Start 2026 Strong: The Owner-Builder Winter Playbook

When people think about building a custom home in Colorado, winter doesn’t always feel like the obvious time to start. In reality, it’s often the smartest time—especially if your goal is a smooth spring or early summer groundbreaking.

At HomeWrights, we’ve learned that successful projects don’t start with a shovel in the ground. They start months earlier with thoughtful planning, clear budgeting, and informed decisions. As HomeWrights owner Bob Hinz puts it: “NOW is the best time to do everything.”

It may sound simple, but decades of experience have proven that this mindset keeps projects moving forward. No matter the season, now is always the right time to begin planning your new home.

Why Winter Planning Works

From the moment you start planning, it typically takes about six months before you’re ready to break ground. Construction itself usually takes another nine to fifteen months, depending on the size and complexity of the home.

That means winter planning isn’t early—it’s right on time. Waiting until spring to start often puts unnecessary pressure on the process. Winter allows you to plan carefully and make decisions without rushing.

Start With a Preliminary Budget

One rule Bob considers non-negotiable is beginning with a preliminary budget tied to a conceptual plan.“Always start with a preliminary budget based upon a conceptual plan. That’s an immutable rule.”

This step creates a realistic framework before detailed design begins. Once you’re comfortable with that initial number, the rest of the planning can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Plan the Site Before the House

A custom home is shaped as much by the land as the floor plan. Early planning must account for water and sewer or well and septic systems, driveway access, utilities, solar exposure, and proper house placement.

Surveying, soil testing, tree work, retaining walls, or demolition may also be required. All of these details feed directly into architecture and engineering. “Better preparation and planning just means fewer surprises,” Bob explains.

Design, Engineering, and Permits Take Time

Design timelines can vary widely. Some plans move from concept to permit-ready in weeks, while others take months depending on complexity and decision-making. Permitting adds another layer. While every city and county is different, a good rule of thumb is about seventy-five days from plan submission to permit approval.

“Some of these steps are out of our control,” Bob says. “There can be quiet time while we wait—but that doesn’t mean nothing is happening.”

The Work That Happens Before Groundbreaking

One of the most overlooked truths in homebuilding is that much of the work happens before excavation begins. “About twenty-five percent of the work to build a new home happens before anybody picks up a shovel.”

This phase includes bidding, refining budgets, selecting vendors and subcontractors, writing contracts, ordering utilities, and securing construction financing. Bob often describes this as “laying the rails” so that once the permit is issued, the project can move forward smoothly.

Why Starting Now Matters

Winter planning lets you solve problems early, protect your budget, and avoid last-minute decisions. Instead of scrambling in spring, you’re ready to move forward with confidence.

“Now is a good time to do everything,” Bob says. “Now is the time to get started.”