Picture this: Thanksgiving morning arrives, and instead of wrestling with cramped countertops and outdated appliances, you’re effortlessly preparing the feast in your dream kitchen. The island provides ample prep space, the new range handles multiple dishes with ease, and guests naturally gather around your beautiful new layout. It’s far from wishful thinking—with the right timing and planning, this scenario is entirely achievable.
The secret? Starting your kitchen remodel well before the holiday entertaining season begins. As Ann Arbor’s trusted design-build experts for 30+ years, MBK Constructors knows that the most successful kitchen renovations are the ones that wrap up just as the holiday season kicks into high gear. In this article, we’ll share our proven pre-holiday kitchen remodel tips to help you transform your space in time for the celebrations that matter most.
The Strategic Advantage of Pre-Holiday Kitchen Planning
Kitchen renovations are among the most popular home improvement projects, and for good reason. The kitchen serves as the heart of the home, especially during holiday gatherings when cooking, entertaining, and family bonding reach their peak.
Many homeowners make the mistake of starting kitchen renovations too close to major holidays or, conversely, putting off the project until after the season passes. In reality, both approaches miss a crucial window of opportunity. The ideal timeline for a pre-holiday kitchen remodel begins in late summer or early fall, allowing for completion well before your first major gathering.
This strategic timing takes advantage of Michigan’s ideal weather conditions while ensuring your new kitchen is ready when you need it most. Better yet, it positions you ahead of the typical holiday rush when contractors become increasingly busy with last-minute projects.
5 Reasons to Start Your Kitchen Remodel Before Fall in Ann Arbor
1. Design and Materials Take Time
The design-build process starts well before demolition begins. From in-home consultations and layout planning to cabinet orders and countertop selections, many of the decisions that shape your new kitchen happen behind the scenes. Starting now gives you breathing room to make thoughtful design choices, avoid rushed material selections, and accommodate lead times without jeopardizing your holiday deadline.
2. Contractors Book Quickly for Year-End Projects
As fall approaches, reputable contractors typically see a spike in demand from homeowners eager to complete projects before the holidays. The earlier you secure your design-build team, the more flexibility you’ll have in scheduling—and the better your chances of finishing on time.
3. Dry Weather Favors Structural and Utility Work
While most kitchen remodels are primarily interior projects, many involve exterior adjustments too—like moving a window, adding a skylight, or extending a wall. For Michigan homeowners, the late summer’s dry, stable weather creates ideal conditions for any framing, roofing, or utility upgrades before the cold sets in.
4. Avoid Winter Complications and Delays
Michigan winters can cause all kinds of construction challenges, from supply chain disruptions to frozen pipes and ventilation issues. Starting your kitchen renovation in August or September means most of the work will be complete before snow, ice, and sub-zero temps start slowing things down.
5. Holidays Go Smoother Without Construction Chaos
Perhaps the biggest reason to remodel your kitchen now? Peace of mind. A late-summer start allows for realistic timelines, thoughtful planning, and smooth execution—so your new kitchen is ready for warm gatherings, home-cooked meals, and all the joyful chaos the holidays bring. No dust, no tarps, no backup toaster oven in the living room.
Essential Pre-Holiday Kitchen Remodel Tips
Reworking an entire kitchen in time for the holidays is easier said than done—it demands specialized expertise. So, from the experts, here are a few pre-holiday kitchen remodel tips to get your project started on the right track:
Start With Realistic Timeline Planning
A typical full kitchen renovation takes 6–8 weeks from demolition to completion, though this can vary based on scope and complexity. Working backward from your first major holiday gathering, allow for a buffer period of at least 2–3 weeks. This cushion accounts for potential delays and gives you time to settle into your new space.
Prioritize High-Impact Elements
If time constraints require phased completion, focus on elements that most directly impact holiday entertaining. Functional appliances, adequate counter space, and proper lighting should take precedence over finishing touches that can be completed later.
Plan for Temporary Kitchen Solutions
Even with the best planning, you’ll need alternative cooking arrangements during construction. Try setting up a temporary kitchen in another area of your home, complete with basic appliances, prep space, and storage for essentials. This will allow you and your family to maintain some normalcy during the renovation process.
Consider Material Lead Times
Custom maple cabinets can take 12–16 weeks, specialty appliances up to 10 weeks—factor these lead times into your schedule to stay on track for the holidays. Factor these timelines into your project schedule, and consider placing orders for long-lead items before construction begins. Delays could push your project past that all-important holiday deadline, so take a proactive approach. We like to use lily ann cabinets who have a very short lead time. 2-3 weeks after selections are made
Build in Flexibility for Holiday Hosting
Lastly—and you may not want to hear this—it pays to have a backup plan. Even if your project takes longer than expected, the results will make the process worthwhile. Consider some alternative hosting arrangements to fall back on, just in case. Maybe this year’s gathering moves to a different location, or you focus on simpler menu options. Having a backup plan reduces stress and allows you to enjoy the process rather than constantly worrying about timing.
Find Your Partners in Holiday-Ready Kitchen Renovation
At MBK Constructors, we believe kitchen renovations are about creating spaces where meaningful moments and memories happen, not just about the finishes or appliances. With more than 30 years of experience in the Ann Arbor area, we’ve perfected the art of timing kitchen renovations to meet our clients’ most important deadlines. Our team knows how to navigate Michigan’s unique construction challenges to produce the quality and attention to detail that your home deserves.
Michigan winters can be particularly tough on homes, with cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, and the constant threat of ice buildup. These conditions can lead to a variety of issues, such as sagging roofs, leaks, and drainage problems caused by ice dams. Additionally, the biting wind chill associated with the season increases the risk of damage to both the interior and exterior of homes.
For that reason, it’s crucial for those in the Ann Arbor area to address winter-related concerns before they snowball (pun intended). To make it as easy as possible, we’ve put together a spring home maintenance checklist specifically for Michigan residents.
5 Tasks to Add to Your Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
1. Inspect Your Foundation
During Michigan winters, freeze-thaw cycles can significantly impact your home’s foundation, causing cracks, settling, or shifting.
When it rains, water seeps into the cracks in your foundation. Then, it freezes, expanding and putting pressure on the foundation, which can potentially worsen these cracks over time. It’s essential to inspect both the exterior and interior of your foundation for any visible cracks, particularly those that appear to widen as the weather warms up.
And speaking of warming up, the spring thaw brings another concern: water damage. Melting snow and ice can lead to moisture infiltration, which may cause your foundation to weaken or lead to mold growth in your basement or crawl space. Check for water stains, dampness, or unusual odors, particularly in areas where moisture may have accumulated during the winter months.
To do:
Check the interior and exterior of your foundation for cracks. If you find one, monitor whether it grows as the weather warms up.
Check for signs of water damage. Look for water stains, dampness, and unusual odors.
2. Check for Drainage Issues
Proper water drainage helps prevent long-term damage to your home’s foundation. During Michigan winters, ice and debris can accumulate in your gutters, causing blockages that prevent water from flowing properly. When there’s an overflow, water will run down the sides of your house and pool near the foundation, potentially causing moisture damage—an expensive problem.
To check for drainage issues, start by assessing the condition of your gutters and downspouts. Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear, securely attached, and directing water away from your home.
Next, inspect the grading around your foundation. If you notice any low spots or areas where water might pool, you may need to regrade the soil. The ground should slope away from the house, allowing water to flow away from the foundation rather than toward it. Over time, the ground can settle or erode, causing areas where water may collect around the foundation.
Finally, check for pooling water around the foundation or in the basement, especially after a spring rain or thaw. If you find standing water in your basement, it could indicate a need for additional drainage solutions, such as French drains or sump pumps, to prevent flooding and long-term water damage.
To do:
Assess the condition of your gutters and downspouts. Ensure they are clear of blockages, securely attached to your house, and directing water away from (not toward) the building.
Inspect the grading around your foundation. Look for low spots where water could pool and ensure the ground slopes away from your home.
Check for pooling water around the foundation and inside your basement. Pooling water is an indicator of a grading issue. If you think you need to regrade, give us a call (734-994-4644).
3. Inspect Exterior Walls and Doors
During Michigan winters, materials expand and contract due to repeated freezing and thawing. In some cases, the freeze-thaw cycle can cause damage to the exterior of your home, particularly to doors, door frames, and paneling.
To assess whether your home has been affected, walk around the exterior and examine the walls for signs of damage, such as cracks, peeling paint, and warped panels. These issues not only affect your home’s insulation but can also lead to water damage or pest intrusion if left unaddressed.
Pay close attention to areas around doors and windows, where seals and caulking may have deteriorated over the winter. In some cases, missing flashing can leave caulking as the only line of defense against moisture, leading to leaks and water damage over time. Fortunately, replacing cracked caulking or adding new weather stripping is an affordable way to make your home more energy-efficient and prevent larger problems down the line.
Also, check that doors open and close smoothly. Note whether there are any warped frames or misaligned hinges. These are signs of structural movement, so it may be worth consulting a professional to assess whether more serious issues are developing if you notice them.
To do:
Examine the exterior walls of your home. Look for cracks in siding or masonry, peeling paint, warped panels, or any gaps where cold air and moisture can seep inside.
Check your doors and windows for signs of deterioration. Look for worn-down weather stripping and cracked caulking.
Ensure your doors open and close smoothly. Shifting and settling during the winter months can cause warped door frames and misaligned hinges.
4. Evaluate the Roof and Chimney
Your roof takes the brunt of Michigan’s winter weather—snow, ice, wind, and fluctuating temperatures all cause wear and tear. That said, assessing the state of your roof should be a part of every Michigander’s spring home maintenance checklist. Visually inspect your roof, looking for signs of compromised materials, such as curling, missing, or damaged shingles. Pay particular attention to spots where ice dams may have formed, as these can lead to leaks and water damage under the shingles.
Next, check the flashing around your chimney, vents, and any skylights. Flashing is essential for preventing water damage, so if you experienced leaks during the winter, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect your flashing more closely.
Finally, inspect the chimney itself. Freeze-thaw cycles can cause bricks and mortar joints to crack or crumble, leading to structural instability or water infiltration. Check for efflorescence (a white or gray powdery substance that appears on concrete), spalling (flaking or crumbling brick), or leaning. These can all indicate that repairs are needed to maintain the integrity and safety of the chimney.
To do:
Inspect your roof from the ground (or a ladder, if you’re comfortable with that). Look for damaged or missing shingles, sagging areas, and signs of granule loss.
Check the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Damaged flashing allows water to seep through the roof deck and into your home, potentially causing water damage.
Assess the state of your chimney. Check for efflorescence, spalling, and leaning.
5. Assess Driveways, Sidewalks, and Patios
Concrete and asphalt surfaces are prone to cracking, shifting, and surface deterioration during Michigan winters. That’s why, come spring, it’s important to inspect your driveway, sidewalks, and patio for new or worsening cracks, pitting, or uneven surfaces that could lead to further damage if left unaddressed.
Also, check for pooling water, which can indicate drainage issues or low spots created by winter ground movement. Over time, standing water can erode materials and cause further settling, especially around the edges of patios or walkways.
If you notice significant cracking or uneven sections in any of these areas, it may be time to consider resurfacing, sealing, or even replacing affected areas. Early maintenance can extend the life of these surfaces and help you avoid more expensive repairs in the future. For minor issues, patching or sealing cracks can be a quick and effective solution to prevent water from getting in and causing additional damage next winter.
To do:
Inspect your driveway, sidewalks, and patio. Look for tripping hazards such as large cracks, pitting, and uneven surfaces.
Check for pooling water around your driveway, sidewalks, and patio. Pooling water can be caused by inadequate drainage, poor soil conditions, and the presence of impermeable surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt.
When in Doubt, Call MBK Constructors
Cracks, bowing, pooling water, and other signs of settling and shifting can become costly problems if they’re not addressed in a timely manner. If you complete our spring home maintenance checklist and notice any of the signs of damage we mentioned, a professional inspection is the next best step.
After a long Michigan winter, every Michigander starts fantasizing about the sunny days ahead. As summer approaches, it’s the perfect time to reimagine your outdoor space, starting with your deck and patio. Whether you dream of backyard barbecues, evening gatherings, or a peaceful spot to relax, deck and patio integration landscaping can bring your vision to life.
Before you start planning, it’s essential to consider how your deck, patio, and landscape elements will work together, both visually and functionally. Thoughtful design will make all the difference, especially in Michigan, where the warm season is brief and winters are harsh.
How to Integrate Decks and Patios into Your Michigan Backyard
1. Consider Your Yard’s Layout and the Local Climate
Start by assessing the layout, sun exposure, and soil conditions.
In Michigan, these factors can significantly impact your design choices, particularly when considering the challenges of heavy snowfall, spring thaw, and clay-rich soils. Understanding these conditions upfront will guide the layout and placement of your outdoor features and ensure they last through Michigan’s extreme seasonal changes.
For example, if your backyard has a natural slope, you might need to incorporate retaining walls or terraced landscaping to manage water runoff and prevent erosion. In flat areas with poor drainage, installing a raised patio or adding a gravel base beneath your hardscape can help avoid pooling water during the spring melt.
Sun exposure is another key consideration. A backyard that receives full sun for most of the day may benefit from a pergola over the patio or a covered deck to create shade, while a shaded yard might be better suited for materials that resist mold and moss buildup, such as composite decking or sealed pavers.
2. Design an Outdoor Space That Fits Your Lifestyle
Whether it’s an area for entertaining guests, a quiet spot for morning coffee, or a safe space for kids and pets to play.
If you’re planning to upgrade your backyard with a deck or patio, think beyond the aesthetics—consider the purpose the space will serve in your daily life. Ideally, any additions should make it easy to move between indoors and outdoors, so your yard becomes a true extension of your home.
If you enjoy dining alfresco, a raised deck located just off the kitchen can make mealtime easy and convenient. For those who love to cook and entertain, incorporating an outdoor kitchen into your backyard design can further enhance the value of the space. In fact, a recent survey by Houzz found that nearly one in five homeowners added a full outdoor kitchen as part of their landscaping upgrades, indicating a growing interest in multifunctional outdoor spaces.
In larger yards, a deck that steps down to a stone or paver patio creates a smooth visual transition and adds depth to the space. Plus, pathways help guide guests (and little ones) safely from one area to the next, such as from a grilling zone to a shaded lounge or garden nook. Houzz’s survey revealed that 37% of homeowners incorporated dedicated areas for children or pets as part of their outdoor improvements in 2024, highlighting the growing demand for family-friendly yard designs.
3. Choose Materials That Will Endure Michigan’s Winters
Choosing the right materials from the start will reduce the need for frequent repairs and maintenance.
When adding a patio or deck to your outdoor space, it’s essential to select materials that can withstand Michigan’s climate without compromising style. Harsh winters, spring thaws, and seasonal moisture will all take a toll on poorly chosen surfaces. Luckily, there are plenty of resilient options to consider when planning your patio or deck upgrade.
Durable Options for Decks and Patios in Michigan
Composite decking
Composite decking is a low-maintenance choice for Michigan homes as it is engineered to resist rot, warping, and insect damage. It also withstands snow and rain well and won’t splinter in cold weather.
Stone pavers
Stone pavers are a popular pick for Michigan patios. Natural stone pavers (such as those made from bluestone and granite) handle freeze-thaw cycles better than poured concrete. Plus, their weight and texture also help prevent shifting over time.
Stamped concrete
For a more custom look, stamped and sealed concrete can mimic the appearance of stone or brick while offering long-term durability. With proper sealing, it withstands moisture and ice well.
Durability is essential, but the color, texture, and how each element ties into your home’s exterior and landscape also matter. Choosing complementary tones and finishes can help your patio or deck blend seamlessly with your home’s exterior.
4. Complete the Look with Thoughtful Landscaping
When installing a new patio or deck, landscaping isn’t just a finishing touch—it’s part of the plan.
Deck and patio integration landscaping ensures that your outdoor space looks cohesive, functions well, and feels like a true extension of your home. As you plan your backyard upgrades, consider:
Privacy and shade: Tall shrubs or strategically placed trees can provide for decks and patios, offering comfort and seclusion.
Low-maintenance greenery: Native plants and hardy perennials thrive in Michigan’s climate and require little upkeep.
Garden accents: Raised beds, planters, and flower borders add a pop of color and create smooth transitions between hardscape and lawn.
Lighting and ambiance: According to Houzz’s survey, 78% of homeowners upgrading their outdoor spaces are adding lighting, making it one of the most popular features. It’s no wonder why—proper lighting enhances safety and extends the use of your space into the evening.
Drainage and water flow: Smart landscaping choices can help divert water away from your patio or deck, protecting your investment from erosion and moisture damage.
By planning your deck and patio integration landscaping from the outset, you can create an outdoor environment that’s both beautiful and practical, ready to enjoy from spring through fall.
Let’s Bring Your Vision for Your Backyard to Life
Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading an existing space, thoughtful deck and patio integration landscaping can transform your yard into a functional, beautiful retreat that fits your lifestyle year-round. From material selection to final plantings, every choice should work in harmony with Michigan’s climate and your home’s layout.
Learn more about MBK’s landscaping services and how we can help you design an outdoor space that looks great and lasts.
