Why summer is the smartest time to plan your fall new build

I know, I know - summer hasn’t even officially started yet. But if you’re dreaming about finally renovating your home or starting fresh with a new build after the summer season, now is the time to start planning.

I say this with love and a whole lot of experience: the families who plan early are the ones who actually enjoy the process. They skip the panic decisions, get ahead of long lead times, and end up with a home they truly love by the time the leaves start to fall.

So whether this is your last summer in your current home or you're getting ready to break ground on something new, here's why summer is the sweet spot for getting started.

Design comes first (even before demolition)

One of the biggest myths in construction is that design comes after the build starts. The truth? It’s the foundation of the whole thing. The layout, materials, lighting, and finishes all need to be dialed in before a contractor can truly price or schedule the work.

Bringing me in early means you get a clear vision and cohesive direction from the start. No scrambling when your builder asks which tile you want three days into the project.

Contractors are already booking post-summer projects

The best builders are planners too. Their fall calendars fill quickly, especially after Labor Day when everyone suddenly remembers they wanted to redo their kitchen before Thanksgiving.

Having your design plan ready puts you in a great position to get on their radar, on their calendar, and one step closer to enjoying your new space by the holidays.

Permits and product lead times aren’t exactly quick

Depending on where you live, town approvals can take weeks (sometimes months), and many of the best design materials (like custom cabinetry, high-performance fabrics, and designer lighting) aren’t sitting in a warehouse waiting to ship.

When we start now, we can make selections without rushing, get ahead of delays, and line everything up in time for install.

Decision fatigue is real

Let’s be honest… if you wait until construction begins to make design choices, it gets overwhelming fast. Trying to choose tile, cabinet colors, and hardware finishes all in one week while juggling school drop-offs and work emails? No thank you.

Planning over the summer gives us time and space to make thoughtful choices. I’ll guide you through it step-by-step so it feels manageable and, dare I say, actually fun.

It helps to get clear on your budget early

Starting now gives us room to prioritize. We'll figure out what’s most important to your family, where you want to invest, and where we can simplify. Whether you’re renovating one floor or building from scratch, having a plan upfront keeps things from spiraling later.

A little planning now = a home you’ll love later

I’ve seen firsthand how different the process feels for families who give themselves the gift of time. When we plan ahead, you get to make decisions with clarity, take advantage of availability, and enjoy your home when it really matters - cozy fall weekends, holiday hosting, or just a slower pace after the summer rush.

If you’re hoping to start construction this fall or simply want your home to feel more finished by the holidays, I’d love to help make that happen. Reach out for a consult today - it’s never to early to start planning!