If you’ve ever wanted to build a home, you’ve probably wondered when the best time to pull the trigger would be. In truth, construction is possible during all seasons, though some are better than others. Here at the BC Team, we work in both Arizona and Michigan, so we know extreme weather and seasons when we see it. That also means we know the pros and cons of working in the spring, summer, fall, and winter.
So, when is the best time to build a home? Read on to find out.
The Best Time to Build a Home In Arizona
You may think that the winter is the best time to build a home in the Phoenix Valley. It’s cooler, it’s not monsoon season, and workers have plenty of daylight in the morning. But it comes with its drawbacks too. Construction season is very busy during this time of year.
So what about the summer? Well, if the construction workers can handle the heat, it may be good for you. Construction is typically lighter in the summer due to the extreme heat.
So let’s break it down more.
Pros to Winter Construction in Phoenix
The biggest pro to starting construction in the winter is the weather. There’s no monsoons, no 100+ degree heat (it’s typically in the 30s or higher), and comes with a small chance (if any) of rain and snow.
This will help the construction crew get the framing and exterior work done faster, as they will only be hindered by the harder ground and shorter days. It still allows for a faster timeline, though, as completing the foundation is completely dependent on the weather. Mild weather means it’s easier for the foundation to set!
Secondly, landscaping is much easier in the colder months too. You don’t have to worry about plants dying or grass yellowing immediately when planted in the cooler months. Also, the ground will be easier to work with during the winter than versus monsoon season or the dry summer. It should be wetter and thawed (unless snow does happen to come through).
This means planting, maintaining, and setting up everything will be a lot easier — even if you’re using artificial grass!
Cons:
In Phoenix, it’s no surprise that the winter is peak construction time because of the better weather. Because it’s extremely busy, your project may not get the one-on-one attention it needs and it may be subject to delays due to your contractor’s workloads.
Secondly, expect a lot of traffic. The Valley’s traffic typically picks up in the winter due to tourism and those who have a winter home in the area. This means delays can happen for transporting and shipping!
What About Building a Home in the Summer?
In Phoenix, it’s hot! We’re talking 100+ degrees for months. That means it is harder on the workers, who may not be able to work past 2 p.m. due to the extreme heat conditions.
However, it’s also less popular! Your project might get more one-on-one attention. It’s hard to list the pros and cons, because everything is subject to the weather in the summer.
If there is little rainfall, then the hardened dirt and clay are very difficult to work with. But if monsoon season is good, then the ground will be a little looser. On the flip side, less rain means less delays. You see the problem?
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start to build a home in the summer though. It just means that it may be a little harder to estimate the timeline, based on if the rain holds off or not.
Building A House In Michigan
In Michigan, there is a saying: We have two seasons, Winter and Construction season. This saying is generally for road construction, but the same can be said for building a home.
Winter is a horrible time to build a house. It’s dark, snowing, raining, and just generally frozen. The ground is hard, you have to keep everything covered, and it’s more hassle than it is worth. And for good reason! Winter construction in Michigan, while the slowest time of the year, can be dangerous. Imagine framing a house or installing a roof, and an ice storm freezes the project? It’s not good for the wood, materials, or workers.
The summer isn’t perfect either, but it’s more ideal. The longer days and less rain means the ground is easier to work with and the crew has more time to get everything just right. Just beware of the humidity though — too much moisture is bad for wood!
There you have it! It’s nearly summer in Phoenix too, so if you want to get your new custom home started, give us a call at the BC Team. We’re happy to help wherever we can!