Winter renovation top tips: Keeping your project on track during the colder months

If you’re about to start a winter renovation project on your property, there are specific considerations that will differ from other times in the year. While plain old cold weather is the main thing to talk about, it’s the possibility and effects of frost, damp, and flooding that also need to be considered. In addition, you’ll need to bear in mind that a big freeze and even the Christmas shutdown may well impact delivery of materials and the timelines of your contractors.

So slip into your thermals, put your hands in the heated gloves and settle down with a hot chocolate as we thaw out our hot tips for a cold-season reno, so you don’t have to.

1. Plan for weather-related delays

The chillier weather seems to arrive right on cue for Halloween and often doesn’t abate until March or even April – which means there’s a fair few months when inclement conditions may put a spanner in the renovation works.

Icy and damp conditions not only slow down work but may affect the performance of a number of building materials. Whether you’re taking on the work yourself or partnering with a contractor, allow for extra extra time for jobs such as curing concrete or drying plaster, as these processes take longer than average when the temperature drops.

2. Protect work areas

All of that possible damp and frost means that you’ll need to have temporary coverings like tarps or insulated sheeting ready to use, in order to shield exposed areas of your build. Further to that, we recommend that you properly ventilate to prevent build-up of condensation and mould growth. And of course, keep any and all pathways clear of ice for safety and accessibility. The last thing you need is a liability claim against you if someone slips or trips on your property. Bear in mind that you cannot assume your contractor’s insurance arrangements covers you for this type of incident.

3. Schedule contractors, tradespeople, and supply deliveries early

The festive season seems to go on that much longer every year, so while Santa seems to have no issues delivering across the globe all in a single night shift, contractors at Christmas find this more challenging. A surge in demands, busy roads, companies closing for a couple of weeks, and of course, the strong possibility of bad weather may all conspire to create a perfect snow storm of shortages and delays. With that in mind, we advise that you book tradespeople and deliveries well in advance, confirming material and machinery availability. That means that there’s less chance of you having to welcome in Santa through an open space where the roof used to be and you avoid last-minute issues and unwanted stress.

 4. Manage material storage

The materials used for a renovation can be sensitive and reactive in calmer conditions, so imagine the potential for an incident when there’s been heavy rain, thick ice, or snow? Just to be clear, we’re talking robust storage of paints, wood, adhesives, electrical machinery, and other chemical components materials in a dry, temperature-controlled space. The cold and damp not only compromises their quality and usability, but may well present a danger of toxicity or electrical fire if any of these are exposed to a harsh environment.

5. Prepare for heating needs

Going away for the duration of the renovation? If you’re able to do so and it means escaping the cold, who can blame you. But, if your property is unoccupied during the project and it’s over a period of cold weather, one of the most important things to arrange is adequate heating at the property that not only endures pipes don’t freeze up, but the conditions for the tradespeople and contractors are up to scratch. So set a timer and if you can, get someone to check in on the property to make sure nothing has frozen over or flooded.

6. Check your insurance

Underpinning all of the above is this; make sure your building works insurance is up-to-date and covers every eventuality – especially the possibility of what cold weather conditions may cause. The phrase ‘winter is coming’ is more than a line from Game of Thrones; specific renovation insurance cover should be topmost on your mind when preparing for a property renovation.