Winter is typically the time we humans hibernate after a hearty holiday season. But for those with land, it’s also the perfect opportunity to begin planning for spring. Every farmer knows, cold weather is the time to prep. So get ready to hit the ground running as soon as the weather warms up with LandCentral’s How to Plan Your Spring Land Projects During Winter Months:
Step 1 – Make a Plan
Before diving into the details of any project, take time to plan. Building a new fence? Creating an outdoor entertainment space? Planting an orchard? Whatever your project, set clear goals and break down the tasks so you can focus on what needs to get done first. Creating a list will help you stay busy in winter and prepare for spring.
Step 2 – Create a Budget
Winter’s the perfect time to develop a detailed budget for your project. Research materials, tools, and labor costs so you can create a realistic financial plan. With time on your side, you can shop around for the best deals, find sales, and even take advantage of off-season discounts. Remember, you’re not the only one hibernating. Many outdoor project suppliers and venders offer huge discounts during the off-season. By planning early, you can take advantage of big savings before starting your spring land project.
Step 3 – Research Ideas
Whether you’re planning a new garden layout or building a huge structure, there’s plenty of resources to help you on your way. And winter is the ideal time to do it. The weather sucks, you’re still digesting that Thanksgiving turkey, and you’re looking for anything to get you over the mid-winter slump. The cold months offer ample time to explore from the comfort of your favorite cave. Reach out to landscapers, builders, trade shows, and more. Take your time. And don’t forget to consider factors like space limitations, the type of area or land you have for the project you’re envisioning, as well as local building codes.
Our favorite resources for planning your next spring land project:
- Pinterest – Get inspired by home ideas to bring your project to the next level.
- Houzz – Build and design software to plan your next home project.
- Garden Design – Discover ideas for gardens, landscaping, and more!
Step 4 – Get your paperwork
The boring yet necessary part of your project, the paperwork. Depending on the scale of vision, you may need permits. Use the winter months to research local zoning laws, building codes, permit requirements, or reach out to the proper professional in your area. Paperwork can sometimes take months to file, so why not use the chilly months of winter to get it done? Don’t wait for spring to be delayed by boring paperwork. The sooner you start, the faster you can get to the fun stuff, like starting your spring land project.
Step 5 – Hire a Professional or Get to Learning
If your project requires professional help, use the winter months to reach out. Get yourself on their schedule before their dance card fills up. That way there’s no delay for you and your spring project. And if you’re planning on going the whole DIY approach, winter is still the ideal time to teach yourself new skills.
Step 6 – Prepare Your Property
It may be winter, but you can still begin preparing your property for whatever you’re planning come spring. Remove debris, trim trees, mark boundaries, and identify any obstacles that may hinder your upcoming project. Remember, there’s less foliage to deal with in winter, so it’s the ideal time to clear out any unwanted trees and shrubs. By preparing the land ahead of time, you’ll avoid any annoying delays once the earth thaws.
Step 7 – Get Your Supplies
Winter is the slow season for suppliers, which means it’s the perfect time to place your orders. Whether it’s lumber for a fence, soil for landscaping, or building supplies for a structure, ordering in advance ensures that your materials will arrive on time when you’re ready to start. Plus, as mentioned above, you’ll get better pricing during the off-season. Now that puts the “win” in winter!
So, there you have it, LandCentral’s How to Plan Your Spring Land Projects During Winter Months. Remember, it won’t stay winter forever. Use the colder months to ensure you’re ready to dive into your spring land projects as soon as the weather warms up.
Don’t have land to do a project on? Let’s talk!