Holidays Over, Winter in Full Swing: ‘Tis the Season for Remodeling

With winter’s chill comes more time spent indoors, and more reminders of all the home improvement projects homeowners have been contemplating throughout the year. Some may be inclined to put off even thinking about embarking on remodeling projects until the spring, but savvy homeowners know that winter is actually an ideal time to not just think about remodeling, but to act. From relatively small projects — like installing moldings for a finishing touch, or hanging French doors to add light and life to a room — to larger undertakings such as full bathroom or basement remodels, a long list of interior enhancements can be accomplished before the last frost. And for larger projects that may involve outdoor work, there’s no better time to start the planning process.

“Remodelers’ lighter winter workloads mean that appointments get scheduled more quickly, and it’s an ideal time for indoor projects that aren’t affected by the weather,” says Mark Richardson, CR, president of Case Design/Remodeling, Inc., the country’s largest full-service remodeling company. “Homeowners should also take advantage of the extra time they’re spending in their living space to analyze their needs for larger remodeling undertakings. They should remember, too, that more complex projects require longer lead times. At Case our priority is good design and craftsmanship, delivered via a process that makes homeowners comfortable and confident in our ability to realize their vision. Working with our staff to begin that process now means being ready that much sooner to take advantage of the arrival of warmer weather and to begin construction.”

Inside story: delighting in the details

Many Case clients have chosen the first weeks of 2005 to take care of projects that have come to their attention with the season’s increased inward focus. Smaller handyman service projects, such as shaving doors to stop pesky sticking or replacing interior doors altogether, installing more efficient storm doors, kitchen counter upgrades, bathroom upkeep such as caulking, repairing or replacing leaky toilets, and upgrading faucets and fixtures have been frequent requests among those received by Case in the first three weeks of January 2005.

Winter’s sharper focus on interior space has homeowners thinking about more ambitious interior projects too. Just as frequent as small upkeep and maintenance projects this month have been appointments for Case’ consultation on projects including kitchen and bathroom remodels, and transformation of basements into bright new spaces for recreation and entertaining.

Projects in the pipeline: planning now paves the way

In addition to taking care of the myriad indoor projects that become top-of-mind in the winter, one’s thoughts should turn to remodeling well before spring because of the considerable amount of planning and decision-making involved in larger scale remodeling projects. Additions of new space, for example – including increasingly popular sunrooms and porches — require extensive planning and working with designers on numerous selections of finishes, fittings and fixtures, etc. For homeowners planning major projects this year, the winter months provide an ideal window of opportunity for beginning the progression toward realizing their visions for home transformations.

All in all, taking advantage of heightened awareness of how their homes’ spaces function and feel, and the flexibility of remodelers’ schedules during the early months of the year puts homeowners on the fast track toward successful realization of their remodeling dreams.


Based in Bethesda, Maryland and with offices in Maryland and Virginia, Case Design/Remodeling, Inc. (www.CaseDesign.com) has been serving the Washington D.C. metropolitan area since 1961. With its headquarters operations recognized as the nation’s largest full service remodeling firm , the company’s Case Handyman® Services (www.CaseHandyman.com) franchises currently provide industry-leading service in more than 50 cities nationwide.

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ABOUT CASE: Founded in 1961 by National Remodeling Hall of Fame inductee Frederic F. Case, CR, and with day-to-day operations guided by Mark Richardson, CR — voted one of “10 Who Will Remake the Remodeling Industry — Case Design/Remodeling, Inc. is the United States’ largest full-service residential remodeling company. With headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland and additional offices in Annapolis, MD, Chantilly, VA and Falls Church, VA, the multiple award-winning firm is recognized as one of the country’s premiere remodeling companies. Through its headquarters and Case Handyman® Services franchises in over 50 cities around the country Case continues a tradition of industry innovation and superior design and remodeling service. Case offers every client set time consultation appointments, security-cleared personnel and project warranties. For more information on Case Design/Remodeling, Inc. and the Case Handyman® Services franchise visit www.CaseDesign.com and www.CaseHandyman.com or call 800-513-2250.