Building a house in winter a problem? Your experiences

Hello everyone,
construction at our site started at the end of October 2017, work continued until 30.11.17 and the basement was completed including sewage system etc. On 1.12.17 we received a letter from our general contractor saying that due to the weather no masonry/concrete work was possible, since then there has been silence on the construction site. Since temperatures >5°C prevailed even at night in the past two weeks, I thought work would continue, but unfortunately that was not the case. According to the site manager it must be above 10°C for a whole week so that masonry can be done on the basement ceiling! If that is really true, nothing will move forward before April, which I somehow cannot imagine... my opinion is that the structural builder has laid off all his masons and simply does not have any staff available at the moment, but I cannot prove it. Have you had similar experiences?

Regards

For us, it started in mid-October, but without a basement. Currently, the shell construction with roof truss and roof covering is in place. Windows and front door are installed. Rough installation of electrical and sanitary systems is completed. The plasterers will finish the interior this week. Vapor barrier is installed. Gypsum board ceiling substructure is fixed. Screed will be laid the week after next. I have to say, they also took a 3-week break over Christmas, and on very cold days the roofer didn't go up on the roof. But with the temperatures of the last 2 weeks, they could have done the masonry at your place. They need at least 5 degrees for masonry or processing. But ultimately, the site manager has to decide; the company has to guarantee the quality.

These houses were both only started in December. Karsten

That is a cheap excuse! As long as the water in the bucket does not freeze, masonry work can be done.

These houses were both only started in December. Karsten

Amazing... that drives me crazy. [emoji52]

That is a cheap excuse! As long as the water in the bucket doesn’t freeze, masonry work can be done.

Up to 5 °C I was told. But even that limit would have been met. I have several theories about what it could really be: 1. the shell builder dismissed his workers over the winter months 2. the shell builder has "more important" jobs to do 3. the additional costs or effort for winter construction are not covered by the general contractor. (covering the wall tops, concrete is more expensive in winter) I will probably never find out the truth completely.