February Is Actually the Best Month to Plan Your Spring Renovation
If you look out the window right now in Orleans, you probably see snowbanks, grey skies most days, and hard snow. It feels like the right time to curl up on the couch with a coffee, not tear down a kitchen wall.
But here is a professional secret: If you want a new home by summer, you have to start while it’s still winter.
At Labader Construction, we see a familiar pattern every year. Once the ice melts on the Ottawa River and the first tulip pops up, the "Renovation Fever" hits. Suddenly, everyone wants a contractor at the exact same time. By starting your conversation with us in February, you aren't just getting ahead—you’re ensuring a smoother, stress-free experience.
Here is why savvy homeowners use the shortest month of the year to make the biggest plans.
1. You Beat the "Spring Rush"
The construction industry in Ontario is highly seasonal. Once the weather turns, demand for skilled trades—plumbers, electricians, and carpenters—skyrockets. By the time May rolls around, most reputable contractors in the Ottawa area are already booking into late Fall.
By finalizing your plans and signing your contract in February, you guarantee your spot on our production schedule. While your neighbors are just starting to Google "contractors in Orleans" in April, our team could already be arriving at your door to start the transformation.
2. Design Takes More Time Than You Think
A great renovation isn’t just about swinging hammers; it’s about the "pre-game." A rushed design leads to "change orders" and mid-project regrets. Using the quieter winter months allows for a deep dive into the details:
The Layout: Do you want to move that kitchen island to improve flow? Should we remove the wall between the dining room and living area?
The Aesthetics: February is the perfect time to visit showrooms or browse Pinterest without feeling rushed. We can look at tile samples, cabinet finishes, and flooring together until it’s exactly right.
The Lighting: Good lighting is the most underrated part of a renovation. Planning early allows us to map out pot lights and fixtures before the wires are even pulled.
3. Navigate the City of Ottawa Permit Office
Depending on the scope of your renovation—especially for structural changes or basement apartments—you will likely need building permits.
The City of Ottawa permit office experiences a massive surge in applications every spring. By submitting your drawings and paperwork in February, you avoid the "Spring Backlog." We want to be holding that approved permit in our hands the moment the ground thaws, not waiting for a phone call while your project sits in a pile.
4. Lock in Pricing and Materials
The cost of building materials (lumber, flooring, cabinetry) can fluctuate based on seasonal demand. By planning in February:
Price Protection: Many suppliers increase prices in the spring. Finalizing your material list now can help "lock in" current rates.
Avoid Backorders: High-end appliances and custom vanities can have lead times of 8 to 12 weeks. Ordering in February ensures that your bathtub or oven isn't sitting in a warehouse in another province when we are ready to install it.
5. Protect Your Summer
Let’s be honest: Ottawa summers are short, and we want to enjoy every minute of them.
If you start planning in May, your home will likely be a construction zone through July and August. However, if we plan in February and start in early spring, your project could be wrapped up just as patio season begins. You’ll be hosting BBQs in your new kitchen instead of living with dust during the best months of the year.
Spring Renovation
The Labader Tip: Even if you aren't ready to start until June, a consultation in February gives us the time to provide a more accurate, fixed-price quote. No surprises, just a solid plan.
Your February Planning Checklist
Not sure where to start? Here is what you can do this week from the comfort of your heated home:
Define your "Must-Haves" vs. "Nice-to-Haves": Make a list of what your home is currently missing.
Determine your Budget Range: Knowing your "comfort zone" helps us design a project that is realistic and beautiful.
Gather Inspiration: Save 5–10 photos of styles you love so we can see your vision clearly.
Reach Out: Book a discovery meeting to see if we are the right fit for your project.
Let’s Get the Coffee Brewing
You don’t need to knock down walls today. You just need to start the conversation. At Labader Construction, we love helping our Orleans neighbors turn these cold winter months into exciting planning phases.
Ready to beat the rush and get a head start on? Book your free estimate and let’s start dreaming.2026