Home Improvement

How Winter Affects Construction

Summary: Weather is one of many unexpected challenges that can delay your construction project.

Winter is upon us and the effects on construction projects can cause delays and problems with materials. Heavy rains and bad weather can delay shipments, in addition to any problems with man power on the site itself. The weather has a severe affect on projects that don’t plan for it, so be sure you have a construction consultant on your side that understands how weather may impact the time frame of your project.

Costs Go Up

The biggest cost you’ll face during winter is usually fuel to power your machinery. Engines must work harder when the weather is cold, but that is not the only source of shortages. Materials are also impacted by the costs of fuel, as the costs to transport materials directly impact the project manager. A structural steel expert might recommend the best time of the year to buy, or have connections to suppliers that can get you what you need in time to complete your project.

Productivity and Manpower

People work slower during the winter, and not by choice either. Roads close, cars and trucks won’t start and work is tiring out there. Productivity might be as much as half what it is during warmer seasons, and that’s in areas where the weather isn’t heavy. For places in the Northeast and Midwest, productivity can dip even further.

Final Thoughts

Winter is problematic for construction outfits, but not impossible to deal with. The project can still progress, but your time frame will feel the weather. Plan for these problems and you will face fewer disputes over elements outside your control.

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By: Lyle Charles is an expert witness for construction, and a steel fabrication expert. Consult Lyle Charles for your next commercial construction project.