GUIDES

How to Manage the Seasonality of Construction: Finding the Perfect Timing

Each season allows for different construction projects. Navigate the seasonality of construction year round by considering these factors.

January 15, 2021

What is the Best Season to Start Construction Work?

Although construction projects should be scheduled by needs rather than according to the season, there are seasonal factors that determine what may be achievable. The weather has an influence on the type of work that can be carried out. This can lead to problems in the finance side of the business, especially where small businesses are concerned. Let’s look at each of the seasons and what type of work these conditions allow.

Winter

If you have the luxury of being able to schedule construction projects in alignment with the best season for this labor, winter is the time for indoor work. It’s also the time for the administration work to be done, including the office work that is necessary. This can involve applications for permits, planning procedures, and securing finance. You may want to use the winter months for installing internal facilities such as plumbing and bathrooms, for electrical system installations, or for air conditioning and heating systems. Even the final touches to the internal construction can be done during the winter. Be aware of short daylight hours and cold weather, and be prepared for interruptions due to these.

Spring

Being able to work with the seasons enables better cash flow, but this may not be possible in every scenario. It is necessary to make a careful planning to take into account the disruption caused by the weather if you are to work seamlessly through the year. Spring is the best time for painting, for example, or for installation work that requires wind and dry weather to cure. It’s also an excellent time for outdoor landscaping, where we advise great care to be taken to be aware of loose earth caused by the wet winter months. Having finance set aside to compensate when spring is interrupted by cold snaps is also essential, so plan ahead carefully.

Summer

Contrary to popular belief, summer is usually dedicated to indoor work as high temperatures will affect the performance of materials such as concrete and plaster. Also, when conducting outdoor work, the summer heat often leads to decreased performance by workers, causing missed deadlines as a result. As summer is the holiday season, construction companies may find that permit and license grants take longer to be approved due to staff shortages.

Fall

The prime time for construction work is the fall when materials that are affected by heat will be able to dry and cure as required thanks to lower temperatures and wind. This is also the season where preparation for the winter should begin, and where concrete and plastering on the outdoors should take place. It is, however, a time when people are keeping money back for the festive season, so careful financial consideration is required.

Conclusion

The seasons affect the finances as well as the progress of construction projects, and planning in both of these areas is essential. It is worth checking out financing options such as BlueTape for building materials, as well as ensuring that there are funds available to cover the possible shortfalls brought about by the seasonality and changes in the weather. Remember to take your location into consideration, as the conditions of each season vary by region. Sometimes, the weather will have no effect in areas where the weather remains constant, whereas other parts of the country experience more changes in weather. Understanding the weather patterns of your area can help you best plan for upcoming projects and construction work! If you enjoyed this post, sign up for BlueTape today!

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