking holiday meals in a beautiful new kitchen. Wait until January, and you’re looking at spring completion.
New cabinets, countertops, and updated appliances transform how your home feels. Plus, kitchens give you the biggest return on investment if you ever sell.
Bathroom Updates That Beat Winter Rush
Nobody wants to share one bathroom during a renovation. Fall timing means the project finishes before you have holiday guests.
Bathrooms are fully indoor projects. Weather doesn’t matter. But contractor availability sure does. We can focus on your bathroom remodel without juggling five other jobs.
Updated fixtures, new tile, better lighting – these changes make your daily routine nicer. And guests notice quality bathrooms.
The cooler weather actually helps. Paint and caulk cure better without summer humidity. Grout sets properly. Everything dries at the right pace.
Home Additions: Start Foundation Work Now
Adding space to your home? The foundation needs to go in while ground temperatures cooperate. Early fall is perfect for this.
We’ve built additions throughout Greater Boston. The successful projects always start foundation work in September or October. The ground isn’t frozen yet. The weather stays dry enough for concrete work.
Starting now means your addition is enclosed before winter. Interior work continues through cold months. By spring, you’re enjoying your new space instead of just breaking ground.
Room additions, sunrooms, and expanded living areas – these projects need several months. Planning now puts you way ahead of spring rushers.
Deck and Porch Projects Before Snow Flies
Your deck takes a beating every winter. Snow, ice, freezing temperatures – all these damage wood. Fall is your last chance to repair or replace before harsh weather hits.
We specialize in deck and porch construction here at Bastos Construction. September through early November gives us time to build properly.
New pressure-treated lumber needs to cure before winter. Stain and sealant require certain temperatures to set correctly. Rush this in late fall or early spring, and you get poor results.
Plus, you actually want to use your deck next summer, right? Starting now means it’s ready when warm weather returns.
Full Home Remodels Need Maximum Time
Thinking about a whole-house renovation? You need at least six months, often closer to a year. Starting this fall means completion by next summer.
We’ve managed complete home remodels from basement to roof. The timeline always surprises people. Permits take weeks. Design decisions need time. Materials must be ordered.
Fall start dates work because you’re beating the spring rush. Suppliers have inventory. Subcontractors have availability. Everything moves smoothly.
Living through a renovation isn’t fun. But at least in fall and winter, you’re not missing beautiful weather. You’re indoors anyway.
How to Actually Get Started
Call contractors now. Like, this week. Good contractors book up fast, even in slower seasons.
We offer free estimates at Bastos Construction. Come talk through your project. We’ll give you realistic timelines and costs.
Secure financing before you need it. Home equity loans take time to process. Get that handled while planning your project.
Make design decisions early. Picking tile, paint colors, and fixtures – these choices slow projects down when made last-minute. Start creating your vision board now.
Pull permits in advance. Some towns in Massachusetts have multi-week permit processes. Don’t let paperwork delay your start date.
The Real Cost of Waiting
Wait until spring, and you’re paying premium prices. Everyone wants the work done then. Contractors charge more because they can.
You’re also looking at longer timelines. A kitchen that takes six weeks in the fall might take ten weeks in summer when we’re juggling multiple jobs.
Holiday hosting happens whether your home is ready or not. Start now, and you’re showing off your new space. Wai,t and you’re apologizing for the mess.
The best time to start your renovation is right now. Fall weather in Greater Boston won’t last forever. Contact Bastos Construction today, and let’s get your project on the schedule before winter arrives.
