Beat High Interest Rates with One Powerful Word: Control

When Rates Rise, Smart Builders Take Control

Mortgage rates have spent most of the last 50 years living between six and eight percent. Sure, there were the highs of 18% in the early ’80s and the crazy lows around 2.5% during COVID, but those were rare. People simply got used to cheap money, and anything higher now feels painful.

But waiting for rates to drop isn’t a strategy—it’s a stall. The smart move is to control what you can: the cost of your build. That single idea—control—is what separates those who keep waiting from those who move forward and build smarter.

“Since we can’t change what money costs,” says Bob Hinz, owner of HomeWrights Custom Homes, “the smartest thing we can do is control how much it costs to build.”

At HomeWrights, control means understanding where every dollar goes, what each design choice really costs, and how every trade fits into your schedule. When you focus on that side of the equation, higher interest rates lose a lot of their power.

Control Costs by Managing the Build Yourself

One of the biggest opportunities to save comes from managing your own project. Acting as your own general contractor can save $100,000 or more—real money that can offset higher interest rates or boost your equity the day you move in.

Through the HomeWrights Owner-Builder Method, you coordinate the project with expert guidance, vetted subcontractors, and a proven system that keeps things on track. You stay engaged, stay informed, and keep control of the budget from start to finish.

“It’s not for everyone,” says Bob, “but for those who like to stay hands-on, it’s incredibly rewarding. You don’t just get a home—you build it your way and keep the profits that usually go to a general contractor.”

Control Design and Scale Before You Dig

Even before ground is broken, small choices can lead to big savings. Many floor plans look great on paper but hide waste—oversized hallways, complex rooflines, or unnecessary bump-outs that add cost without adding value.

Working with architects and designers who understand efficiency can make all the difference. Smart design doesn’t mean cutting corners—it means planning every square foot to serve a purpose. And in Colorado, where terrain and slope matter, thoughtful design can prevent major excavation costs before they ever appear on a bid.

Control Site and Material Decisions for Real Savings

Land and infrastructure often hold the biggest financial surprises. Driveways, retaining walls, wells, septic systems, and utility lines can swing a budget by tens of thousands. Planning early for these realities helps prevent last-minute costs that derail the project.

Materials are another area where knowledge pays off. The difference between $40 and $15 per square foot for similar flooring comes down to knowing where to buy, who to buy from, and when. Experience matters, and so do connections. “Buying smart doesn’t mean buying cheap,” Bob points out.

“It means getting quality at the right price and working with people who care about your project as much as you do.”

Control Your Financing—and Keep It Local

Even the best plans can struggle without the right loan structure. Local construction lenders understand Colorado’s neighborhoods, builders, and seasonal challenges better than any national bank. They know that weather delays and supply issues happen—and they often work with clients to keep projects moving.

Borrowing locally also means partnering with people who understand the bigger picture: your home, your community, and your investment. When financing, design, and cost control all align, you can build the home you want—even in a high-rate market.