BUILD RITE

Why Winter Is the Perfect Time to Plan Your Southwest Michigan Custom Home

Winter in Southwest Michigan can make you really notice how well your current home works (or doesn’t). Shorter days, holiday gatherings, and more time indoors have a way of highlighting what you’d change if you could: more space, a better layout, a mudroom, a bigger kitchen, or finally building on that piece of land you love.

If you’ve been thinking about a new custom home in Berrien County or along the Lake Michigan shoreline, winter is actually one of the best times to start planning.

As a Southwest Michigan home builder established in 2009, Build Rite Construction helps families use the winter months to get ready for a smooth, well-planned build next season.

You don’t have to wait for warm weather to start the building process. In fact, many of the most important steps happen long before the ground thaws.

1. Builders book up early.

By the time spring arrives, quality builders often already have their schedules filling with projects. Starting your conversations in December–January helps you secure a spot on the calendar with a trusted local builder instead of rushing later.

2. You can take your time with decisions.

Winter is ideal for the “thinking work” of building:

• Budgeting
• Floor plan ideas
• Home style preferences
• Must-have features vs. nice-to-have items

Instead of trying to make quick decisions during busy construction months, you can plan now and feel confident later.

3. Your current home is fresh in your mind.

When you’re hosting, cooking, and spending more time at home, it’s easier to see what your next home truly needs—more storage, better flow, extra bedrooms, or a larger main living area.

If you’re not sure exactly what you want yet, that’s completely normal. A good starting point is understanding what style of home fits your taste, your lot, and your lifestyle.

Build Rite Construction created a helpful Home Style Guide you can browse this winter to get familiar with different architectural looks and layouts. You may find yourself drawn to:

• Clean, modern farmhouse lines
• Traditional two-story homes
• Ranch or main-floor living
• Lakefront designs with large windows and outdoor spaces

As you look through the guide, make a simple list of what you like: number of stories, approximate square footage, exterior style, and any features that stand out.

Sometimes the best way to picture your own dream home is to see what other families in Southwest Michigan have built.

The Our Builds page showcases recent projects from Build Rite Construction throughout Berrien County and the surrounding communities. As you scroll, pay attention to:

• Exterior materials and colors
• Window placement and style
• Porches, decks, and outdoor living spaces
• Garage layouts
• Overall home size and proportions on the lot

You don’t have to copy a plan exactly—these homes are meant to give you ideas and help you imagine how your own custom build could look.

When you’re investing in a new home, working with a local builder who understands the area, weather, and local requirements matters.

Build Rite Construction is a Berrien County new home construction company serving:

Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, Stevensville, New Buffalo, Coloma, Watervliet, Bridgman, Berrien Springs, Buchanan, and many other nearby communities along and near Lake Michigan.

If you’re searching online for a “home builder near me” and you live in Southwest Michigan, there’s a good chance Build Rite is already working in a neighborhood close to you.

Here are a few simple steps you can take over the next couple of months:

Make a “must-have” and “wish list.”

Think about bedrooms, bathrooms, office space, kitchen layout, storage, and outdoor areas.

Gather inspiration.

Save photos from the Home Style Guide, Our Builds, and any other homes you like. A few favorites go a long way in helping the builder understand your vision.

Talk about your site.

If you already own land, winter is a great time to start conversations about how your home might sit on the lot. If you’re still looking, Build Rite can discuss what to consider when choosing a building site.

Schedule a consultation or showroom visit.

Meeting the team face-to-face is one of the best ways to see if a builder is the right fit. At the Build Rite showroom in Benton Harbor, you can talk through your ideas and get a feel for the people and process.

Established, trusted builder in Berrien County (est. 2009).

Major-project focus: custom homes, whole home renovations, kitchen and bath remodels, additions, garages, and commercial framing.

In-house, licensed and insured crew—not just a coordinator.

Experience guiding clients from initial ideas through final finishes, so planning your new home over the winter feels manageable, not overwhelming.

You don’t have to be ready to break ground tomorrow to start the conversation. Winter is simply a smart time to explore your options, ask questions, and see if a custom home is right for you.

Visit buildritellc.com to learn more, browse the Home Style Guide, explore recent builds, or use the “Home Builder Near Me” page to see how Build Rite serves your area.

When you’re ready, you can:

• Call 269-234-1957
• Email buildritellc@yahoo.com
• Or stop by the showroom at 1923 Pipestone Rd, Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Start planning your dream home this winter—so next season, you’re one step closer to holding the keys.