Why You Should Consider a Winter RenovationJust because there's a blanket of snow on the ground doesn't mean your pending home improvement and renovation projects need to wait until the spring thaw. Although some renovations may seem a little challenging in the winter, sometimes the cold weather isn't an absolute barrier for completing certain projects.

Negotiate a Great Price on Materials

Manufacturers know that spring means construction projects will ramp up into high gear, and they'll raise prices accordingly to take advantage of the rush. However, the quiet winter season also brings with it the opportunity to get deals and steals on materials.

Materials like lumber and windows often go up in the spring, and winter is a terrific time to find closeout sales and other liquidation opportunities to get your exterior remodeling project done swiftly.

Consider This: If you have the room, arrange to buy your materials early, even if you don't plan on scheduling the contractor until the spring.

Schedule Projects at Your Convenience

A good contractor is a busy contractor, and the spring and summer are when you'll find schedules are packed for your local renovation crews. If you can get the weather to cooperate, you may have an easier time arranging for work to be done on a schedule that's convenient for you.

Additionally, city permit offices tend to see fewer requests in the winter, so if you need inspections and permit approval, you might have an easier time and a shorter wait until your project can get underway.

What if Your Roof Needs Repair?

Replacing a roof when winter's in full swing and lake-effect snow starts coming in from Lake Michigan sounds like a terrible time to work on a roof, but if you find a hole or damage on your roof in the winter, you're going to need to take some swift action.

There are some tactics your roofer can employ to ensure that shingles don't crack or get damaged because of the severe cold. Full roof replacement isn't usually a project you'll want to schedule in the winter; however, fixing a roof is possible even in bad weather conditions.

An article published by the Chicago Tribune suggests:

"Roofers need to treat shingles with more care in cold weather. As the temperature drops, shingles become very brittle. If they are bent too quickly or dropped, they can crack or fracture. A crack may be present in a series of shingles that will cause water to leak later."
Despite the need for care with winter roofing projects, experienced contractors know how to deal with inclement weather and fix problems that must be fixed before the spring. Networx advice on roofing suggests:
"The most common winter roof problem is ice dams. Ice dams occur when snow that has accumulated on a slanted roof melts and then forms icicles that hang from the eaves and gutters. Professional roofers can help you with drip-edge flashing techniques to prevent ice dams. Improper amounts of attic insulation can also cause ice dams. Speak to your roofer about the various options for preventing ice dams."
Tip: Don't get caught with a hole in the roof in the middle of January. Get your roof inspected in the fall to catch small problems before they become major hassles when it snows.

Looking to Renovate in the Winter?

Are you in desperate need of a new roof? Are you worried that your siding won't take a fierce winter storm? Want to know everything about hiring a great exterior contractor? You'll want to download our free guide on the 17 Things You Should Know Before Hiring an Exterior Remodeling Contractor.