FAQ: Building in the Winter Months
Jan 11, 2019

FAQ: Building in the Winter Months

January, as many know it in the Midwest, is the quintessential peak of winter – the ground is frozen, the days are short, and the temperatures are less than desirable making it seem, naturally, that new home construction would stop. Years ago, many builders would pause construction until spring if the roof was not on the home prior to the first snow fall; however, utilizing new building technologies, products, and efficient construction methods, we can continue construction on any home no matter the temperature. 

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The ground is frozen, doesn’t that mean you can’t excavate?

Not at all!  Prior to the proper excavation of the homesite itself, an excavator must first go through a process called frost ripping which is exactly what it sounds like – ripping the frost out of the ground. This is done by attaching a ripping hook to the excavator or back hoe (see below) to penetrate through the frozen ground until they reach the unfrozen ground. Once the frost is ripped, the frosted soil is then removed from the job site and, if needed, it is replaced with clean sand to avoid excessive settling during the build. 

How can the concrete set in below freezing temps?

Winter Build Blog Images-1-2The key to building in the winter is to properly heat and ventilate the entire home including its exterior. To do this, we use various methods such as frost blankets, tenting, and properly ventilated heating generators to ensure the concrete can properly set and all building materials are protected from the elements. Creative Homes follows all necessary precautions and best practices to ensure each home is built using high quality building materials and experienced crews with proper building equipment.



What about landscaping?

All final grading of a homesite is done in the spring when the ground melts. Should you close in the winter, rest assured, all landscaping will be taken care of in the spring. 


Is it more expensive to build in the winter because of all the extra heating?

No - At Creative Homes, we believe our homeowners should be able to build the home of their dreams within their budget no matter the temperature.

Although winter does present its own set of challenges, it does not stop us from building in the winter. To us, rain is to mud as snow is to frost - a mere obstacle that can easily be overcome through the use of skilled tradesmen, and high quality product. Regardless of when your home is built, any weather will always be a risk factor in the timeline of your build, but by and large weather will not compromise the integrity of your home.

Hear From Our Homeowners

Creative Homes Testimonial
Testimonial
During the entire purchase, selection, and building process I found everyone I worked with very knowledgeable and friendly. I lived in Tennessee while my home was being built. The great communication kept me from feeling stress about not physically keeping an eye on the build. I was provided with many pictures as well.
Mitze
Testimonial
Creative Homes Testimonial
Testimonial

Our family recently purchased a move in ready home from Creative Homes and we absolutely love it. The design and quality of the home was done with great attention to detail. The staff, in all phases of our purchase, was amazingly accommodating and professional. I would recommend Creative to anyone who is looking to move into a new house or build a new house!

Aaron & Venessa
Testimonial
Creative Homes Testimonial
Testimonial

Everyone at Creative Homes was very easy to work with. They were very kind, helpful, professional and helped us through some ARC roadblocks so we could get the home we always wanted. My husband and I highly recommend Creative Homes!

Dan & Emilie
Testimonial
Creative Homes Testimonial
Testimonial

"The whole process was incredibly easy. I couldn't believe how perfect the house looked the day I moved in! The attention to detail shows in the little things. I'm continually impressed with features I find throughout my home."

Marta
Testimonial
Creative Homes Testimonial
Testimonial

Creative Homes put together our dream home! We were so nervous about the process and making the wrong decisions, but they were there to make everything turn out perfect. They went above and beyond to make our needs met! 

Keandra
Testimonial