The Best Time of Year to Build a House

Thinking of building a home? You’ll want to ask yourself these important questions first, and remember to take your local weather into account!

People often wonder when the best time of year is to break ground on their dream home. Is the most ideal time to build a house in the fall, winter, spring, or summer? Due to the nature of our winter seasons in Canada, it can be especially difficult to know when the best time to build a house might be.

This article will answer the following commonly asked questions:

• When is the best time to build a house?

• What is the quickest time to build a house?

• When is the cheapest time to build a house?

• What kind of insurance do you need for home construction?

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When Is the Best Time of Year to Build a House?

The pros and cons of building in the fall

With its cool and dry conditions, construction in the fall is an attractive time to start building.

If your construction project is relatively small, then beginning in the fall may be the right time of year for you. For example, if you are making an addition to an existing home, then you may be able to finish the outdoor portion during the fall, and continue the indoor construction during the winter months.

The pros and cons of building in the winter

In Canada, breaking ground in the winter often seems impossible. However, the winter months are usually when building materials and construction costs are lowest due to less demand.

Depending on where you live in Canada, starting to build in the winter could be a possible money saving option for you.

The pros and cons of building in the summer

Summer is obviously when the weather is the nicest for construction projects. Unfortunately, this means that it’s also typically the busiest time of year for general contractors and builders. In addition, contractors also have a more difficult time scheduling other trades professionals, such as subcontractors, electricians, and plumbers.

The later into the spring and summer that you start home building, the more likely it is for builders to be backlogged and your construction projects to be put on hold.

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The pros and cons of building in the spring

The overall best time to build a house is likely in the spring, as this puts you at the top of the lists for home builders. If you’re first on their calendars and start your construction in the spring, then you’re likely to save on time.

Moreover, better weather conditions means optimal windows of opportunity for landscape installation, and fewer delays in the building process.

What Is the Quickest Time of Year to Build a House?

Moderate weather in the spring means that this is often the quickest time to build a house in Canada. However, you will need to ensure that your construction is happening at the beginning of the season, before contractors and subcontractors schedules fill up.

Alternatively, depending on the nature of the construction project that you’re planning, beginning construction in the fall may be a fast option as well. Demand for services at this time of year is somewhat low and the weather is often still good, allowing for fewer delays in the building process.

Related: Steps to Building Your Dream Home

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When Is the Cheapest Time of Year to Build a House?

The cheapest time to build a house is often in the fall and winter months. Due to lower demand for products and services, construction costs and building materials are quite low at this time of year.

Beginning construction in the fall or winter, when lumber prices are lower, can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Related: Approximately how much does it cost to build a house

What Kind of Insurance Do You Need for Home Construction?

If you’re a trades professional or contractor…

Whether you’re installing flooring or managing subcontractors, a general contractor needs insurance, as every project poses risks. For example, a missing nail or bolt can lead to an injury or damages that may result in a lawsuit.

Related: Building a house insurance

The three types of policies that are often included in contractor’s insurance are:

• Professional Liability Insurance

• General Liability Insurance

• Contents Insurance

You should also make sure that yourself or the property owner purchases Builder’s Risk Insurance for the course of the construction project.

Related: How much does contractor insurance cost

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If you’re a home or property owner…

If you are a homeowner who is looking to start a construction project, then you’ll want to ensure that you have homeowner’s insurance. This can protect you in the event that any unforeseen damages or accidents occur on your property during and after the construction process.

Regardless of whether you’re looking for business insurance, builder’s risk, or homeowner’s insurance, it’s important to note that there are many factors that can affect your policy. Start your online application with APOLLO today and get tailored coverage that’s suited to your needs in minutes.

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