Many home buyers think that breaking ground in the winter is impossible. With advancements in technology and equipment, it is no longer impossible to begin building or expanding your home in the winter. Although it can be done, there are some precautions that should be taken to ensure a great finished product. Here are a few pros and cons you should consider before deciding to build your home in the winter.
One of the benefits of building in the winter is that it can be done quickly because of low demand. Permits can be approved a lot faster when there are fewer people applying for them. The architects, builders, and contractors are typically less busy in the wintertime and can schedule your projects quicker. When contractors have fewer projects going on, they are more likely to stay on schedule. When your project is completed faster, you’ll be able to move in quicker!
Typically the cold weather and snow will deter people from building in the winter. In reality, contractors can continue to build when it’s snowing, where they usually have to stop when it rains. When the crew seals up your home with tarps on nights and weekends, it is a lot easier to protect it from snow rather than rain.
Typically when you construct a home, homeowners worry about the damage to their yard. In the winter, your yard is frozen and often covered in snow so you don’t need to worry about maintaining it or protecting it from construction crews.
Breaking ground in the winter could take more time depending on weather-related delays. Iowa winters bring freezing temperatures and snow which could affect the safety of your construction crews. The crews will work during the winter, but being all bundled up in protective clothing could slow down their productivity.
The winter brings harsh temperatures which can negatively influence the project. During the winter, crews have to take extra precautions when digging and pouring. The crews typically thaw the ground using heaters, so when the soil thaws come Spring, your house stays put and doesn’t shift, damaging the foundation.