The holiday season is usually associated with slowing down, gathering with family, and reflecting on the year that’s coming to a close. But at NextGen Builders, we see this time of year a little differently. For homeowners and business owners across Northern Utah, the end of the year is actually one of the best times to plan a remodel.
While construction may ramp up in spring and summer, winter and the holidays are ideal for planning, designing, and preparing projects so everything is ready to move forward in the new year. Whether you’re thinking about finishing your basement, remodeling a kitchen, upgrading your office, or planning a commercial renovation, a little planning now can save time, money, and stress later.
Let’s take a look at why the holidays are such a smart time to plan remodeling projects — and how both homes and businesses can benefit from getting a head start.
A Natural Pause That Creates Planning Space
For many families and businesses, the end of the year brings a natural slowdown. Work schedules lighten, travel increases, and priorities shift. That pause creates something that’s often hard to find the rest of the year: time to think strategically.
Instead of scrambling to plan a remodel during peak construction season, the holidays give you breathing room to explore ideas, talk through options, and make informed decisions. At NextGen Builders, we often meet with clients in December who want to use the winter months to plan so they can break ground early in the spring.
This applies just as much to homeowners planning a basement finishing project as it does to business owners preparing for a larger commercial remodeling project.
Get Ahead of the Spring Rush
Spring is one of the busiest times of year for remodeling and construction in Northern Utah. Contractors’ schedules fill quickly, permits take longer, and material lead times can stretch out.
By starting your planning process during the holidays, you’re positioning yourself ahead of the rush. Design plans, budgets, and permits can all be handled in advance, allowing your project to begin sooner — often with more flexibility in scheduling.
For homeowners, that could mean enjoying a finished basement or updated kitchen by summer. For businesses, it means opening doors to a refreshed space without disrupting peak seasons.
Smarter Budgeting Before the New Year
The end of the year is when many people take a close look at finances and set goals for the year ahead. Planning a remodel during this time allows you to budget intentionally, rather than reacting to surprise costs later.
Homeowners can plan projects like kitchen remodeling, bathroom upgrades, or home additions with a clear financial roadmap. Business owners can align remodels with annual budgets, capital improvement plans, or growth goals.
Having clear numbers early also helps avoid rushed decisions — and ensures the final result aligns with both your vision and your budget.
Ideal Timing for Homes: Designing for How You Actually Live
The holidays are often when homeowners feel the limitations of their space the most. Crowded kitchens, lack of guest accommodations, or unfinished basements become more obvious when family and friends are visiting.
This makes winter the perfect time to plan improvements that better support how you live. We frequently see homeowners planning:
- Basement finishes for guest suites or family rooms
- Kitchen remodels to improve flow and entertaining space
- Bathroom upgrades to support larger households
- Home additions to create more usable square footage
Planning these projects during the holidays gives you time to reflect on what’s working — and what isn’t — so your remodel truly improves your day-to-day life.
A Strategic Reset for Businesses
For businesses, the end of the year is often a time of evaluation and planning. Leaders look at performance, growth opportunities, and what changes are needed to move forward confidently.
This makes the holidays an ideal time to plan office remodels, tenant improvements, or full commercial renovations. Many businesses use winter planning to prepare for:
- Office reconfigurations to support hybrid teams
- Retail space updates ahead of busy seasons
- Restaurant remodels timed for slower periods
- Workspace upgrades focused on employee wellness
By planning ahead, businesses can minimize disruption and ensure construction aligns with operational needs. Our team frequently helps clients map out office remodeling projects so they’re ready to launch at exactly the right time.
Permits, Design, and Materials — Handled Early
Another advantage of holiday planning is the ability to tackle behind-the-scenes work without pressure. Design development, material selection, and permitting often take longer than people expect — especially in Summit and Wasatch counties.
By starting in winter, these steps can be completed calmly and thoroughly, avoiding last-minute decisions or delays. When construction season arrives, your project is ready to move forward smoothly.
This is especially helpful for larger projects like commercial remodels or multi-phase residential renovations.
Better Availability and Collaboration
Winter tends to be a more flexible time for collaboration. Designers, contractors, and homeowners or business owners all have more availability for meetings and planning sessions.
At NextGen Builders, we love this time of year because it allows us to work closely with clients, refine ideas, and ensure every detail is thought through. Whether you’re planning a residential upgrade or a full-scale commercial remodeling project, the planning phase is where great projects are made.
Set Yourself Up for a Strong New Year
There’s something powerful about starting the new year with a clear plan in place. Instead of adding “remodel the house” or “update the office” to a long list of resolutions, you’re already in motion.
Homeowners enter the year knowing improvements are underway. Businesses move forward with confidence, knowing their space will better support employees, customers, and growth goals.
That sense of momentum is one of the biggest benefits of planning during the holidays.
How NextGen Builders Helps You Plan Ahead
At NextGen Builders, we don’t just build — we help you plan strategically. Our process is designed to guide homeowners and businesses from initial ideas through design, budgeting, and execution with clarity and confidence.
Whether you’re planning a basement finish, a kitchen remodel, or a commercial renovation, we take the time to understand your goals and help you build a plan that works — not just now, but for years to come.
Get 2026 Right
The holidays aren’t just about wrapping up the year — they’re about setting the stage for what comes next. For homeowners and business owners alike, this season offers a unique opportunity to plan remodeling projects thoughtfully, strategically, and without pressure.
If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your space, expanding your home, or preparing your business for growth, winter planning can make all the difference.
Ready to start planning your remodel for the new year?
Contact NextGen Builders today to schedule a consultation and turn holiday downtime into smart preparation for what’s ahead.