Construction projects during the holidays: four things you should know

Holidays are perfect for family and friends to get together and celebrate. Likewise, this is perfect for constructions projects because you’ll have more time to monitor the project’s progress, especially if you’re busy during the non-holidays.

That said, here are some things you should know before you begin with your holiday construction project:

1. Holiday Projects Are Best Left To The Pros

Construction projects can be pretty stressful. A do-it-yourself (DIY) project, like a new door or an upgraded light fixture might seem simple, but could still go wrong especially if you’re not trained or knowledgeable. What more if it’s a building construction?

Hence, to avoid unnecessary holiday stress, it’s best to leave the construction projects to professionals. From the get go, a professional can handle the construction process. They’ll inspect a vacant property or site and make sure you make the right decisions. Let them do what they do best while you sit back and enjoy yourself over Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas morning breakfast.

2. Planning Can Make Your Life Less Stressful

Planning is key to making life less stressful. It allows you to make better decisions and set clear expectations, saving you time and money regardless of whether the project or event is large or small. Moreover, when you plan, you’ll be able to anticipate any possible delays during the construction.

Many companies schedule their projects during this time because fewer people are on the roads, so workers can get more done with less traffic trouble. However, delays are often inevitable with construction projects, but they’re particularly common during the holidays. One possible reason is that some businesses are also scheduled for a holiday break. Hence, suppliers may not be able to deliver some of the construction materials you ordered on time.

Additionally, weather conditions—like rain or snow—can hinder workers from doing their job. For example, exterior painting would be difficult and dangerous in the rain or snow. On the other hand, pouring concrete in the rain is possible. But the rainwater could affect how the concrete cures and its overall strength. With that said, it’s best to wait until those conditions pass before construction can continue.

Fortunately, you could still be a part of the action and enjoy peace of mind by installing security cameras in the construction site. You can check out https://www.clearway.co.uk/technology/cctv/construction-site-cctv or similar sites to learn more about this. Overall, this is ideal if you want to monitor the construction site and its progress without visiting it physically. Hence, you can go with your family on a holiday trip and access the CCTV footage on your device whenever you want.

3. Construction Can Be Loud And Messy

It is important to understand that construction will be disruptive. It can be loud, messy, and dangerous, especially if the project is done where you live and near it. Construction workers may need to move around your property or do work without informing you ahead of time, so there are times when it’s likely you won’t have access to areas of your home during the construction process.

While this may seem an inconvenience initially, it’s important to remember that these issues are only temporary. In addition, if there were no disruptions from the work being done on your home, then there would be no point in having a contractor do any work. As for noise levels, keep in mind that the sounds generated by construction equipment are typically louder than what people are used to hearing in their daily lives.

4. HVAC System Installs Are Best Postponed

If you’re planning to install a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home during the holiday season, it would help if you give it adequate time to acclimate to its new environment before turning it on. A good rule of thumb is that if you can smell any fumes from the installation process, such as paint or glue, then there isn’t enough ventilation and the system should remain off until it has had time for proper air exchange.

Even though this might seem inconvenient now, it will save you money in the long run by reducing maintenance costs and prolonging your systems useful life by eliminating excess wear caused by improper conditions at start-up. If at all possible, wait until after Christmas to get started with your HVAC remodel.

Conclusion

If you are considering a construction project, planning is vital, especially if you’re doing it during the holidays. Doing so can minimise the stress of unexpected delays and other setbacks. In addition, planning allows you to budget for any potential issues that may arise during construction, such as unexpected costs. Consider the tips to plan for the holidays and ensure your project won’t interfere with anyone else’s plans.