If you re thinking about adding to the boom, it s never too early to start the process, says Jeff Stebbins, president of the Cuningham Group. People think that if there is a slowdown, prices will be better, but that never really happens. Planning should start a year in advance of your move, but the bigger you go, the more time you ll need. Delmont adds that several factors, including financing and environmental concerns, could drastically increase the necessary lead time. Weather is another factor to consider.
Experts agree that avoiding winter construction can have a positive effect on budgets.
How long the building boom will last is anyone s guess. Nothing lasts forever, but I don t see a slowdown for a couple of years. Adds Halquist, Some of the gurus are saying this could last from three to five more years, maybe to 2010 at the longest. But there will be some hiccups.