10 Home Renos You Should Never Attempt in Winter, According to a Contractor

While high summer temperatures can make it difficult for people to work outdoors during the middle of the day, winter comes with ice, snow, and plummeting temperatures. Plus, the quality of some home renos can suffer during the winter months because of the dry, cold air, and the continual presence of ice and snow.

Find out which home renos you shouldn’t do in winter and when to do them instead.

Exterior Painting

Not only are the cold, slippery conditions dangerous for painting the exterior of your house, the paint has trouble drying and curing properly.

“When it comes to winter, I usually advise against taking on exterior painting projects,” says Richard Garrett, contractor and owner of RG Construction. “In the Pacific Northwest, where I have a lot of experience, the damp and cold conditions can prevent paint from adhering properly, leading to peeling and flaking. It’s much more effective to wait for spring or summer when temperatures consistently stay above 50°F.”

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HVAC Installations

Emergency HVAC repairs may need to be completed in winter to keep your home warm throughout the colder months, but new installations and upgrades to the existing HVAC system should be put off until spring.

Attempting to tackle full HVAC installations and replacement projects in the winter is challenging for several reasons. The frozen ground makes it hard to dig and run wiring or conduit into the home and the low temperatures can hinder proper system performance testing. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can put HVAC professionals at risk, so it’s better to wait for warmer weather if possible.

Large-Scale Renovations

Any type of large-scale renovations should be avoided in the winter, like building a home addition or constructing a shed. Major renovations that require you to open up a large part of the home makes it difficult to keep the house warm during the cold months of the year. Also, these projects tend to require a substantial amount of material that needs to be transported to the home and carried inside, which can lead to injury on cold, icy surfaces. Instead, plan large-scale renos for the spring, early summer, or early fall months.

Concrete Work

Certain materials require optimal conditions to ensure the best possible outcome, such as exterior paint and concrete.

“During cold months, concrete work is challenging too,” Garrett says. “For example, pouring a foundation in freezing temperatures can cause improper curing, resulting in weak structural integrity. Delaying these projects until warmer weather is a safer bet, ensuring longevity and avoiding quick fixes that fail.”

Replacing Windows

While you can replace windows at any time of the year, choosing to take on this task in the winter can leave your home exposed to the freezing temperatures outdoors. Caulking that needs to be applied around any seams or small openings also may not set and cure properly when the conditions are too cold or damp, which can leave gaps and cracks where drafts can enter the home. Plan to replace your windows in spring and fall when the outdoor temperatures are neither too hot or too cold.

Roof Repairs

Roof repairs, replacements, and any other jobs that require you to climb up an icy ladder or work at heights on a snowy, icy surface should be avoided.

“Ice, snow, and cold weather can make roof surfaces slippery and hazardous, increasing the risk of accidents,” says Garrett. “Moreover, shingles need moderate temperatures to seal correctly, which doesn’t happen in winter, potentially leading to leaks. I’ve seen cases where trying to rush winter roofing projects resulted in increased repair costs down the line.”

Major Electrical Upgrades

Replacing a light switch or putting in a new electrical outlet is relatively straightforward and easy to do even in the winter, but major electrical repairs, installations, or upgrades can be difficult to complete during the winter months when the ground is frozen and covered in ice and snow.

The wet conditions of winter also make it more risky to work on exterior electrical connections and snowstorms can cause power outages that may prevent the work from being completed. Plan electrical work for the spring, summer, or fall months.

Foundation Repair

Winter is a bad time for foundation repairs and upgrades because the frozen ground makes it hard to dig, while the ice and snow can put workers at risk of slipping or tripping while they attempt to walk across the slippery surface. Generally, the best time to complete foundation work is in the late spring, summer, and fall months when the ground is soft and clear of ice.

Landscaping Projects

Any type of outdoor landscaping project should wait for warmer weather. Trying to dig through snow, ice, and frozen dirt is difficult and the conditions make it hard for new shrubs, trees, or plants to take root and grow. Instead, it’s best to stick to regular winter home maintenance, like shoveling the walk and clearing the driveway.

Installing Exterior Siding

Repairing small patches of siding can usually be accomplished in the winter to prevent snow, ice, and moisture from entering the home, but a full exterior siding installation or replacement project should be put on hold until the spring, summer, or fall when the conditions outside are safer for completing the work. Also, some types of siding, like vinyl and wood, may be compromised by the cold, wet weather.