Why Summer Is the Smartest Time to Start Your Home Renovation Planning

Many families wait until autumn or even winter to begin planning their home projects. But if you're thinking about updating a kitchen, transforming your bathroom or finally doing something with that awkward living room layout — summer is actually the best time to get started.

It might feel too early, especially if you’re aiming for results later this year. But design and renovation take time. Starting now means less stress, better options, and a home that’s ready when it really matters.

Here’s why planning ahead in summer gives you a major advantage:

1. Lead Times Are Longer Than You Think

Good trades are booked well in advance.
Flooring, lighting, joinery, furniture... many quality suppliers have lead times of 6–12 weeks (or longer). If you leave design decisions too late, you risk settling for what’s available instead of what you actually want.

By starting now, you can take your time with selections and secure your preferred trades before their autumn schedule fills up.

2. Summer Gives You Breathing Space

For many families, summer brings a slower pace. With children off school, holidays planned and a bit more flexibility in the routine, it’s often the only time of year to pause and reflect on your space.

This is the perfect time to walk through your home, notice what’s working (and what isn’t), and have a relaxed design visit to explore your options, without the pressure of workmen waiting on decisions.

3. Autumn Deadlines Fill Fast

Every year, I hear the same thing:
“We’d love to have this done before Christmas.”

If that’s your goal, the key is to begin now. By September, many local trades are booked solid through the end of the year. Even small projects can’t be squeezed in last minute.

And unexpected delays do happen:
A backordered tap, a tile delivery issue, or a change on site can set things back by days, sometimes weeks. Giving yourself more time means you can absorb those delays without missing your end goal.

Planning in summer means your project gets booked in early, with enough time to do things properly, and handle anything that comes up.

4. A Full Design Plan Takes Time

It’s not just picking a few colours or tiles. A thoughtful design includes:

• Layout and space planning

• Colour palette

• Lighting and finishes

• Storage, furniture and flow

• Mood boards and visualisation

If you want your home to feel intentional, personal and pulled together, it takes time to get there. Summer gives you the headspace to explore what really suits your life and your style.

5. You’ll Avoid Rushed, Stressful Decisions Later

When decisions are made under pressure, mistakes happen.
Flooring gets chosen too fast. Sockets go in the wrong place. Furniture arrives that doesn’t quite fit.

Planning early gives you time to make informed decisions, solve problems calmly, and create a space that works, without the panic or pressure.

Final Thoughts

A home renovation doesn’t have to take over your life.
With the right support and a little forward thinking, it can feel organised, exciting, and even enjoyable.

If you're hoping to renovate this year or want a fresh start in 2026, now is the time to begin.

If you’d like more tips like this, my biweekly newsletter covers sustainable design ideas, smarter layouts, and colour psychology for real family homes. You can find the sign-up on my homepage.

You can also follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see behind-the-scenes updates, mood boards, and ongoing projects from around Aberdeen.