When is the best time to renovate in Calgary?

The short answer

Plan in fall and winter, build interiors whenever suits your family, and save exterior work for the frost-free months. Because design, pricing and permits usually take a few months before any construction starts, the best time to start talking to a builder is often six months before you want work to begin. At Kay2, budgeting and design take about three months, and construction then takes four to twelve months depending on the size of the project.

Fall, September to November

This is the best time to start planning a spring or summer project. Calgary's first fall frost usually arrives in mid to late September, so exterior jobs like siding, roofing and decks should wrap up by then or be planned for next year. Inside, fall is a good season to start work that will be finished before the holidays, as long as the design and permits are already done.

Winter, December to February

Winter is ideal for design, selections and permits, and for interior renovations of every size. Trades are often easier to book than in summer. Concrete and foundations can still be poured, but they need heat and insulated blankets so the concrete cures properly, which adds cost. Our guide to renovating in winter goes into the details.

If you want an addition or exterior project built next summer, winter is when the drawings and permits should be under way.

Spring, March to May

Chinooks bring warm spells, but the ground stays frozen and freeze and thaw cycles are hard on fresh exterior work. Use this time to finish permits, order long lead items like windows and custom cabinetry, and line up the start date. Calgary's last spring frost usually falls in the second half of May, and that is when planting and most finishing outdoor work can safely begin.

Summer, June to August

Summer is peak season for exteriors, additions, decks, landscaping and roofing, and the busiest time of year for trades. It is also hail season. Big storms can tie up roofers and siding crews for months, so a planned exterior project should be booked early. Families often want interior work finished before school starts, which also fills summer schedules quickly.

At a glance

Work back from your date

• Want a new kitchen before the holidays? Start design by early summer.
• Want an addition framed in summer? Have drawings in for permits by late winter.
• Planning to sell in spring? Finish work by late winter so the house can be photographed.
• Hosting a wedding or a new baby? Add a buffer of a few weeks. Something always takes longer than planned.
• The City of Calgary publishes current permit approval times, which help you plan.

Related guides

Read how long a renovation takes in Calgary and what order to renovate a house in. Our free renovation planning workbook helps you plan the decisions along the way.