6 Reasons Winter is Actually a Great Time of Year to Build a Home
When thinking about timelines for new construction, it may surprise you to learn that winter is actually an excellent time to start building a new home. While many people may consider winter the “off-season” for construction projects, even with the possibility of rain or snow, starting a new home build is absolutely possible, and can even have some added benefits.
In this article, you’ll learn six reasons why winter is an especially great time of year to build a new home. The last reason is the one that will really surprise you!
1. New Home Construction is Available Year-Round
There is no wrong season to begin a new home construction project, but many people don’t know that this is true, and therefore plan their timeline on this false assumption. That paves the way for more opportunities for your project because you have more resources at your disposal in the winter.
2. Contractors Are More Available
With so many property owners avoiding starting new construction projects in the winter months (believing the myth that they need to), contractor availability naturally increases. That means homeowners who opt for winter home builds have more contractors to choose from. Oftentimes, this means contractors’ and subcontractors’ schedules are more flexible since they aren’t building as many homes concurrently.
3. Faster Permitting
When the workload of construction contractors decreases during the winter months, the wait times for building permits also diminish. With fewer pending permits, the typically overworked permit department can get permits from initiation to final sign-off more quickly. This means new construction projects can benefit from shorter wait times in between phases.
4. Move in Sooner
Depending on the size and specifications of a new home build, the construction timeline will vary from project to project. However, beginning new home construction during the winter can make for a speedier completion, due to the increased availability of labor and shorter permitting wait times. In turn, that can provide the welcome payoff of taking occupancy sooner.
5. In Moderate Climates, Weather Can Be Less of an Issue
Sonoma County residents know that the winter months are not particularly wet. This means that weather delays are much less likely, allowing residents to begin home construction when contractors and building departments are juggling fewer building projects.
While construction teams will always do their best to work as efficiently as possible, work site safety will always be a priority. If weather conditions take a turn for the worst, construction will need to be postponed until it is safe for them to start working again. Likewise, weather conditions in different areas of the country can affect how quickly essential materials or equipment can be delivered.
6. Rainfall Can Work for You
It may not rain much, but when it does, it’s an opportunity for contractors to test the drainage and soil compaction, during real winter conditions. Being able to evaluate the functionality of these essential features means any issues can be addressed and the necessary adjustments made without prolonging the construction process or incurring damage. With modern construction equipment and supplies, a home can be kept dry while work continues.
Don’t Delay Building Your Dream Home Any Longer
New home construction is a year-round industry, and starting your project in the winter months can actually provide a number of benefits. With more flexible construction schedules, shorter permit processing times, and swift move-ins, winter is a great time to start building the home of your dreams.
At DRF Builders, we focus on integrity, honesty, quality, and transparency through every step of the new home build process. Your new home construction project deserves the best team for the job, and the team at DRF would love to learn more about your project. Please call or contact us online today and ask us anything about your home construction and our successful design-build process!
