In most cases, the lowest-cost window is late fall through winter—typically November through February—with a few important exceptions. Let’s break down why that season is usually cheaper, when it isn’t, and how to plan your remodel so you get both a fair price and a smooth experience.

The cheapest season is usually late fall and winter

For many remodeling companies, spring and summer are peak season. People want projects done when the weather is nice, kids are out of school, and schedules feel more flexible. That higher demand often means tighter calendars—and when calendars get tight, prices can rise.

By contrast, late fall and winter are often “shoulder” or slower seasons for kitchen remodeling. When fewer homeowners are booking, you may benefit from:

• More contractor availability (less waiting time)
• More flexible scheduling (easier to start sooner)
• Better pricing opportunities (fewer rush fees, fewer overtime situations)
• Occasional supplier promos on materials like flooring, fixtures, and sometimes cabinets

At Evergreen Renewal Services, we often see that winter projects can be easier to schedule because we’re not competing with the same flood of requests that hits in spring.

The exception: the holiday weeks

Even though winter can be cheaper overall, it’s not always ideal to remodel right around major holidays. Many homeowners want their kitchen fully functional for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year gatherings—and that creates a mini “rush season” in October through early December.

If you want the best value, aim for:

• Late November (after Thanksgiving)
• January and February (often the calmest months)

And avoid starting a full kitchen teardown:

• 1–3 weeks before big holidays (unless you have a temporary kitchen plan)

Why remodel costs change by season

Seasonal pricing isn’t just “contractors charging more.” It’s driven by real-world factors:

1) Demand and calendar pressure

When everyone wants the same start dates, it forces tighter timelines, faster ordering, and more juggling between trades. That “pressure” increases costs.

2) Lead times on materials

Cabinets, specialty tile, countertops, and some appliances can have longer lead times during busy seasons. If materials arrive late, projects take longer, and labor costs rise.

3) Trade coordination

A kitchen remodel often involves multiple steps: demolition, framing, electrical, plumbing, drywall, painting, flooring, tile, cabinets, countertops, and finish carpentry. When every trade is booked solid, the gaps between steps can grow—meaning your kitchen is out of commission longer.

The “best value” time isn’t always the “cheapest”

Sometimes the cheapest calendar window isn’t the best fit for your life. If you work from home, have kids, or host family frequently, a remodel during winter holidays may feel stressful even if it saves money.

Here’s a practical way to think about it:

• Cheapest: January–February
• Best balance of value + convenience: Late winter into early spring (February–April)
• Most popular (often most expensive): Late spring through summer (May–August)
• High demand due to holiday deadlines: September–early November

How to save money no matter what season you choose

Even if you remodel in a busy month, you can still control costs with smart planning.

Keep the layout if possible

Moving sinks, gas lines, or major electrical runs can raise costs quickly. If your layout works, keeping plumbing and appliances in similar locations is one of the biggest budget wins.

Decide early, order early

Many “budget surprises” come from last-minute changes. Pick your big items early:

• Cabinets
• Countertops
• Flooring
• Tile/backsplash
• Fixtures and lighting

When everything is selected early, the schedule stays clean and you avoid expensive delays.

Be flexible with your start date

If you can say, “We can start anytime in the next 3–4 weeks,” you’ll often get a better slot. Contractors can fit you into openings between projects—and that flexibility can translate into savings.

Invest in installation quality

Mid-range materials installed correctly usually look better (and last longer) than premium materials installed poorly. Good prep work, flat surfaces, clean tile layout, and precise trim details are where kitchens really feel “high-end.”

A simple planning timeline (so you don’t get stuck waiting)

If you want a winter remodel, here’s a realistic approach:

• 6–10 weeks before start: design decisions, budget, scope
• 4–8 weeks before start: order cabinets, schedule trades, finalize selections
• 2–3 weeks before start: prep your temporary kitchen, clear the space
• Remodel phase: depends on scope, but many kitchen remodels take several weeks from demo to finishing

If you start planning in late fall, you’re often in a perfect position to begin work in January—right when pricing and availability can be most favorable.

How Evergreen Renewal Services helps you get the best timing and price

At Evergreen Renewal Services, we help homeowners choose a schedule that makes sense—not just for the budget, but for daily life. We’ll talk through your goals, help you prioritize what actually matters, and build a plan that keeps surprises to a minimum. Whether your kitchen remodel involves new flooring, tile backsplash, cabinetry updates, trim work, or a full refresh, our focus is clean craftsmanship and clear communication from start to finish.

If you’re in Vancouver, WA and you’re thinking about a kitchen remodel, the best time to start is when you can plan properly—because good planning is what saves the most money.