Why January & February Are the MOST Important Times to Hire the Right Contractor
Let’s talk real life for a minute.
January and February are slow months in construction. The holidays are over, the weather is unpredictable, and homeowners are thinking one thing:
“Who can do this cheapest?”
And listen… I get it. Budgets matter.
But this is also the season where hiring the wrong contractor can cost you the most.
Slow Season Brings Opportunity… and Risk
Every reputable contractor expects a slower winter season. We plan for it. We budget for it. We don’t panic.
But this is also the time when:
Desperate contractors slash prices
Unlicensed “handymen” pop up overnight
Vague estimates replace real contracts
Cash deals sound tempting (until they disappear)
Not everyone looking for work in winter is a problem —
but the lowest bid should always raise questions.
Cheap Isn’t a Deal — It’s a Clue
A professional contractor’s price includes things most homeowners never see:
Insurance (to protect you)
Licensing and permits
Skilled labor that shows up
Proper materials
A company that will still be around in six months
When a price is dramatically lower than the rest, ask yourself:
What are they leaving out?
What corners are being cut?
Who’s responsible if something goes wrong?
Because spoiler alert: cheap work isn’t cheap once you have to fix it.
Winter Work Still Needs Experience
Renovations don’t magically get easier because it’s January.
You’re still dealing with:
Structural elements
Plumbing and electrical
Weather-related delays
Scheduling trades correctly
Experienced contractors know how to plan winter projects without rushing, cutting corners, or making promises that can’t be kept.
Inexperienced or desperate ones promise everything — until they can’t deliver.
Winter Is Prime Time for Contractor Horror Stories
I can’t tell you how many calls we get in spring that start with:
“We hired someone cheap over the winter and now…”
Now the job is half done.
Now permits weren’t pulled.
Now the contractor vanished.
Now it costs more than the original professional estimate.
That “deal” just became expensive.
What You Actually Pay for With a Reputable Company
When you hire a real, established contractor — even in the slow season — you’re buying:
✔️ Clear contracts
✔️ Real timelines
✔️ Permits and inspections
✔️ Accountability
✔️ Someone who answers the phone
And yes… someone who will still be standing when spring rolls around.
Bri’s Honest Take
January and February are a great time to renovate if you hire wisely.
Don’t shop contractors like you’re buying a toaster.
Don’t reward desperation pricing.
Don’t gamble your home to save a few dollars.
Because the cheapest contractor isn’t always the best choice —
and fixing bad work always costs more than doing it right the first time.
Bri Clark
Bri the Builder
Helping homeowners renovate with confidence
I run two Middle Tennessee–based companies that often work together depending on the stage of your project:
🔨 Bri the Builder
Residential construction, remodels, additions, and virtual consulting
👉 Visit: brithebuilder.com
🚜 Bri Excavations
French drains, foundations, utilities, grading, and site prep
👉 Visit: briexcavations.com
Not sure where to start? Book a consult and I’ll help you map it