The Hidden Costs of Delaying Your Renovation
- dubois34
- Nov 3
- 3 min read
We get it: renovation decisions are big ones, and there's no rush that works for everyone. But over the years, we've watched clients wrestle with timing, and the data tells an interesting story. Whether you renovate with us, another company, or handle it yourself, here's what delaying actually costs.
1. Material Costs Don't Wait for Perfect Timing
Luxury materials historically increase 3-8% per year.
A Carrara marble countertop that costs $8,000 today will likely cost $8,240-$8,640 next year
Custom millwork, designer fixtures, imported tile: they all follow the same trajectory
Reality check: A $250K project delayed one year typically costs $7,500-$20,000 more in materials alone
2. Labor Rates Reflect Market Reality
Skilled tradespeople are in high demand, especially for luxury work
Most specialized contractors raise rates 5-8% annually to match inflation and demand
The math: On a project with $100K in labor, next year's price is typically $105K-$108K for identical work
3. The Value of Living in the Space You Want
If you invest $300K in a renovation you'll enjoy for 15 years, that's $20K per year of value
Each year you delay is a year you don't get back
Only you can decide what your daily comfort and enjoyment are worth
4. Small Problems Rarely Stay Small
We've seen minor water intrusion turn into $40K mold remediation projects
A "cosmetic" bathroom remodel that reveals rotted subfloor adds $15K-$25K you didn't budget for
Outdated electrical panels don't improve with age. They become code violations
The longer underlying issues exist, the more expensive they become to address
5. Contractor Availability Is Cyclical and Predictable
Spring and summer are peak renovation seasons across the industry
Top-tier contractors typically book 4-8 months in advance
November through February? Usually more availability, more flexibility in scheduling
6. Tax Implications Are Time-Sensitive
Home office renovations may qualify for deductions (consult your CPA)
Energy-efficient upgrades often come with tax credits that have expiration dates
Property tax assessments happen on specific schedules in your municipality
We're not tax advisors, but timing can matter. Worth a conversation with yours
7. Property Value Trajectories
Updated homes appreciate; outdated homes depreciate relative to market
Luxury buyers have rising expectations. What was acceptable five years ago often isn't today
According to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report, major kitchen remodels recoup 50-60% at resale, but that percentage drops if the existing space is severely outdated
Whether you plan to sell or not, equity matters
Why November Specifically? Here's what the calendar could look like:
November/December: Plan and design phase, lock in pricing
January/February: Permits and prep work during slower season
March/April: Construction begins with secured contractor availability
Summer 2026: Project completion before next holiday season
Compare that to:
Wait until spring: Compete for contractor availability, potentially start in summer, finish in fall/winter, miss another full year of enjoyment
The Bottom Line: After years in luxury renovation, we've seen the patterns. Delaying costs money. That's just economics. It also costs time you can't get back.
The real question isn't "Can we afford to renovate?" It's "What does waiting actually cost us, and is that trade-off worth it?"
What We'd Suggest: Get the facts for your specific project. Understand the real numbers: material costs, labor rates, timeline implications. Then make the decision that's right for your family and your finances. Whether that's moving forward now, planning for next year, or deciding it's not the right time at all.
We're happy to provide transparent pricing and timeline information with no obligation. Because the more you understand about what renovation actually costs (now and later), the better decision you can make.
Don't hesitate to reach out!
(720) 347-7400
