We rang civil engineer Johannes Määttä to ask this experienced building contractor about his experiences and thoughts on winter construction.
In Finland, we are used to building in the summer and curling up on the sofa when the frost bites in winter. Winter construction may even be considered impossible due to the weather conditions. However, many house manufacturers offer significant winter delivery benefits to winter builders, which can provide flexibility in the construction budget.
So, is it worth building in winter? What should you bear in mind when building in winter? We rang Johannes Määttä, a construction engineer at Rakennus PoPo*, and asked this experienced building contractor for his views on winter construction.
Winter weather conditions are favourable for log construction
When discussing winter construction, Johannes immediately emphasises winter weather conditions.
– In winter, weather conditions are more stable than in summer.
At the same time, he highlights an issue that few people consider when planning construction during the winter months.
– My impression is that weather forecasts are more accurate in winter, making it easier to predict the schedule for erecting the log frame.
Even if snowfall were to take us by surprise, it is a better option than rain during the summer months due to the lower humidity. Frost does not slow down the work either; on the contrary. In frosty conditions, the air is dry and it is good to erect the log frame. This is because the snow keeps the logs clean.
– You can always cope with the cold with the right clothing, Johannes emphasises with a smile.
There’s no need to fear winter construction
Johannes Määttä, construction engineer, Rakennus PoPoFor us, building all year round is natural.
When we asked for tips for winter builders, Johannes was silent for a long time.
– That’s a difficult question. For us, building all year round is so natural that I need a moment to think about this, he muses. As the conversation continues, three points in particular emerge.
1. Carry out groundwork and foundation work when the ground is thawed
Last winter was exceptional in southern Finland, as groundwork and foundation work could be carried out practically throughout the entire winter. As no two years are alike, it is advisable to start groundwork and foundation work by late autumn at the latest.
– It is best to have the foundations completed whilst the ground is thawed. Structures containing concrete or mortar must not be allowed to freeze before they have achieved sufficient strength, explains Johannes.
Once the foundations are complete and protected, the winter builder has a moment to catch their breath before the timber is delivered. At this stage, it is a good idea to focus on selecting interior materials and fittings. By phasing the work stages and decision-making processes, the construction project progresses smoothly, without a sense of urgency.
2. Construction professionals are more readily available in winter
– Our installation schedule is less busy in winter, so there are more workers on a single site. This allows the installation work to progress more quickly, explains Johannes Määttä.
– If necessary, it is also easier to find additional experienced fitters to work, he continues.
In summer, construction work may unexpectedly come to a standstill for a while if a construction professional cannot be found when needed, or if schedules slip at a previous site. When building in winter, there is less of a shortage of skilled workers and industry professionals. By setting your timeframe in the autumn, you can secure the contractor and other partners you want to bring your dream project to life during the winter.
3. Delivery times for building and interior design supplies are shorter
For suppliers of both building and interior design materials, summer is a busy period and, for example, delivery times for windows and doors can be several weeks longer than normal. This can catch you off guard on site and cause delays.
– In winter, delivery times for products are shorter and delays are rare, Johannes notes.
As demand is lower, it is also possible to make savings on material costs.
– We have noticed that material prices are also lower in winter.
However, winter builders should ensure they set aside sufficient space on the site for building materials arriving in winter, right from the very first snowfall. Access routes and unloading areas should be kept clear of snow, and care should be taken to ensure that any snowdrifts do not hinder the work. It is advisable to set aside some extra funds in the budget for snow clearance, heating and drying costs.
The advantage of winter deliveries is their naturally good rhythm
Antti Hokkinen, Sales Manager, Kuusamo Log HousesYou can never have too much time, but unnecessary rushing often leads to frayed nerves.
It is advisable to contact a Kuusamo Representative well in advance during the summer or by early autumn at the latest to agree on the best schedule for winter delivery. The building permit process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the location of the building site.
– The sooner you get started and establish a timeframe for the project, the better your chances of securing the contractor and other partners you want to help make your dream a reality, Antti Hokkinen, Sales Manager at Kuusamo Log Houses , explains when discussing the winter delivery schedule.
In his view, the matter can be summed up by saying that there is never too much time, but unnecessary haste often only leads to frayed nerves.
– Our representatives have noticed that nowadays, more and more builders want to stagger their construction projects to allow for breaks between the rush of building and the constant decision-making.
For winter builders, this happens naturally through the construction schedule. The foundations and necessary groundworks are carried out in late autumn. After this, the rush on site pauses for a moment and it is time to make decisions for example on interior materials, fireplaces and fittings. By early winter, when the delivery arrives on site, these decisions have been made and the actual building work can begin. Dreams on paper begin to take shape as the home of your dreams.
*Rakennus Popo is a building contractor operating mainly in the Uusimaa region, offering ‘shelter from the elements’ construction services for log houses supplied by Kuusamo Log Houses. They have erected over 30 different types of log houses.
