Why Winter Is the Best Time to Start A Kitchen & Bathroom Remodel
If you’ve been dreaming of a new kitchen or bathroom, here’s a little industry secret: the best time to start planning your remodel isn’t spring…it’s winter. While most homeowners wait until warmer months to consider renovations, those who start planning in December and early winter enjoy smoother projects, better timelines, and first pick of their contractor’s schedule.
And when you work with a design-build team like Toulmin Kitchen & Bath, starting the conversation early gives you more choices, more flexibility, and a much better remodeling experience from start to finish.
Why Winter is the Smartest Time to Plan a Remodel in Alabama
While spring and summer are considered “remodeling season,” the planning work that makes those projects happen actually begins months earlier. December and early winter offer several advantages for homeowners in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and surrounding areas:
Contractor schedules open up.
Designers and builders often have more availability for consultations and project planning in early winter.
More focused design time.
When there are fewer active job sites, designers can allocate more time to planning your project.
Cabinetry and material lead times align perfectly.
Placing orders early in the year ensures materials arrive before the spring rush.
You beat the crowd.
Demand for design-build projects often spikes in March–June, and openings disappear fast. Winter planning puts you ahead of everyone else.
Understanding the Timeline: How Far in Advance Should You Plan?
A truly custom kitchen or bathroom can’t be rushed, especially when you want it done right.
Here’s a realistic look at how project timelines typically unfold in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Alabama:
Design Phase: 4–8 weeks
The design phase timeline depends on the project's complexity, the number of revisions, and selections such as cabinetry, countertops, plumbing, and more.Cabinetry Lead Times: 8–14+ weeks
Keep in mind, cabinet lead times may vary by cabinet line, finish, wood species, and customization.)Construction + Installation: 4–12 weeks
Construction timelines depend heavily on whether it’s a remodel, new construction, structural changes, or multi-room updates.
When you start planning a remodel in the winter, your materials will likely arrive in early spring—right when contractors are ready to begin your project. Perfect timing!
What Happens When You Work With Toulmin Kitchen & Bath
At Toulmin Kitchen & Bath, we follow a clear, collaborative design process that ensures your remodel feels organized, intentional, and stress-free. Every step is built around communication, expert guidance, and craftsmanship.
Want a quick overview? Watch our video:
Our Proven Design-Build Process:
Here’s how our Five Step Design Process works:
Step 1: Initial Studio Visit
Your project begins with an in-studio appointment where you’ll meet your designer and start shaping the vision for your new space. During this visit, we will:
Answer questions and get to know you and your goals
Review your budget or help you establish one
Look through your Houzz Ideabooks or Pinterest boards to understand your style
Review any architectural plans or documents related to your project
This first conversation helps us get a full sense of what you’re dreaming of—so we can design with intention from the very beginning.
Step 2: In-Home Design Consultation
If we’re a great fit after your studio visit, the next step is an in-home consultation. This meeting allows us to see your space firsthand and begin laying the foundation for your design. During this visit, our team will:
Walk through your home and discuss your project in more detail
Take measurements and photos of the existing space
Gather everything needed to create a scope of work and preliminary design concept
There is a consultation fee for this step to cover our designers’ time and travel:
$500 for projects in the Tuscaloosa/Northport area
$850 for projects more than 25 miles from our studio
Step 3: Preliminary Review Meeting
Approximately two weeks later, we’ll meet again at the studio to review the first draft of your project. This includes:
Preliminary space plan drawings
Initial material suggestions
The projected scope of work
Preliminary project pricing and budgeting
This is where your vision starts becoming real on paper—and where we refine the direction together.
Step 4: Design & Selection Phase
Once you’re ready to move forward, a design retainer allows us to fully develop your project. This fee covers:
Design revisions and final material selections
Detailed construction drawings
Creation of your formal proposal for approval
The design retainer ranges from $1,500–$5,000, depending on project size and complexity, and is applied as a credit toward your final project payment.
Step 5: Construction & Installation
When installation begins, we coordinate every detail to ensure a seamless experience. During this phase, we will:
Arrange for the removal of existing cabinetry, appliances, and demolition as needed
Coordinate directly with your builder, architect, or designer
Provide project management throughout construction to keep everything on track and on schedule
This turnkey approach is what helps Toulmin deliver consistently smooth, beautiful remodels for homeowners across Alabama.
Why Early Planning Leads to Better Cabinetry Options
Custom cabinetry is one of the biggest investments in any remodel—and one of the longest to produce, especially when you want premium lines, specialty finishes, or custom modifications.
When you start planning your remodel early, you often get:
Access to more customized features
Better pricing before annual manufacturer increases
Shorter production timelines
Greater availability of popular cabinet styles and finishes
The earlier you finalize cabinetry choices, the smoother your entire project will be.
Get Ahead of the Busy Season: Why Contractor Schedules Matter
Spring is when homeowners across Alabama suddenly remember that their kitchens and bathrooms need attention. That’s when schedule openings shrink—fast.
By starting your remodel planning in December or early winter, you get:
Preferred scheduling before the spring rush
Faster turnaround on site visits and measurements
More availability from trades (plumbers, electricians, tile installers, etc.)
Less competition for materials and installation dates
Simply put: winter planners win.
FAQ: Your Remodeling Questions—Answered by the Pros
Q: Can I start a remodel in the winter even if the project begins in spring?
A: Absolutely. In fact, that’s ideal. Winter planning sets you up perfectly for a smooth spring start.
Q: How long does a custom kitchen or bathroom remodel take from start to finish?
A: Timelines vary, but most projects take a minimum of 3–6 months when you include design, ordering, and construction—another reason early planning is key.
Q: Do I need to have every detail figured out before meeting with Toulmin?
A: Not at all! Bring your ideas, inspiration photos, and must-haves. We’ll guide you through the rest.
Q: How far out is Toulmin currently booking?
A: Depending on the season, we often book several months in advance. Winter planning gives you the best chance of securing an early spot for the upcoming year.
Q: Is now a good time to order cabinetry?
A: Yes. Cabinet pricing typically increases annually, and lead times get longer heading into peak season.
Considering a Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel in Alabama This Spring?
If a new kitchen or bathroom is one of your goals for 2026, now is the time to get started. Winter planning leads to a smoother experience, better design options, and prime scheduling with Tuscaloosa and Birmingham’s most trusted design-build team.
If a new kitchen or bathroom is one of your goals for 2026, now is the time to get started. Winter planning leads to a smoother experience, better design options, and prime scheduling with Alabama’s most trusted design-build team. Schedule a design appointment with Toulmin Kitchen & Bath today!
Call us at (205) 579-8392 or book a free consultation online.
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