Winter Weather Causes Construction Delays

There's no question builders prefer warm weather for construction, but when winter weather creeps in, preference is out the window and complications take over.

"This would be the entry into the house," JW Mashburn Homes Sales Manager Tony McGrew said.

McGrew wished all of his homes had warm hallways branching to furnished bedrooms, but for the first time in his 17-year career at JW Mashburn homes, he said he had never seen it this bad.

"It's been a tough one for everybody," McGrew said.

McGrew and just about every home builder are at the mercy of mother nature.

"As this continues, the longer the delay," McGrew added.

Almost all home construction has been forced to stop.

"Ten to 14 days behind, little over three weeks on this one," McGrew mentioned.

While snow and ice increase the danger on sites with areas like uncovered stairs, sub-freezing temperatures are the foundation for most problems.

"It is actually too cold to set bricks," McGrew said.

Mortar and concrete require temperatures above 32 degrees, which has been fairly uncommon this winter. Since November 1st, the metro has had 15 days with a high temperature at or below 32 degrees.

"We try to keep a good face, but sometimes it gets a little difficult," McGrew added.

The situation gets even more difficult for future home owners waiting for a home, and the sub-contractors waiting for a paycheck.

"If you've got a family of three or four and you're not working, it's tough to pay the bills," McGrew said.

McGrew mentioned that if the roof is on before the snow and ice, it's fine. Without the roof, the delays could impact the projects in the spring and summer.