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(Previously published on Windermere.com – by Sandy Dodge)
Owning a vacation home comes with the reward of having your own slice of paradise, but it can also present some unique challenges if you need to make renovations. It’s important to understand how you will use your second home before diving into any renovation projects. This will help keep you organized and on track throughout the renovation process as you transform your space into a true vacation retreat.
Take Your Time
Before you start in on any renovations, take time to think about how you will use your second home. For example, if you plan on eventually retiring to your vacation home, you can prioritize projects that increase the quality of your time spent there over the years.
If your vacation home is intended to be a place for large family gatherings, you’ll want to consider bedroom and bathroom accommodations accordingly. Vacation homes often have greater flexibility when it comes to sleeping arrangements, just be sure to understand the code limitations of your property before proceeding.
If you are looking to sell in the future, you will likely prioritize renovations that help increase the home’s resale value. Keep in mind that the some renovation projects in a primary residence may not have the same effect on the value of a vacation home. Your best bet is to talk to your Windermere agent about how different renovation projects may affect the value of your property.
Renovating By Season
Is your vacation home primarily a summer getaway or a winter retreat? The seasonality of your stay will help to prioritize your projects as well, regardless of your local climate.
Winter – Early Spring
- The early months of the new year are actually a great time to start additions to your home. Winter conditions are typically better for digging foundation and pouring concrete. Winter is also the perfect time to get started on any indoor painting projects you have in mind.
Spring – Early Summer
- Always the busy season for builders and contractors, the spring-to-early-summer months are perfect for outdoor projects like patios and decks, knowing they’ll be completed just in time for summer. Depending on your local climate, you may want to start a deck or patio earlier in the year, giving the wood ample time to stabilize and avoid early damage from too much sun exposure.
Summer – Fall
- A fresh coat of paint gives your home new life. Depending on the paint you’re using, temperatures need to remain above 40-50 degrees while your painting project is taking place. Accordingly, the summer—and depending on where you live, early fall—months are a safe bet for making your exterior paint project a success.
Fall – Winter
- If you’re looking to get new appliances in your vacation home, look to the fall and early winter months for holiday deals. If your vacation home is the rendezvous for family holiday gatherings, you’ll want to make sure any large-scale renovations are finished before the holidays come around.
