Optimize your budget and timelines with a strategic start date for your Houston commercial construction project.
Choosing the right time to start your commercial construction project in Houston can be a real head-scratcher. Houston’s weather can be unpredictable, and you want to avoid costly delays. Do you break ground in the spring, brave the summer heat, or aim for a fall start?
Each season has its own pros and cons. Spring offers pleasant weather but can be rainy. Summer brings long days but scorching temperatures. Fall has mild temperatures but hurricane risks. And winter, while cooler, has shorter days.
At GRA Construction, we’ll help you navigate the challenges and find the best time to start your project. Work with an experienced Houston commercial construction company for your next project—contact us today.
Starting a New Build in Spring
From March to May, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, which means comfortable working conditions for your construction crew. The days are also getting longer, giving your team more daylight hours to get things done. However, spring in Houston can also bring significant showers. On average, we receive around 13 inches of rainfall during the spring months. Rain can create muddy conditions on your site and slow down progress.
Keep in mind that spring is generally a popular time to start construction, creating a high demand can sometimes lead to higher prices and less availability for the best contractors.
Kicking off Houston Commercial Construction in the Summer
Summer in Houston is a scorcher, but it also offers some unique advantages for commercial construction. From June to August, you’ll have the longest daylight hours of the year. This means maximum productivity for your construction crew and the potential to shorten your project timeline. Houston typically sees less rainfall in the summer compared to other seasons, but unexpected thunderstorms can still bring heavy downpours and cause delays.
However, the intense summer heat can be brutal. It can pose safety risks for workers and slow down productivity. Studies have shown that worker productivity declines significantly when temperatures rise above 90°F.
Breaking Ground in the Fall
From September to November, we enjoy milder temperatures and lower humidity in Houston. You’re also less likely to experience rain delays; however, September is traditionally an active time for hurricanes, which means there is always the potential risk of a major storm impacting the Houston area during this window. This makes it extra important to have a contingency plan for your construction site ready if you are starting a new construction project in this season.
Daylight hours start to decrease over the fall, which could limit your crew’s working hours. On the good news side, as summer projects wrap up, you might find that contractors have more availability and flexibility in their schedules.
Targeting a Winter Start Date for Houston Commercial Construction
Winter in Houston might seem like an unusual time to start construction, but it can offer some unique advantages. From December to February, you’ll likely encounter the lowest demand for construction services. This could mean lower costs and increased availability of skilled labor, but keep in mind that the holiday season usually comes with office closures and worker vacations.
While Houston rarely experiences extreme cold, occasional cold snaps and freezes can impact certain construction activities, especially concrete pouring. Plus, winter days are the shortest, which can limit outdoor work hours. You can expect just over 10 hours of daylight during this time of year.
Get the Houston Commercial Construction Experts On Your Side
Ultimately, the “best” time to start your commercial construction project in Houston depends on your specific priorities and project requirements. Careful planning and consideration of factors like permitting timelines, labor availability, and material costs are essential.
Working with an experienced construction partner can make all the difference. GRA Construction has a proven track record of successfully navigating our unique climate and construction landscape. Contact us for a Houston commercial construction project consultation.
