As the days grow shorter, the leaves turn brilliant gold, and we instinctively retreat indoors, something shifts in our perspective: we become acutely aware of our homes. That cramped kitchen, the outdated layout, or the space you wish you had for holiday guests suddenly feels urgent.

If you’re dreaming of a beautiful home remodel, renovation, or addition project to launch next spring, here’s the single most important piece of advice you’ll receive: The best time to start is not in January—it's right now, this November.