PSA: What the Forsyth County Moratorium Means for Homeowners and the Remodeling Industry

In mid-May, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners voted to extend a moratorium on all new residential rezoning applications. This temporary hold will last 180 days—through November 11, 2025—and during this time, no new residential zoning requests will be considered. A second resolution also paused approvals for undeveloped projects that were zoned prior to 2017 but haven’t progressed since.

Essentially, the county is hitting the brakes on future residential developments so they can take a closer look at growth and infrastructure planning.

Why Is This Happening?

Forsyth County has experienced explosive growth over the past decade. With new neighborhoods popping up rapidly, local infrastructure—especially schools—has struggled to keep pace. In April, the Forsyth County Board of Education formally requested a slowdown on high-density residential development, pointing to overcrowded schools and strained public services.

In response, the County Commission is taking time to reassess how rezoning and development are handled going forward. It’s a pause—not a full stop—but it’s having real ripple effects across the construction industry.

Remodeling vs. New Home Building: What’s the Difference?

With new residential development on hold, many home builders are shifting gears and looking to remodeling projects to keep their businesses going. While that pivot is understandable, it’s important for homeowners to know that remodeling and new home construction are not the same trade.

New home builders typically start with a blank slate—cleared land, new materials, and fully designed plans. Remodelers, on the other hand, step into an existing structure and work within its unique layout, framing, and quirks. It’s a completely different challenge that often requires a different approach, mindset, and level of problem-solving.

This doesn’t mean new home builders aren’t talented or hardworking. It just means their expertise might not translate directly to remodeling—especially if they’re new to the field.

Know Who You’re Hiring

This is where homeowners need to be cautious and informed. With an influx of builders moving into the remodeling space, it’s more important than ever to vet who you’re hiring. Ask questions. Look at their portfolio. Find out if remodeling is their core business or a new pivot. You want someone who knows how to handle the complexity, precision, and messiness of remodeling—not just someone who can build from the ground up.

Why Experience Matters

At Benjamin Andrew Construction, we’re not new to remodeling—we’re rooted in it. With three generations of building experience behind us, we’ve worked on homes from the early 1900s all the way to modern construction. Over that time, building methods, materials, and codes have changed drastically—and we’ve stayed ahead of it all.

That depth of experience matters. It means we understand how older homes were built, how to preserve their integrity, and how to blend new improvements seamlessly with what already exists. Remodeling is more than just construction—it’s about honoring what works, reimagining what doesn’t, and doing it all with precision, patience, and deep respect for the families who live there.

Remodeling is personal. It takes more than a toolbox to bring a home back to life—it takes vision, experience, and trust. That’s what we bring to every project.

What Are the Next Steps and How to Navigate This?

If you’re a homeowner in Forsyth County, you may be wondering how this moratorium affects your plans. While new residential development is on hold, renovating your existing home is still a viable—and often wise—option. Whether you’re hoping to add more space, modernize outdated areas, or improve overall functionality, remodeling can help you meet your goals without waiting for the market to settle.

The key is working with a contractor who knows how to do it right. Don’t be rushed into a remodel with someone who’s just getting their feet wet in renovation work. Take your time, ask the right questions, and choose a partner with remodeling in their DNA.

The Bottom Line

The Forsyth County moratorium may have put a pause on new neighborhood developments, but it hasn’t paused your dreams. If anything, it’s a reminder to invest in what you already have—with care, intention, and the right team by your side.

Benjamin Andrew Construction is here to help homeowners navigate this shift with confidence. If you’re considering a renovation or addition and want a team that understands the intricacies of remodeling from the inside out, let’s talk.