Unraveling the Knot: Supply Chain Issues in Residential Construction

Reasons Driving Up Building Costs During Winter Months

Winter construction brings challenges that can increase costs by around 20%. Below are the key factors that drive up expenses, along with some personal field experiences.

1. Saturated Soil

Cold weather can saturate or freeze soil, making it wet and heavy. This stresses machinery, complicates excavation, and increases hauling costs. Moreover, saturated soil is unsuitable for backfill and grading, often forcing contractors to import clean fill if available.

2. Heating

Maintaining proper temperatures on site is essential for curing materials such as concrete or adhesives and keeping workers safe. Heating workspaces, trailers, and temporary structures incurs expenses. Contractors may need to rely on alternative energy sources, such as propane or temporary electrical setups, to meet these requirements.

3. Snow Management

Snow and ice can quickly halt work by blocking access and adding to labor hours. Extra crews or specialized equipment are often necessary to remove snow from parking areas, walkways, and workspaces, ensuring the site remains accessible and safe.

4. Slower Work

Cold conditions slow down both equipment and worker productivity. Machines operate less efficiently, and workers move slower in heavier gear. For example, about eight years ago in Vaughan, while installing sign brackets on two commercial buildings during minus thirty-one degree weather, our tool batteries died faster, machinery had difficulty starting, and we had to retreat indoors every 20 minutes to thaw out. These circumstances certainly help build character, nevertheless the interruptions doubled the time needed to complete the work.

5. Shorter Daylight Hours

Reduced daylight limits the number of productive hours each day. When natural light is insufficient, crews must rely on artificial lighting, which increases energy costs and further reduces productivity.

Conclusion

Understanding factors such as saturated soil, heating requirements, snow management, slower work, and reduced daylight helps contractors better plan budgets during winter. By anticipating these challenges and learning from field experiences, construction professionals can adjust their strategies and invest in the right equipment to keep projects on track throughout the colder months.