ᐅ Starting construction in winter? Or wait until next spring due to moisture concerns?
Created on: 24 Apr 2015 16:58
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AntiHe´r0
Hello,
I’m Christoph from Bavaria and new here!
My question hasn’t always received a clear answer, and I will also consult a building biologist, but I want to ask you first—maybe you can help us.
We planned to build this year, so everything with the bank and the plot was sorted out, all good and approved. Then back to the builder, a well-known local company but unfortunately very busy.
They can only start from October (shell construction, roof & windows), then leave it standing over winter and continue in spring. My concern is moisture and possible mold growth. It is a detached house with 130m² (1400 sq ft) of living space, with wooden windows and no basement.
Should we start now in October or play it safe and begin in spring?
What do you think? I would really appreciate your opinion!
Thanks!
I’m Christoph from Bavaria and new here!
My question hasn’t always received a clear answer, and I will also consult a building biologist, but I want to ask you first—maybe you can help us.
We planned to build this year, so everything with the bank and the plot was sorted out, all good and approved. Then back to the builder, a well-known local company but unfortunately very busy.
They can only start from October (shell construction, roof & windows), then leave it standing over winter and continue in spring. My concern is moisture and possible mold growth. It is a detached house with 130m² (1400 sq ft) of living space, with wooden windows and no basement.
Should we start now in October or play it safe and begin in spring?
What do you think? I would really appreciate your opinion!
Thanks!
We started the groundwork at the beginning of October, and at the end of October the foundation slab was poured, followed by the start of the shell construction. The roof was nearly fully covered just before Christmas, and after Christmas the snow arrived. The windows were only installed at the end of January, which was not a problem. Of course, there was quite a bit of luck involved! But if we had started in March, the shell construction wouldn’t even be finished by now. The screed will be installed at the beginning of May.
We are building 2.5 stories (>200 sqm (2150 sq ft)) with direct contracts in Baden-Württemberg.
We are building 2.5 stories (>200 sqm (2150 sq ft)) with direct contracts in Baden-Württemberg.
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AntiHe´r025 Apr 2015 11:33Okay, thanks for sharing your experience. Yes, our house is smaller too, so it should work out, according to the builder. Otherwise, it would unnecessarily prolong the process if we only start next year.
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AntiHe´r025 Apr 2015 11:35Thank you for sharing your experience. Our house is also going to be smaller, and the builder says that the schedule should still work.
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derstefanm25 Apr 2015 18:06So if you start in October and the construction company works efficiently, you’ll have the shell closed up by the end of November or even earlier. However, if the weather disrupts your plans, so be it. But we live in a changing climate; winters aren’t really cold anymore.
Our house also stood through the winter with the roof and windows installed. We got a small stove from the hardware store for the winter and kept the house roughly warm while continuing work. However, it wasn’t a particularly cold winter.
By now, I’m also convinced there is some truth to the saying that a shell construction should stand through one winter. Definitely, everything had plenty of time to dry out, and even so, the house felt and measured more humid during the first few months with the heating on. But it gradually improved.
If it is really weather-tight by winter, I would definitely start then. It can always get wet. All it takes is a rainy April and May.
By now, I’m also convinced there is some truth to the saying that a shell construction should stand through one winter. Definitely, everything had plenty of time to dry out, and even so, the house felt and measured more humid during the first few months with the heating on. But it gradually improved.
If it is really weather-tight by winter, I would definitely start then. It can always get wet. All it takes is a rainy April and May.
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