It might be summer outside, but inside your home, it’s time to start thinking ahead, way ahead. If you’ve ever scrambled to host guests in a too-tight kitchen, shared one outdated bathroom with visiting in-laws, or wished your basement was something more than storage space, you know the feeling. The truth is, most homeowners wait too long to start their holiday dreaming and prep, and by then, it’s too late for meaningful change.
Whether you're planning to entertain, accommodate overnight guests, or just finally enjoy a home that feels complete, now’s the time to act. In fact, if you have major work in mind, you may be in for one more year of inconvenience before your upgrades are ready for the big show. From quick kitchen updates to basement finishing and a guest bathroom remodel, these are the smart upgrades that make a big impact on how you live, gather, and decorate.
Most people think about home projects when the weather cools off. But by then, schedules are packed, crews are booked, and shipping timelines extend. If you want a new kitchen remodel, a finished basement, or even a small bathroom remodel ready in time for Thanksgiving dinner, your planning should start many months before.
Our detailed process takes time because we want to get every aspect just right. From design selections to permits and inspections, interior renovations take planning, often 10 to 16 weeks of it, depending on the project’s scope. That means if you wait until fall, you’re looking at a January completion (at best).
There’s a reason more families are starting their home renovation conversations mid-summer or sooner. Supply chain delays and skilled labor shortages have pushed lead times longer than they were pre-2020. Booking early is necessary if you want choices in finishes, fixtures, and project start dates.
You deserve to enjoy your space when it matters most, and that’s when you’re gathering with the people you care about. This should be the last year your kitchen feels cramped, your guest bathroom feels dated, or your basement sits unused.
The kitchen is where it all happens during the holidays, from morning coffee with overnight guests to the whirlwind of meal prep and late-night pie runs. But if your layout is tight, your lighting is dim, or your finishes are dated, the space can feel more stressful than festive. Many clients are surprised at the changes in their daily routine and ease during life's big moments that come with a personalized kitchen remodel.
If you need to get by for one more year before the big upgrade, consider these lower-lift projects that make your kitchen feel refreshed and ready for company.
When you’re updating your kitchen, it’s worth considering how you’ll decorate, too. From garlands and string lights to serving ware and seasonal centerpieces, choosing finishes that complement your holiday style makes your space feel even more intentional. Think neutral base tones, warm metals, and open shelves or glass-front cabinets where you can showcase seasonal pieces. Use your complete kitchen overhaul to build a backdrop that feels as good in November as it does year-round.
Curious about remodeling costs in our area this year? Our complimentary cost guide walks you through it here.
A well-designed guest bathroom may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to holiday prep, but it makes a big difference when you’re welcoming friends and family into your home. And if yours is dated, cramped, or lacking modern amenities, now is the time to think about a refresh.
Guests appreciate little touches: good lighting, modern fixtures, and a place to set down their things. Here are some smart ways to upgrade a small bathroom remodel without blowing your budget or timeline:
If you have the room, and the timeline, you might even consider reconfiguring the layout or adding a walk-in shower for more comfort and accessibility.
Like your kitchen, your guest bathroom can offer an opportunity to decorate. Add floating shelves for folded towels, candles, or seasonal greenery. Choose finishes like brushed brass or matte nickel that pair well with both everyday and holiday looks. When your space is updated, decorating becomes the fun part, not an afterthought.
If you’re hosting this year, don’t overlook the power of a bathroom that’s welcoming, functional, and just plain nice to use. It’s one of those spaces that guests remember, even if they don’t say it out loud.
If your basement is currently more of a storage zone than a usable space, you’re not alone. Many homes in New Hampshire and Southern Maine have underutilized lower levels that could be doing so much more. Maybe imagine a cozy lounge space for movie nights, a game-day-ready bar area, or a guest-friendly overflow zone with a sleeper sofa. A finished basement gives you room to stretch out when it matters most.
Basement finishing takes planning. Between moisture control, insulation, egress windows, and design work, this type of remodel doesn’t happen overnight. If you’re hoping to use your basement for gathering this season, it’s probably a bit too late to start from scratch, but that doesn't mean you can't get the process rolling.
In fact, now is a smart time to:
With the right approach, you could easily be hosting holiday guests next season in a warm, welcoming lower level that feels like part of your home, not an afterthought.
Today’s basements are more than rec rooms. Homeowners are leaning into flexible layouts that support both everyday use and seasonal needs. Think built-in shelving for holiday décor, media centers with hidden wiring for movie marathons, and dry bars that double as cocoa stations or serving zones. It’s also one of the best places in the home to add extra sleeping space, whether that’s a dedicated guest suite or a fold-out bed integrated into a lounge area.
The real home magic happens when people gather. But in many homes, the kitchen, dining, and living areas are divided by walls or awkward layouts that break up the flow. If you’ve ever felt isolated in the kitchen while everyone else relaxes in the other room or tried to squeeze a table extension into a too-small dining area, you already know the limits of a closed-off floor plan.
This season may be too soon for a full reconfiguration, but if you're planning ahead, now’s the right time to explore options that bring your home together.
Removing a non-load-bearing wall, expanding a pass-through, or rethinking traffic flow can dramatically improve how you live and host. An open-concept design makes it easier to:
While you're dreaming up an open space, think about how you'll want it to function in every season. During the holidays, you might hang garlands along open shelves or set up a buffet on an extended island. The rest of the year, those same features support casual breakfasts, kids’ homework time, or a wine night with friends.
Let’s not forget the first space your guests see. A cluttered entry or chaotic mudroom doesn’t exactly say “welcome,” especially when boots, bags, and jackets pile up fast in colder months.
An organized, functional entryway sets the tone for the whole home, during the holidays and beyond.
If your current entry setup isn’t working, now’s the time to consider a smarter solution. While this may seem like a smaller project, it often involves built-ins, new flooring, or lighting upgrades that benefit from the same kind of planning you’d put into a kitchen or bath remodel.
Some features worth considering:
Even a modestly sized mudroom can serve a big purpose, especially when it’s built to support both day-to-day use and seasonal gatherings.
Beyond function, a well-designed entry is the perfect place to showcase seasonal touches. Picture a built-in shelf with twinkling lights, a wreath hook on your shiplap accent wall, or a cozy bench layered with festive pillows. With the right design, these small styling moments feel easy and natural, not cluttered or cramped.
If you’re hoping to complete a full kitchen remodel, bathroom overhaul, or basement finishing project before this holiday season, the window is closing soon. But that doesn’t mean you’re too late to start planning for next year, and making some small, smart changes in the meantime.
Understanding timelines, materials, and budget ranges now gives you the power to:
At Oxland Builders, we can help you think through the big picture and take the first steps today, whether that means beginning design work, nailing down scope, or preparing your home for what's next.
Don’t let another holiday season pass in a home that doesn’t work for you. Oxland’s design-build team works across Stratham, Rockingham County, and the Southern Maine Seacoast, delivering custom, beautifully crafted interiors with timeless New England charm.
Connect with us today to start planning your project today.