Q.

We’re thinking of starting a project, but we’re worried that by the time the plans and permits are ready, we’ll be stuck building in the middle of winter. Is there a “best” time to start so we can avoid delays and headaches?

A.

The short answer? There isn’t a perfect time. But there are smarter ways to time it so you can save yourself delays, stress, and money.

Let’s break it down.

Work Backwards First

Before you pick a “best season,” you need to know when you’ll actually be ready to build.

• Permits: Call your municipality and find out how long a building permit typically takes. It could be a few days, but more often it’s months. If they say 4–6 months, plan for 6.

• Design & Engineering: If you’re working with an architectural designer or architect, ask how long the design process will take—including structural drawings. Good design should work hand-in-hand with structural engineering, and both take time. Again, assume longer rather than shorter.

Take those two timelines and work backwards. That’s when you can realistically expect to break ground.

The Honest Truth: Anytime Can Work

If you’re working with a good builder, they’ll adapt to the season. Building in a rainy season? They’ll make sure the framing is fully dried before closing it up. Working through the cold? They’ll have strategies for pouring and protecting concrete.

So if your timeline says you’re ready in March, you start in March. Ready in October? You start in October.

But—if you have the flexibility to choose your start date, some times of year are better than others.

Why September Is a Sweet Spot

If I had to pick one “best time” to start building, it would be September. Here’s why:

1. Better Weather for Foundations

• September typically has moderate temperatures—ideal for concrete work.

• Extreme summer heat makes concrete cure too quickly, while freezing winter weather can stop foundation work altogether.

• Getting a strong foundation in place sets the tone for the rest of the build.

2. Contractor Availability Improves

• Summer is peak building season. Everyone wants their projects going in June, July, and August.

• By September, demand slows. Vacations are over, kids are back in school, and contractors often have more availability.

• That means more attention on your project and less waiting around for trades.

3. Less Competition for Materials

• Summer demand drives up wait times for lumber, windows, and finishes.

• By fall, things tend to ease up. Delivery slots open, contractors are easier to book, and supply chains move more smoothly.

4. Smart Seasonal Flow

• Start in September and you’ll likely get your home to lock-up before the worst of winter.

• Interior work—plumbing, electrical, drywall, finishes—can carry on through the winter months, unaffected by weather.

• Many projects that start in September wrap up by late spring or early summer—perfect timing if you’d rather not move in the middle of a snowstorm.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The “best” time to build is the time you’re actually ready—permits approved, design finalized, financing in place. But if you have the luxury of choosing, September is one of the smartest months to get started.

It balances weather, availability, and workflow in a way that can save you time, money, and stress.

So, while there may never be a perfect time, there is a better time. And with the right planning, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running.