Finding The Perfect Time To Remodel

When it comes to home remodel costs, waiting could feel like the smart move—and for some people, it really is. But depending on your timeline, your goals, and your priorities, that might not be the case for you.

What’s Really Going On With Home Remodel Costs

Things are a little quieter right now, which could be good news for you, here’s why…

Labor is Loosening (Temporarily)

Crews have more flexibility. Scheduling is easier. There may even be room to negotiate pricing. But tradespeople are still in high demand. As soon as the market heats back up, they’ll book out fast—and so will your opportunity.

Material Costs Are Quiet—But Still Climbing

Home remodel costs aren’t dropping; they’re inching up. Not dramatically like in 2021, but steadily. Waiting won’t likely get you a better deal.

Why Now Might Be An Ideal Time To Remodel

If you know you are going to remodel soon anyway, right now is a rare moment where:

• • Labor is available
  • Material prices aren’t surging (yet)
  • Demand is lower, which could mean lower pricing

If you begin the planning process now, you can lock in better availability, secure current prices, and be ready to start when the time is right.

The Risk of Waiting Too Long

Here’s what can happen when you wait:

• • Labor tightens again
  • Your project is delayed because everyone else had the same idea
  • Prices rise while you plan

From the Industry Side

It’s not just us saying this. In a recent Build Show Podcast, veteran builder Matt Risinger talked about the same thing we’ve been seeing.

The Quick Take From The Podcast

We tuned in so you didn’t have to. Here’s what stood out:

• • Tariff talk. Builders are watching material costs closely—and expecting them to rise again.

  • Timing matters. Delays in planning now could mean higher costs (and longer waits) later.

  • The pros are prepping. Even seasoned builders are telling their teams: this is the window to get ahead.

What Tariffs Mean for Us at McManus

Most of our materials come from reliable, regional sources and long-term vendor partners we trust. So we have a variety of products to offer, some affect by tariffs, some not.

If you are not brand-specific, we can often find quality materials in your budget.

Planning takes Longer Than you think

If you started planning on June 1st… your project would be complete by November.

Here is a common Remodeling Timeline

If you started in June…

• • Get your estimate (1–2 weeks)
  • Start design June 15th

You would finish design in early August…

• • A kitchen or primary bath design process takes 6-8 weeks

Cabinets and other materials would arrive by early October…

• • Lead time for cabinets can be up to 8 weeks
  • We don’t likle to start projects until all materials ahve arrived.

Construction Starts October 4th…

• • Kitchen and primary bath projects take 8-10 weeks to complete

Your Project Would Be Complete Early December

• • Just in time for Christmas!

What We Recommend

If you know you’re going to remodel soon it pays to start planning now.

We’re not saying you have to start building tomorrow. But if you want to keep your options open and avoid paying more later, start the planning process now.

Early planning gives you:

• • More choices
  • Time to design well
  • Fewer surprises when it’s time to start

And it puts you in the best position to act fast if the market shifts in your favor.

Get Your Finances Ready early

Pull that money out while the market’s still peaking. Park it in a high-interest savings account. This eliminates the worry about a fluctuating market and you can start planning with confidence. 

Before You Delay Your Project

Think it through. Pressing pause might calm your nerves today. But if prices rise or timelines tighten, the stress just comes back later—usually with a bigger price tag.

Start planning now. Even if you wait to build, you’ll be ready when the timing is right.