How far in advance should we book a contractor for a spring basement renovation?

For a spring basement renovation in Ottawa, you should book your contractor 2-3 months in advance, ideally by January or February for an April start date. The construction season ramps up quickly after winter, and experienced basement contractors get booked fast for the prime renovation months.

Spring is peak season for basement renovations in Ottawa because it's when homeowners emerge from winter and start thinking about home improvements. The weather is also ideal - no extreme cold affecting materials or working conditions, and it's before the summer vacation season when many contractors and homeowners take time off. Most basement contractors see their schedules fill up between March and October, with spring being particularly busy.

The booking timeline depends on your project scope. Simple basement finishing projects might be scheduled with 6-8 weeks notice if you're flexible on timing, but secondary dwelling units or complex renovations requiring permits need much more lead time. Permit processing alone takes 10-20 business days for simple projects and 4-8 weeks for complex ones through the City of Ottawa. Factor in design time, material ordering, and contractor scheduling, and you're looking at 3-4 months minimum for permitted work.

Ottawa's climate creates seasonal bottlenecks that affect contractor availability. Winter limits exterior work like egress window installations or foundation repairs, so these projects get pushed to spring, creating a backlog. Many contractors also use winter months for planning and booking their spring/summer schedules, so reaching out in January gives you the best selection of available dates.

Quality contractors book earliest. The most experienced basement renovation specialists - those with proper licensing, WSIB coverage, and strong reputations - typically have the fullest schedules. If you want to work with a contractor who specializes in basement renovations rather than a general handyman, early booking is essential.

Consider the permit timeline when planning your spring start. If you need a building permit for your basement renovation, submit applications by February for an April construction start. This gives time for any revisions or additional documentation the city might require. Secondary suites require zoning compliance verification, which can add weeks to the process.

Material lead times can also affect your timeline. Custom millwork, specialty flooring, or electrical panels might have 4-8 week delivery times, especially as construction season ramps up. Your contractor should account for these timelines when scheduling your project start date.

For a free consultation about your spring basement renovation timeline and to secure your spot in our schedule, contact Ottawa Basements. We start booking spring projects in January and can help you navigate the permit process to ensure your project starts on time.