Winter is notorious for slowing down construction projects. Learn how to keep your project moving along during the slow winter construction season.

The winter months are notorious for snow, sleet, ice, and frigid temperatures that usher in the holiday season. For the construction industry, it often signals the start of a season that means delays – with bad weather accounting for approximately 45% of construction project delays worldwide.

The weather outside might be frightful, but it doesn’t mean that commercial construction projects have to be put on hold. In this guide, we will help plan projects accordingly so that the slow winter construction season doesn’t slow you down.

What is the Slow Season for Construction?

As you might imagine, warmer weather tends to be a busy season for contractors in the construction industry. While it varies by trade, cooler weather can make doing jobs more difficult than if it were sunny and 75^° outside.

Typically, the construction slow season runs from around Thanksgiving through February. During this time, especially during the holidays, people travel, prepare their homes for guests, and spend money on other things. But don’t forget, the feet of snow and inches of ice play their part in slowing down construction.

What to Plan for During the Slow Season

During the slow season, there are a few things you can plan for ahead of time – these include bad weather, several holidays in a row, and supply chain problems. Knowing what to expect as you enter these months will help you easily get through them.

Inclement Weather

For over a century, climate change has been threatening weather patterns worldwide. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, climate change can increase snowfall and make winter feel colder, and the increased temperature of the Arctic can worsen cold snaps.

Higher snowfall and ice accumulation can create barriers for construction contractors looking to start new jobs or finish the ones started before the colder weather hits. If work sites are not cleared due to high snow levels or thick sheets of ice, it can create hazards for workers and make it impossible to complete tasks.

Holidays and Staffing Shortages

From the turkey and pumpkin pie to the hot cocoa and Christmas carols – the holidays are a time for focusing on family and friends ringing in the new year. Many construction companies face staffing shortages during the slow season due to contractors taking time off to travel, celebrate, and regroup to avoid burnout.

Supply Chain Inconsistencies

During the holiday season, the American economy surges for Christmas shopping between November and December – with 30% of all retail revenue being made during this time. The increased demand for goods by retail establishments creates problems for shipping companies and the supply chain, overloading them.

Like any package you may purchase and ship during November and December, building materials are often delayed during the slow construction season. Some suppliers also shut down their operations during the holiday season, which can turn a few days into weeks late as they catch up after the holiday season.

Creating a Plan For the Slower Winter Construction Season

As the slower season approaches, it is important to come up with a plan before the workload becomes lighter. Even in the slower months, it is possible to continue working on projects, plan for future ones, and build a client roster for the busy season – which is right around the corner.

Lead Generation and Outreach

Prospecting is a year-long effort for construction companies. You make phone calls, place ads, and promote your business – booking clients for as many days of the year as possible. During the slow winter construction season, these appointments seem to become fewer and fewer, giving you time to start creating relationships that may lead to new projects.

Since you have more time on your hands, you can begin refreshing your website, updating your project portfolio with recently completed projects, and revising your corporate presentation so that when the phone rings, you are ready. This season is also a great opportunity to research and begin participating in industry trade shows which can connect you with new partners, suppliers, and developers.

Not every lead is hot – but now is the time to start formulating relationships that result in job opportunities in the future.

Focus on Pre-Construction Activities

Just because the snow and cold weather hinder your ability to complete projects now doesn’t mean you can’t start planning for future ones. Having a plan now will increase your turnaround time for projects scheduled in the future.

Pre-planning and pre-construction activities can help avoid higher costs and change orders during the project. You can also file the Notice of Commencement in Ohio so that the project complies with rules and regulations when you start. By planning ahead, the materials can make it on time, and you will have already coordinated a team to execute it flawlessly.

Shift Focus to Interior Projects

When the weather changes, shifting your priorities is a key way of continuing to finish projects on schedule. Not only can you continue to work during the slow season, but you can also provide continuity for your contractors.

Interior projects, like remodels, can be completed even if several inches of snow are on the ground. These types of projects also require less workforce, which will allow you to give your contractors time off to do holiday activities with their families. Your business stays available during months when full construction may not be feasible – providing value to clients during a season when other businesses are unavailable.

Opportunity During the Slower Winter Construction Season

How Cold is Too Cold for Construction?

Non-emergency construction work should be halted if temperatures reach -30^° to -34^° Fahrenheit with more than 10-20 mph winds.

What is the Slowest Time of Year for Construction?

The winter months are the slowest time of year for construction – typically beginning after Thanksgiving and continuing until about February.

What are the OSHA Guidelines for Working in Cold Weather?

OSHA advises workers in cold weather to take breaks to warm up regularly and to dress properly for the weather. It also advises workers to stay dry in cold weather because moisture contributes to loss of body heat.

Is it OK to Pour Concrete in Winter?

The ideal temperature for pouring concrete is between 50-60^° Fahrenheit. Below this, the chemical reactions necessary to set and strengthen it are weakened.

Get Your Project Started During the Slow Winter Construction Season

You wouldn’t build a project without having meticulously planned for it from start to finish – the slower construction season is no different. When you have a plan, you can maintain a “business as usual” attitude, which evokes job security and shows you are serious about your work. This message translates to both clients and contractors.

The seasons may change, but this is your opportunity to overcome industry barriers. There is an answer to your slow construction season builds!

Indecca provides services to its clients all year, working on projects during convenient times – with minimal disruptions. Reach out now to get your project started during the slower construction months, during hours that work best for you, on weekends, and more – all on a budget!