Cold Weather Months Help New Home Builders Finish The Job
The winter months can pose some serious challenges for new home builders. But seasoned professionals know how to protect themselves against the elements and can follow a schedule that allows them to work through the winter months to have the new home ready for springtime.
At Chinburg Properties, we know what it takes to get the job done during even the hottest summer months and coldest New England winters. With over 30 years of building experience in New Hampshire and Southern Maine, we know how to keep a winter build project on schedule and protected from harsh weather conditions.
The National Weather Service issued a recent warning regarding some of the risks outdoor workers face during extreme winter conditions—particularly the cold stress. As a new home builder used to working in these conditions, we take these safety tips very seriously.
“A cold environment forces the body to work harder to maintain its temperature. Cold air, water and snow all draw heat from the body. The most common problems faced in the cold are hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot.”
-National Weather Service
OSHA also offers a variety of cold weather tips for workers in the various trades.
Throughout our years of working in some of the most extreme New England weather, we’ve learned that groundwork is best done when the earth is not frozen solid. So, as a result, we work with experienced subcontractors during the winter months. Given all of the components that go into the final product, subcontractors can be scheduled to do inside work during the worst weather days. Interior work that can happen within the weather tight shell with a minimal level of heat include:
- Plumbing—The wintertime is a good time for subcontractors to begin running pipes through the interior walls, ceilings and floors. It’s also a good time for these skilled workers to install sewer lines and vents, as well as water supply lines for fixtures. Bathtubs, showers, toilets and other important units can also be installed.
- HVAC—Workers can also install ductwork for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning during the winter months.
- Insulation—The cold winter months are perfect for getting inside and applying insulation in the floors, walls and ceilings. Thermal leaks are obvious and a thorough weather-proofing is a priority.
- Electrical—Electricians can install wires and other receptacles for outlets, lights and switches. This is also a good time to install wiring for telephones and other electrical equipment.
- Drywall and interior textures—Safe from the elements, drywall can be hung and taped in the winter months. The primer coat of paint is also applied at this time.
- Interior Trim and other fixtures—Contractors will use this time in the process install interior doors, baseboards, door casings, window sills, moldings, stair balusters and other decorative trim. Cabinets, vanities and fireplace mantels are also installed. Walls get a finish coat of paint and are wallpapered where applicable.
Although a home can certainly be built—soup to nuts—during the winter season, the successful landscaping of these winter homes needs to wait until spring.
At Chinburg, we offer single family home plans that cannot only be customized with your details, but also according to your schedule. Contact us today to learn even more about our new home building methodologies.
