It is an open secret that building a house is a major undertaking — it requires significant investments and thorough planning. But not everyone knows that the right time choice might help to reduce project timelines and save money.
While San Diego’s mild climate favors year-round construction, strategic timing has a solid impact on your project’s cost, duration, and overall quality. Most experts agree that fall (September - November) offers the optimal conditions.
Today we explore the key factors that influence the construction timeline and costs, including weather patterns, regulatory environment and permitting procedures, house remodel contractors’ availability, and material costs swings throughout the year.
By understanding these elements, you can make an informed decision about the best month to break ground on your dream home.
Building Home in San Diego: Weather Factors
San Diego is renowned for its fantastic mild climate. However, seasonal variations can still impact construction processes.
The so-called rainy season lasts from December to March — around 80% of the annual rainfall falls for this part of the year. The dry season lasts from April to November — these months are characterized by minimal precipitation that rarely interrupts preset construction schedules.
Temperatures should also be considered: from July to September temperature in San Diego can exceed 90°F, particularly in inland areas. High temperatures require additional precautions for some construction activities and affect the productivity of workers. From October to June, conditions are mild and optimal for working with temperature-sensitive materials.
Another aspect to consider is humidity. Lower humid levels (from May to September) are ideal for wood and drywall installation and painting. Higher humidity (October-April) might lead to extended drying time for certain materials and finishes.
Contractor Availability
Costs and availability of contractors in San Diego fluctuate notably:
High season lasts from March till August: high demand for contractors leads to higher prices and scheduling problems.
Off-peak season is from December to February: contractors are more available due to lower demand. Costs can be lower, but you should be ready for potential rain delays.
The shoulder season lasts from September to November. During this season, the demand is moderate, and contractors are more available than during summer.
If you plan your project for the peak season, you need to book a reputable contractor 3-6 months ahead; for off-peak construction projects, you can secure a contractor 1-3 months before the project starts.
Material and Labor Costs
The overall costs also often depend on the season. In fall and winter, the demand is typically lower, so suppliers often offer seasonal sales and end-of-the-year clearance prices in November – January. Starting from March prices climb as the demand increases.
The same situation with labor rates: you can get better rates during the low season and expect to pay 10-15% more during the peak months.
The overall price of remodeling or building a home depends greatly on the right choice of contractor. Experienced professionals are aware of seasonal material costs’ fluctuations and environmental impact on home construction. They can recommend the optimal timing for your project given your budget and schedule.
Permits and Regulations: Timing Matters
Before hiring a remodeling contractor, you should keep in mind that getting construction permits takes time.
The busiest period is usually from March till June as builders rush to get permits to start summer projects. It can take 6-8 weeks to get approval. From July till October, you’d better plan around 4-6 weeks for processing all the documentation. In winter, the processing time is faster, around 3-5 weeks.
Reputable home improvement contractors always inform clients about California building regulations and required permits. Experienced pros are well aware of seasonal changes in processing times, so they prepare the required documentation and schedule pre-application meetings well before the planned submission.
Working with a licensed reliable home builder in San Diego ensures full compliance with local regulations and efficient workflow throughout the entire project.
Experts from Groysman Construction, a licensed contractor in San Diego, have answered the most frequently asked questions about home construction.
Is it better to build in summer or winter?
"If you have a flexible schedule, opt for spring/fall to begin construction work. In winter, rainfalls can lead to delays in foundation work and early framing stages. Extreme summer heat might decline productivity in summer, particularly during exterior and roofing work. Spring/fall are ideal for most construction phases with minimal weather-related risks."
What is the best month to build a house?
"Most home renovation contractors servicing San Diego County consider fall the optimal season to build a house. So, which month is the best to start home construction? The optimal timing to start a project is between September and November:
Moderate temperatures and minimal risk of rain delays
Better contractor availability after the peak season
Better material and labor prices
Getting permits is easier without spring waiting lists
Foundation and framing construction can be completed before the rainy season, so interior work can be done in winter."
"Many homeowners wonder “What month are home prices the lowest?” Well, home prices usually go down in the early fall. In many markets home prices cool off in winter months. You can find the best offers starting from October and till January."
To make a decision on when to build a home in San Diego you need to consider and balance multiple factors, including weather conditions, availability of contractors, material costs, and permitting timelines.
By strategically planning your construction project, you can potentially ensure optimal conditions for critical construction phases, reduce costs, and minimize delays.
Fall seems the right option offering favorable weather, better contractor availability after peak season, and more attractive pricing for labor and materials. Consulting with experienced local contractors like Groysman Construction can help you to make the right decision given the specifics of your project.
Why Choose Groysman Construction for Your Home Building Project?
Decades of experience in San Diego home construction and remodeling ensure hassle-free project management from start to finish. Whether you are considering building a new home or planning kitchen or bathroom remodeling, Groysman’s pros have deep expertise in custom home building and full-scale renovations.
Contact Groysman Construction today and get a free quote for your home building or remodeling project!
Our writers like to blog about real estate hotspots. We launched the award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2015 and the luxury property and interior decor blog www.alltheprettyhomes.com in 2024 to cover all your interior design, travel and lifestyle inspiration needs. Download our free bathroom renovation guide here.