Your Spring Renovation Starts Now: The Westrose Guide to Early Planning
Tom Martino breaks down the advantages of using late November to organize your vision, your materials, and your timeline.
If a re-imagined home that elevates your lifestyle is on your grown-up Christmas wish list, this pre-holiday window is the perfect time to finally set those wheels in motion. Preparation is key…and in renovations, timing is everything.
According to Tom Martino, President of Westrose, November isn’t just a convenient moment to start thinking about a spring renovation, it’s arguably one of the most strategic. While most homeowners are wrapping gifts and easing into holiday mode, the ones who begin planning now end up with better design options, fewer delays, and set themselves up for a far smoother experience overall.
“People assume a spring renovation starts in the spring,” Tom says. “But the projects that stay on track are the ones planned well in advance. November gives homeowners time to make decisions without rushing and to secure the materials they truly want.”
Plan Early
Starting now allows homeowners to carefully consider finishes, layouts, and fixtures without the pressure of a looming start date. For residential interior design or custom house projects, early planning also ensures you can order preferred materials ahead of time and stay on track with permits and timelines.
Set Realistic Expectations
Tom emphasizes the importance of a clear financial framework and timeline. “Planning ahead reduces surprises.” And to mitigate the incidentals, “We always suggest a contingency of 5–10% to cover unexpected items.” Early discussions help homeowners understand timelines, potential challenges, and decision points, ultimately making the process far more predictable.
Finalize Design Selections
Once the plans are finalized, Westrose guides clients through the million-and-one decisions that follow. “We curate tailored options and create mood boards and visualizations, so homeowners aren’t overwhelmed by choices,” Tom explains. Beyond finishes, the team assists with every aspect of the design-build experience from custom furnishings right down to the window dressing and drapery helping clients make intentional, confident selections early in the process.
Communicate With the Team
Another key factor throughout the entire process is effective communication. Tom advises homeowners to share priorities, respond promptly, and ask questions early on. “Staying engaged ensures the process moves forward efficiently and gives homeowners access to more options while keeping the project on track,” he says.
Get Excited
Renovation planning also comes with moments of joy and clarity. Tom recalls a memorable client who thought their kitchen required a major structural overhaul. “During early planning, we proposed a revised layout that didn’t move any walls but still transformed the space completely. It saved time, money, and stress and the client was thrilled.”
Design-Build Advantage
Westrose is set up to support clients from concept to completion. “I have found that success in life, such as reaching milestones and achieving goals, often comes down to timing … AND good lighting,” Tom says with a wink. “We can help you with both.”
By guiding homeowners through the selection of finishes, furnishings, and yes, those statement light fixtures you have been coveting, Westrose ensures every element complements the overall design and fits smoothly into the project timeline. The result? Confident, intentional decisions and a sense of true participation in the transformation of your home. By this time next year, you will be decking the halls in a newly refreshed space, enjoying the next fabulous chapter of your home’s story.
For Toronto and GTA homeowners considering home construction or a custom house, beginning the process now sets you up for a smoother spring start, long before the holiday rush kicks in.
