When is the best time to start a construction project?
Construction work is dependent on a lot of factors, including weather. While one may typically think about spring and summer as being the ideal starting times for construction projects, there are some advantages to starting a project in the winter.
Pros:
- The subcontractors are less busy so they are more likely to meet your schedule and get better prices during winter.
- By starting in the winter you will be off- season of a typical construction schedule and therefore the subcontractors and suppliers may be less busy throughout your project. Example: lining up a foundation company is easier during the winter than in the spring or early summer, and finding a framing crew is easier during the winter than during the summer.
- Subcontractors can continue to work while it snows verses rain.
The government agencies will be less busy so you can get your permits quicker. - To avoid delays, most contractors prefer to have a house “under roof” before bad weather so workers can continue inside when they can’t work outside so when “winter” ends and “spring” begins they can hit the ground running.
Cons:
- The weather must be watched closely to avoid letting frost get into the ground after the excavation is done and before your foundation is completed. This may include covering the ground with thermal blankets if needed.
- Once the foundation and concrete floors are in, the major obstacles of starting in the winter are over. Sometimes the concrete floors can be poured after the house has been framed and temporary heat can be added to the area.
- The days are shorter and colder; therefore, the subcontractors have to work shorter days.
- There will probably be more weather delays.
- It can be harder to get large trucks in and out of your project.
- Temporary heat may be needed for the home, the workers themselves, or some of the ground so you can dig.
