Planning Christmas Home Improvements It Might Be Too Late Warns Renovation Expert

• The majority, 85% of tradespeople are already booked up for the rest of the year, finds survey
• Over a third, 35% are booked up until March
• Tradespeople admit pressure from customers to rush or cut corners to meet Christmas deadlines
• Home renovations expert shares 5 golden rules for home updates during the festive season

Homeowners hoping to squeeze renovations or repairs in before Christmas could be out of luck, as new research reveals tradespeople across the UK are already turning away jobs for the rest of 2025 (and some as far away as Spring!). 

For those hoping to fix and refresh their homes ahead of hosting guests this festive season, it could be tricky to get hold of tradespeople. A new “UK State of the Trades” survey report released by Jackson Woodturners has revealed that 85% of tradespeople are already fully booked for the rest of the year, leaving many homeowners struggling to find help for pre-Christmas projects.

Only around one in seventeen (6% of) tradespeople continue working throughout the whole Christmas period, meaning most jobs will now need to be scheduled for 2026.

Lucie Levesley, home renovations expert and director at Jackson Woodturners said,

“We’re now at the point in the year where those hoping to refresh their kitchen, fix their electrics or get decorating done before Christmas could really struggle to find decent tradespeople with availability. Our research shows that tradespeople are facing seasonal stress and continued high demand. Some of the joiners we work with at Jackson Woodturners are booked up well into spring 2026! Whilst that doesn’t mean finding a tradesperson is impossible, it really does show how in demand these skills are and how vital it is to plan ahead.”

The survey also revealed that over a quarter (23%) of tradespeople feel pressured to take on extra work to boost their income ahead of Christmas, so there may be some who increase their availability during the lead-up to the big day. It’s always worth calling round to find any last-minute availability. 

Customers place pressure on tradespeople to meet Christmas deadlines

Tradespeople aren’t immune to the pressures that the festive season can sometimes bring, including financial, social and work responsibilities. Over a third (37%) of tradespeople feel more stress over the festive period than at other times of year and over a quarter (27%) say they are more burnt out at this time of year.

The increased demand and pressure from customers and clients during this time of year meant that, nearly one in six (16%) admit they’re more likely to rush jobs to get them finished on time. Plus, one in seven (13%) feel pressure from customers to cut corners in order to meet deadlines.

Looking even further ahead, Levesley warns, 

“Those looking to make home updates in the new year should also be wary. Over a third of tradespeople are fully booked up until March and almost a fifth until April at the very earliest, with carpenters and joiners being the group who are booked the furthest in advance.”

For those who are planning home updates ahead of Christmas, Lucie Levesley, home renovations expert and director at Jackson Woodturners shares,

5 golden rules when getting work done over the festive period…

1. Plan ahead and be realistic with timings
   By November, many trades are already booked into next year, so if your project isn’t yet scheduled, you may need to think longer term. Plan what’s essential now and what can wait until the quieter new year period.
2. Prioritise safety over speed or style
   If work can’t be fully finished before Christmas, ask your tradesperson how they can make your space safe and functional in the meantime. For example, securing temporary stair rails or ensuring electrics are left safely capped.
3. Communicate clearly and early
   Keep your tradesperson informed of your deadlines, guest plans, and access times. Clear communication helps them plan around your schedule without last-minute stress or rushed finishes.
4. Be flexible and kind
   Remember that tradespeople are under huge seasonal pressure too. A bit of flexibility with dates or working hours can go a long way and helps ensure better-quality results without burnout on either side.
5. Don’t force a festive deadline
   If your job isn’t essential, consider booking it in now, but waiting until the new year for work to be carried out. You’ll likely find better availability if you book ahead and once the Christmas rush subsides.

For further information on the UK State of the Trades 2025-26 study, visit the online report.