The Best Time to Build a Home

Building in fall & winter vs. spring & summer 

The “classic” window: late spring through summer 

Traditionally, many homebuilders suggest beginning site work and foundations in spring or early summer, when ground conditions thaw, soil drainage is good, and crews can take full advantage of long daylight hours. The idea is: get the heavy outside work done before the cold weather sets in. Many custom home builders across the Midwest often recommend starting between July and October to align with favorable weather. That said, spring and summer are also peak seasons for demand, meaning builders, subcontractors, and suppliers are often busiest (and rates sometimes higher). 

The off-peak alternative: fall and winter

Traditionally, many homebuilders suggest beginning site work and foundations in spring or early summer, when ground conditions thaw, soil drainage is good, and crews can take full advantage of long daylight hours. The idea is: get the heavy outside work done before the cold weather sets in. Many custom home builders across the Midwest often recommend starting between July and October to align with favorable weather. That said, spring and summer are also peak seasons for demand, meaning builders, subcontractors, and suppliers are often busiest (and rates sometimes higher). 

Why fall or winter building can be more convenient & cost-effective

Here are several compelling advantages to building during Michigan’s “shoulder” or colder seasons: 
 
1. Better negotiating power with builders and suppliers 

When the weather cools, demand for construction tends to soften. Builders who were booked solid in summer may have more open capacity in fall or winter. That means you may be able to: 

• Negotiate lower prices or incentives (upgraded materials, free upgrades, credit allowances). 

• Work more closely with your contractor — they are less rushed and more responsive. 

• Lock in favorable terms with subcontractors (plumbers, electricians, HVAC) who otherwise have tight schedules in spring/summer. 

2. Cost savings on materials and supplies 

As the high season wanes, vendors may discount materials, especially lumber, roofing supplies, siding, windows, and insulation. Some building supply houses offer sales to clear inventory ahead of winter. That can shave thousands off your material budget — and when you’re building a home, every dollar counts. 

3. Faster permitting and inspection turnaround 

Local permitting offices often see a slowdown in new permit applications in fall and winter compared to spring. With fewer simultaneous projects in queue, municipalities may process permits and inspections more quickly. This can reduce delays that sometimes bottleneck a home construction timeline. 

4. Reduced site and startup delays from spring thaw or mud 

One often-overlooked advantage is that mudding — the mess that happens when frozen ground thaws in spring — can disrupt or delay site operations. Heavy equipment can bog down in soft soils. Starting or continuing your build when the ground is frozen or firm helps avoid that pitfall. Also, in winter, crews can sometimes continue work on interior tasks even when exterior work is paused due to snow. 

5. Move in earlier & get a head start on landscaping and interiors 

If timed properly, a fall/winter build may let you move in before or early in spring. That gives you all spring and summer to finish landscaping, plant gardens, and tweak exterior details.  

6. Improved contractor focus and customer service 

With fewer simultaneous builds, contractors are less stretched and can devote more attention, care, and communication to your project. That means fewer surprises, better scheduling, and more hands-on oversight.  

So, late summer through winter is arguably the best stretch to initiate a build — and building through fall/winter can be a more efficient, cost-savvy, and better-supported path than waiting for “ideal” weather.