Winter can be difficult for builders, particularly in regions with bitter cold, severe winds and heavy snowfall. Although some choose to close their shop in the coldest months of the year, some choose to move ahead in all but the worst conditions. It pays to weigh the benefits against the costs in order to better determine your choices.
Benefits of Construction in Winter
Increased productivity is the most noticeable advantage of working through the winter. By staying active for more months, builders are able to complete projects more quickly, allowing them to take on more jobs, and so on. There is also less competition during the winter, as many builders lack the will or resources to work during the coldest months. On the other hand, winter construction can also lead to a number of headaches that put a dent in the profit margin of the builder. This include the following:
- Cost: There are a number of additional costs associated with winter construction, including temporary indoor heat, concrete heating and snow removal. Slow digging through frost and other encumbrances can also reduce the productivity of workers.
- Elements: frost, ice, snow and sleet can be a source of great frustration, particularly during the digging and setting of the foundation. That said, as long as you use proper roof truss storage on the job site, snow can actually be easier to battle as compared to spring rains.
- Heat: Cold weather construction forces builders to heat water or aggregates while pouring concrete, resulting in additional fuel costs.
- Performance and productivity: Cold weather and low daylight take a toll on productivity. Equipment has to warm up longer. More time and effort is required to set up temporary lighting and heating equipment. Cold weather can also slow production by dampening the morale of workers.
Make a Sound Decision
There are different schools of thought when it comes to winter construction. In certain cases, higher costs and longer construction times overshadow the possible benefits. On the other hand, sitting on a permit is also a costly possibility.
In the end, there is no universal right or wrong. Because every business and every project is unique, builders must weigh the specific advantages and disadvantages. If you have the budget and experience to push through trying circumstances and unforeseen delays, there’s no reason why you can’t stay active 12 months a year.
In Conclusion
While you might not see as much road work being done or cement trucks pouring foundations, many construction workers will continue to work during the winter. Building frames and interior design will continue throughout the season for many projects.
At CMQ Consulting, we are available to help you all year round to assist with the structural design required for your planned home development. Free estimates available at https://cmqconsulting.com/fee-estimator/ or you may contact us at 01628617877.
