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If you’ve been holding off on a home renovation or new build because of the economy—you’re not the only one. But what if now is actually the best time to set yourself up for success?
“We’re waiting for interest rates to drop.”
“Material costs are still too high.”
“We’re nervous about the economy.”
Sound familiar? When I asked homeowners if they were putting their projects on hold because of the economy, the overwhelming answer was yes. The hesitation is real, and it’s understandable.
But here’s a different way to look at it—when the economy slows down, smart people prepare. Think about it: in a recession, people go back to school to sharpen their skills. The same concept applies to your home project. If you wait until everyone is rushing to get permits and hiring builders, you’ll be in a bottleneck—paying premium prices and stuck in a backlog.
Right now is the perfect time to get ahead.
Why Waiting to Start is Holding You Back

Delaying a project might feel like the safe choice, but it could be setting you up for unnecessary stress:
✖️ You lose time. Once the market picks up, the rush on permits, materials, and trades will cause delays. Those who have their plans ready will be first in line.
✖️ Costs won’t magically drop overnight. Material prices fluctuate, but the long-term trend is up. Waiting doesn’t guarantee savings—it just delays your project.
✖️ You could end up making rushed decisions. When demand surges again, builders, trades, and suppliers will be in high demand. Instead of having the time to thoughtfully plan your project, you might be forced into quick decisions just to secure a spot on someone’s schedule.
Now is the Time to Get Clarity & Prepare
Instead of sitting in limbo, use this time wisely. A huge part of any successful home project happens before a single hammer swings. Now is the time to:
✔️ Get clear on your project vision—What do you really want? What’s a priority vs. a nice-to-have?
✔️ Understand your budget—Figure out what’s realistic, what’s worth investing in, and where to save.
✔️ Dial in your design—If you need architectural plans, interior selections, or layout decisions, now’s the time to refine them.
✔️ Line up the right professionals—Finding the right team takes time. Get ahead before their schedules book up.
Start Now, Be Ready When the Market Shifts
If you’ve been waiting, I get it. But waiting without a plan can put you further behind. Instead of pressing pause completely, use this time to prepare. When things pick up again—and they will—you’ll be ready, ahead of the curve, and positioned to move forward on your terms.
That’s exactly what Homeowner HQ is built for. It helps you gain clarity, get your budget set, and make smart decisions before you commit to the build, whether that’s reading, listening or learning.
By the time the economy rebounds, you won't be scrambling—you'll be ready. And that? That's how you actually save time, money, and stress on your home project.
PS. If you want to get clear on your project, budget, next steps before the rush, and move forward with confidence, join the Concrete Method today.
PPS. I turned the whole reddit conversation into a free downloadable report with stats, standout comments, and insights. If you’re planning a project, you’ll want to read this.
Chelsey Morphy
Home Consultant & Designer
Supporting, inspiring and educating homeowners on their new home or renovation journey as the Founder and CEO of Homeowner HQ
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