Is It A Good Idea To Build A Custom Home During Winter Months?

Winter can be a slow time for contractors and home builders, but you might have noticed that there are still plenty of new construction projects in progress in Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Star, Nampa, Emmett, and other surrounding areas.  It doesn’t look like things will be slowing down anytime soon!   When we visit with potential clients, they often express reservations about building a custom home during the winter months, so in this blog post we’ll try to dispell some misconceptions and answer some of the common questions we get about building in cold weather. 

 If you have just recently started looking for a home builder, right now is a perfect time to get started on the planning and design process.  Give us a call for a free consultation.  +1 (208) 963-0475

The short answer is YES – you most definitely can build a new home during winter months. At Riteway Builders, we build new homes during winter months every year.  Here are some advantages and disadvantages to consider.   

Some advantages are:

• Faster permits
• In some cases, lower subcontractor bids
• Landscaping costs deferred
• Get into your new home sooner, by not postponing for warmer weather.  
• Right now interest rates are still low – this could change in coming months

Some disadvantages are:

• Plan on adding 25% to overall project timeline to allow for delays related to weather conditions.
• Potential of increased costs for winter weather equipment and techniques.

Common Questions:

How do you dig a foundation and cure concrete in freezing temperatures?
This is one of the most common concerns that we are asked about.   There are several winter weather techniques that are used to thaw the ground, so that the foundation can be dug, and concrete poured and cured properly.  There are some studies that have shown that slower cure times due to cold weather can even improve concrete strength/performance.   

Does normal winter weather warp or damage building materials?  No, if fact it is easier to work with materials after a snow storm than it is a strong summer rain storm.  Snow can be easily brushed off.   It is important to remember that today’s building materials are not harmed or degraded by exposure to normal rainwater or snow.  The wood does not immediately rot if it gets wet.   However, if your builder chooses to use low grade (cheap) building materials, they might not handle the elements as well as higher-quality materials will.    

Can good workmanship still be performed when workers are fighting cold weather?  Yes, experienced and professional crews provide quality work in winter, summer, spring or fall. The crews and subcontractors that Riteway Builders uses are all pros at what they do, they wouldn’t blink an eye at taking on a project during the winter.  They’ve done it year after year, and have the tools, gear, and safety equipment needed to work in any type of weather.  

Does the cost of building a home go up or down during the winter?  Yes and No – This is a tough one because it has less to do with the weather and more to do with the market and economy.  In a slower economy, it can be harder for contractors and crews to stay busy during the winter, so prices in those circumstances could potentially come down.  There are some extra labor and equipment costs that are required during winter months, that can add to overall costs, but they are easily canceled out by the price increases in labor and materials when things start heating up in the spring.   So, most of the time things average out and prices will be about the same.  If you choose Riteway Builders to build your new custom home, you’ll know exactly what to expect as far as costs (LEARN MORE HERE ABOUT THE RITEWAY DIFFERENCE).

Does it take longer to build a new home in winter?  Yes, in our experience it does take a bit longer – it’s best to anticipate delays.  During strong winter weather storms, construction work will stall and added prep or safety tasks take more time.  

One of the most important thing you could do if you are considering building a new home during the winter, is to make sure your contractor has the experienced crews, knowledge, and equipment needed to handle winter conditions.  Make sure you address all your concerns about building in winter before moving forward.   

If you are thinking about building a new custom home in Meridian, Boise, Eagle, Star, Middleton, Emmett, or other areas surrounding areas – let’s talk!

Call  +1 (208) 963-0475

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