Once you’ve chosen a project, you need to decide when you’re going to start residential construction. The time frame you choose will determine everything that happens subsequently: planning, booking contractors and so forth.
Of course, there are a lot of factors to take into account when making this decision. When planning residential construction, you’ll need to consider the typical climate in your weather, as well as the exact nature of the work that needs to be done.
CONSTRUCTION IN AUTUMN
If you’re building a new house, many contractors advise starting your residential construction in autumn. The soil isn’t frozen yet, so it’s easy to pour concrete foundations. It’s cool enough that your contractors won’t get dangerously overheated, and while climates vary considerably from place to place, fall is dry in many parts of the country.
Starting residential construction in fall also means that if your contractors adhere to their timeline, they can get outer and support walls, as well as a roof, up in time for winter. From there, they can start doing interior work.
CONSTRUCTION IN WINTER
If you’re doing remodeling work or other work that only affects the interior of the house, starting residential construction in winter may be a good bet. Many contractors prefer to work in the cooler months, thanks to the physically taxing nature of most residential construction.
Because most people aren’t pouring concrete or doing serious outdoor work in winter, the cost of building materials typically drops sharply. So if you can do your residential construction in winter, you may find it to your financial advantage. Keep in mind, though, that your project may be delayed due to the holiday season.
CONSTRUCTION IN SPRING
While the weather in spring is comparable to the weather in autumn, starting residential construction in spring is completely different. Spring is typically very wet, and the ground may be frozen, so it’s not a good time for pouring a foundation. You may also find your ability to do serious outdoor work hampered by storms or wind, in most North American climates.
For these reasons, most contractors prefer to stick to indoor work during the early spring months. Residential construction on new homes is typically feasible in later spring, when the earth has thawed, the ground is no longer so muddy and the spring rains are less pronounced.
CONSTRUCTION IN SUMMER
Many projects start in summer. Summer may be ideal if you have a lengthy timeline or expect delays; your contractors will have plenty of time to complete their residential construction before the ground freezes or it becomes too cold to work. But be aware: material costs are typically sky-high in summer due to increased demand, and contractors may find it difficult to work in the heat. And if your area’s prone to summer storms, your project may be greatly delayed.
Choosing the best time of year to begin a residential construction project can be tricky. It’s a careful balancing act that depends on the exact nature of the project, the climate in your area and the project’s budget. After you take these guidelines into account, contact us at Saunders Design Construction and we’ll find the best way to bring your plans to fruition.
