Thinking of Adding on to Your Home? Winter Can Be a Very Good Time to Build That Extra Bed or Family Room You’ve Wanted
By John M. Azar The seasons are changing and we are approaching the end of the year. It’s a better time to remodel or add on that new room you have been thinking about. The building trades get very busy from March through August and then, whether they like it or not, begin to slow down because many jobs are finishing up or winding down. The slowing effect happens for different reasons. Toward the end of the year, people are starting to think about the holidays and don’t want their homes being remodeled. Even though the economy is good, money becomes a bit tighter during the holidays and there are higher utility bills. Tax return money has been spent and people begin to set their sights on the year to come. Also, knowing that winter is the season for colder weather and rains may hinder your decision to build. But there is an advantage to remodeling at this time of year. Contractors may not be busy and can direct more attention to your project. This can mean fewer delays, less rescheduling and problems, and a quicker finish date. Some contractors even lower their percentage rate during this period just to stay busy. And we have found that the plan check and permit process at the city’s building department seems to move a little quicker. Perhaps your family goes away for the holidays. This would be a perfect time to build if you don’t like to be around construction. If you have a competent and experienced general contractor, it may be easier for him to do the work with the home vacant. However, some people like to be there at this time; the choice is entirely yours. We have a lot of work at this time. It means a lot of telephoning but works out very well. Sometimes there is a little delay due to rain but it’s smooth sailing once we get past the framing and roofing. Another reason it might be good to build late in the year is that the payments to your contractor could be made during the current and the following tax year. This will give you a write-off for both years, although it may not be beneficial to everyone. You will have to research this and determine what is best. At any rate, don’t be afraid to build during this time of year. It could turn out to be the best choice for you. If you have any questions or concerns about winter building, please call JMA Construction at (805) 499-9910.
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