How To Make Your Hampton Roads Home Holiday-Ready By 2026
There’s something unmistakably magical about the holidays. Maybe it’s the scent of cinnamon and pine, the glow of twinkling lights, or the familiar rhythm of your loved ones gathering in the kitchen - talking, tasting, and lingering long after dinner is done. And if you’ve ever hosted a holiday meal in a kitchen that felt just a little too small, too dated, or too chaotic… you’ve probably thought, Next year, I want this to feel different.
You’re not alone. As the year winds down and homes fill with warmth (and people!), many homeowners start imagining what their space could be. A more functional kitchen. A cozier family room. A mudroom that can actually handle winter gear. A home that looks and feels exactly the way you wish it did during moments like these.
The truth is, if you want your dream kitchen or whole-home remodel ready for next Christmas, you need to start planning your remodel now.
And the good news is, winter is actually the best time to begin planning a home remodeling project, especially when partnering with a design-build firm in Virginia Beach like Benson Homes.
Why the Holidays Spark the Urge to Remodel
There’s just something about gathering that makes you suddenly hyper-conscious of how well (or poorly) your home works.
The countertops feel crowded.
The oven can’t multitask.
The kids’ toys have nowhere to land.
The guest room doesn’t feel as “welcoming” as you intended.
And the more you host, the more these thoughts stack up:
What if we had more space? What if the kitchen opened into the living room? What if we had a bigger island? What if we finally expanded the pantry?
In fact, broad trends show just how common these renovation goals are. Recent industry studies reveal:
~70% of homeowners plan to take on a home improvement project within the next year.
And, this is the big one, planning time for kitchen remodels averages about 9–10 months, often longer than construction itself.
So if the holiday season has you dreaming of a new kitchen or a refreshed home before next Christmas, you’re actually right on schedule….especially if you live in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, or anywhere in the Greater Hampton Roads area.
Why You Should Start Planning Your Remodel Now
A quality kitchen remodel or whole-home renovation doesn’t start with demolition. It starts with months of thoughtful design, budgeting, material selection, and scheduling.
1. Timelines Are Longer Than You Think
From initial consultation to final design approval, design plans, and permits, the planning phase can easily run 6–10 months (even though we always do our best to make it as quick as possible!). Starting now can get you on track for a holiday-ready home in 2026.
2. Early Planning Protects Your Budget
Beginning your design-build process early means:
Accurate pricing and availability on materials
More time to compare layout options
Fewer rushed decisions
Access to your preferred construction window
3. The Best Remodelers Book Out Early
Top Virginia Beach remodeling companies fill their schedules quickly, especially for larger kitchen or whole-home projects. Early planning gives you access to the team you actually want.
With Benson Homes’ design-build model, you will have your designers and builders working together from day one, creating a clear timeline that aligns with your holiday goals.
Your Holiday-Ready Remodeling Plan
If you’re dreaming of hosting next year in a space that finally feels like “you,” here’s the smartest way to get there:
Step 1: Envision Your Holidays a Year From Now
Picture the flow, the light, the gathering spots, the storage… all the things that make hosting easier and more joyful. These insights will guide your remodel more than any inspiration photo.
Don’t think in terms of blueprints - think in moments.
Where do people tend to gather?
Where do you cook or serve meals?
Where does clutter pile up?
What feels cramped or outdated?
What would make the season easier and more joyful?
Step 2: Schedule Your Design-Build Consultation
Meeting with Benson Homes now will help you:
Outline goals and priorities
Review initial design ideas
Create a realistic budget
Map a timeline backward from next holiday season
This step is essential for a smooth renovation!
Step 3: Design, Select, and Finalize
This is where your project becomes real. The design-build process ensures alignment across:
Layout
Cabinetry
Countertops
Flooring
Lighting
Appliances
Timeline and schedule
The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have.
Step 4: Construction Begins
Once plans are approved, your remodel moves into the build phase. Larger remodeling projects in Hampton Roads can take months to complete, which is why starting early is crucial.
Now, Imagine Next December…
It’s cozy, warm, and festive. The kitchen flows beautifully. The island actually fits all the appetizers. Guests gather comfortably in your open, updated, coastal Virginia-chic living space. Everything works the way you always hoped it would.
And the best part? You’re enjoying this moment because you started the process early.
Ready to Have Your Coastal Virginia Home Holiday-Perfect by Next Year?
The holidays are a beautiful reminder of what home is meant to be - a place that brings people together, holds your memories, and supports the moments that matter.
If you’re ready to gift your future self the home you’ve always imagined, the Benson Homes team would love to help you get started.
Schedule your design consultation now, and by this time next year, you won’t just be celebrating the holidays - you’ll be celebrating the home you built just in time for them.