Builders within Alair Homes are seeing a subtle shift in how homeowners are approaching custom builds and renovations in 2026. The appetite for beautifully designed, highly personalized homes hasn’t disappeared, but the path to getting there is becoming more considered.
Clients are asking more questions. They’re taking more time. And they’re looking for greater clarity before moving forward.
According to a recent survey of Georgia builders conducted by Alair regional partner Peter Michelson, early 2026 hasn’t been defined by a drop in demand, but by a change in mindset. Homeowners are still investing in their spaces, they’re simply doing so more thoughtfully, weighing decisions carefully against a backdrop of broader economic uncertainty.
“We’re seeing clients really engage in all aspects of the build, more than ever before. This is giving us the opportunity to communicate the cost and value behind every decision, every material selection, and every detail of a project,” says Michelson.
A More Thoughtful Pace
For many Alair teams, the shift is showing up not in fewer projects, but in longer conversations. Contracts are taking more time to finalize, as clients explore options, compare approaches, and plan with greater intention.
“We need to respect the homeowner’s pace. But, we also need to make sure we are sharing the reality of time needed for project development and construction,” says Heather Shuster, partner at Alair Decatur. “Giving clients a good understanding of the time needed to develop and build their project is imperative.”
The work already underway continues to provide stability. Builders report an average of more than five months of signed projects, keeping crews active and projects moving forward.
In many ways, it’s a recalibration, one where speed is replaced by careful decision-making.
Homes as Long-Term Investments
That shift in pace is also changing how projects are conceived. Some builders note that while inquiries may be fewer, the projects themselves are often more substantial.
“It seems like we’re seeing bigger projects than in the past,” said one survey respondent.
The trend reflects a broader mindset: when homeowners do decide to move forward, they’re thinking long-term, investing in spaces that will serve them for years to come.
“Though homeowners may be slower to get started, it is always true that as soon as they say go, they want the project to move quickly. I very much encourage homeowners to get started in planning as soon as you can. If you need to pause in planning, no problem but it’s always a win to be further along in your project’s development so building can happen sooner,” says Shuster.
Adapting the Approach
Within Alair, this environment is prompting builders to evolve, not by pulling back, but by leaning in. That evolution is supported by Alair’s collaborative model, which emphasizes shared resources and consistent dedication to the client experience across its network.
“At Alair, we are very well positioned to weather changing market conditions like these,” says Michelson. “Our unique infrastructure, including accounting, marketing, branding, and business development, supports our partners so they can stay focused on their clients and continue delivering high-quality work.”
A Moment That Rewards Intention
Across the network, there’s a sense that this is less a slowdown and more a shift in rhythm, one that rewards clarity, creativity, and strong client relationships.
Projects are still moving forward. Conversations are simply deeper. Decisions are more deliberate.
“In general our clients are high earners who have worked hard to build their nest eggs. They are careful with spending large sums like what is necessary to do major renovations and new home builds. But considering that our projects are seldom required, but really for those choosing lifestyle improvement, we’ve always focused on communicating why taking on these big projects can be so fulfilling and rewarding,” adds Shuster.
For Alair builders, that patience, and the ability to guide clients with confidence and transparency, may ultimately define success in a market that’s not retreating, but recalibrating.
