We're well into Fall now, and that means it's time to start planning and booking projects that can be done in the Winter - and it's not too early to be thinking about Spring projects either! This is particularly true if you have some special event coming up, such as moving to a new home, celebrating a wedding or big anniversary, or expecting visitors.

Racing the Temps

Right now, we're wrapping up outside work such as foundations, closing in, and exterior painting. Fall temperatures fluctuate a lot, which means there are windows of opportunity for painting outside. Modern residential products permit painting when it's as low as 40 degrees out, and some paints can handle even 32 degrees. But you still need 24 hours afterward when it won't freeze or rain.

The same applies to foundation work for additions and new buildings, where cement and mortar need to be kept from freezing while they cure. Once that groundwork has been done, outside carpentry can continue to finish up framing, sheathing, and roofing, but cold or wet conditions make it harder on the crew and can slow progress. Getting these projects finished is every contractor's focus right now.

Book Your Job Early

As the outside activities draw to a close, contractors will want to get right to work on inside work, such as renovations, remodeling, and interior painting. Some will offer discounts to fill their schedules, but homeowners are also beginning to think about inside projects now, so don't wait until the last minute to get your project on their list or you might find it's a Spring project! Having a scheduled date to start work also provides a good incentive to finish all of the planning.

How to Paint with Closed Windows

Interior painting is a project that can go on all year, particularly with proper venting and the use of modern low- and zero-VOC paint and finish products. (VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds, which are the components in paint that aren't good for your health.) Proper planning and product choice are the key component to reducing the bother of interior projects, when the windows have to be closed. Some modern paint products actually give off fewer VOCs than synthetic carpets and rugs! See our article on "Dealing with Dust and Fumes" for more information about what we will do to limit VOCs in your living spaces.

Getting Colorful

The other important consideration after scheduling and planning for interior painting is to choose the new colors. We've covered that previously in "Choosing Paint Colors" and in "Interactive Color Design Tools".

The important considerations are to make the search fun by using tested techniques and modern online color tools, and then to choose colors you like, that go well with your existing furniture, art, and drapes, and that are available in low/zero VOC green products from reputable manufacturers.

And don't forget: Book Your Job Early!