Naturally, many people think of building outdoor projects in the late spring and summer when the weather is nice and they want to get outside, but sometimes it can be challenging to hire a quality contractor during this time. Choosing to secure your project details during the fall and winter months has many advantages. That is why I am often stumped when a customer has their preliminary plan in place and says we will just wait until spring to sign the contract and confirm moving ahead with their project.
From my experience as an outdoor living space designer and builder, waiting until spring to begin your project can mean waiting longer to enjoy your finished space. Keep in mind that we have other jobs underway in the Dayton and Cincinnati areas. Then we have more projects, with signed contracts, each one scheduled to begin as soon as a current project is completed. Any reputable contractor will have some lead time before they can begin construction on your project.
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When is the best time of year to embark on an outdoor living addition you may ask?
The answer may be more surprising than you may think. Many homeowners are under the impression that outdoor structures are best to build during the warm weather months. The truth is that Archadeck of West Central & Southwest Ohio builds year-round and anytime that best suits your circumstances and budget is the right time to build. However, there are certain advantages to moving ahead with your project during the cooler months…
Late fall and winter is not only a great time to get things in place for next year. Projects like decks, covered areas, pergolas and patios are not weather-sensitive. Like many synthetic, wood and masonry projects, they can be completed in any season, but if you begin now, you’ll reap additional savings that are specific to this season.
Who doesn’t like to save?
Save Time — The backlog of work is generally shortened moving into the cooler months making it the perfect time to build. Required permit applications and HOA approvals have shorter waiting periods, thus saving time in the overall project schedule. Getting on the ball now will ensure being able to reap the benefits of your new structure and in time for warm weather. Your time is valuable, so moving ahead results in less of an interruption to your life, as most people use their yards less during the fall and winter months.
Save Money — Prices for building materials generally increase during the early part of the 1st quarter. Many elements can influence price increases on building materials; these include fuel prices and supply and demand. The new year is the time when many manufacturers set their new pricing modules. Moving ahead with your outdoor living project now instead of waiting will ensure you are locked into this year’s pricing.
In addition, outdoor furnishings and accessories sometimes reflect deep discounts as retailers make way for holiday merchandise. Outfitting your new space may also mean saving!
Winter weather
Since our average temperatures remain above freezing in the Dayton-area for most of the winter, chances of inclement or freezing weather impacting your project are minimal. The advantages of a late fall/winter construction outweigh any deficiencies brought on by Mother Nature. As with any construction project, there will be damage to the turf caused by foot traffic. In a fall/winter project the turf is more apt to recover quicker because it has the time to overwinter in time for spring taking in valuable nutrients present in precipitation. Some turfs are dormant during the winter and this will aid in quicker recovery as well.
Time to cure
If your design includes wood, know that it seasons more quickly in lower humidity, which occurs during the cooler months. Some seasoning time is required before wood is ready to accept stain or paint.
Success is all about timing!
The most important timing factor for your new outdoor living project is when you first make the call to schedule your design consultation. The sooner you start the process, the sooner your new deck, porch, sunroom or patio (or combination of these) will be completed. That’s why you should go ahead and get started now, while the year is winding down. Before you know it, spring will be here! If you take steps now to begin setting up the project, you’ll be showing off your new outdoor living space in time for warm weather!
Our professional and talented staff members are experts at helping homeowners, like you, get the most out of each season with an outdoor structure custom-built by Archadeck of West Central and Southwest Ohio. Contact us today to learn more (937) 563-4847 or Email: wcohio@archadeck.net.
