Can You Build in the Winter? Pros and Cons

There are many factors to consider when it comes to building or construction. One big question that often comes up is whether or not you should do the work in the winter. Obviously, there are pros and cons to every decision, and it's essential to weigh all of your options before making a final call. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the key considerations when it comes to building in the winter months.  

The first and most obvious factor is the winter weather, which will bring ice, snow and freezing temperatures. Building work in winter often requires special considerations to ensure safety and productivity, from clearing snow and ice to heating the ground for concrete pourings. Not only does this require extra labor and resources, but it will also result in added costs due to additional time and delays. Depending on the size of your project, these costs could become prohibitive. This is a great discussion to have with your general contractor as you consider a winter build.

Another potentially costly downside to building in winter is ground heating.  Heating the ground is often necessary to ensure the proper curing of concrete and other materials. Without heating, concrete could become damaged or weak in strength and not have the longevity or life of adequately cured concrete, causing structural issues in the future. The extra labor, equipment, and fuel needed to heat concrete will add to your overall cost.

Even with some of these additional expenses, there are benefits as well for building in the winter months. For instance, scheduling crews is typically easier as they are usually not as busy during these colder months. It can also be an ideal time of year to secure permits or contracts if you're working with a tight deadline or timeline; again, lines and wait times will be shorter, given the season.

Overall, the decision to build in the winter months must be carefully considered and weighed against the potential risks and rewards. Many factors are at play, so it's essential to work closely with experienced experts who can help you make an informed decision. By taking the time to understand your options, you can ensure that your project is successful no matter what season you choose. 

If you're looking for a general contractor and sounding board when weighing your options so you can make an informed decision, consider giving us a call. Raeco would love to learn about your project and offer assistance.