By Chad Klassen

Building projects slowing with cold snap, mild January to offset any delays

Feb 6, 2019 | 3:45 PM

KAMLOOPS — After a mild winter that allowed builders to get ahead on some of their projects, the frigid temperatures are slowing some down. 

“When it gets to these temperatures, you’re limited in what you can do,” said President of the Canadian Home Builders’ Assocation of B.C. Matt McCurrach, who also owns Homex Development Corporation in Kamloops. “Concrete is a no-go, machine work. The amount of errors that can happen from breakdowns of trying to get an excavator going go way up.”

Anticipating another chilly winter, some builders planned ahead and were able to pour concrete early, allowing them to move indoors on some projects. Others utilized the mild temperatures to catch up pouring the foundation. 

“Hopefully if most companies have planned ahead and you’ve got your foundation in the fall, and by now you’re into a heated space doing some finishing or you could still do some work that doesn’t need heat. The framers can still work, although it is cold,” noted McCurrach. 

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Stefan Petersen is one of the lucky workers that’s fortunate to be indoors, handling a renovation project. 

“It’s awesome. It’s a little chilly out there,” he said. “So it’s nice to have the option of working.”

Peterson, though, knows the feeling as a builder working outside in such bone-chilling conditions and how it slows down the work significantly. 

“It’s just a constant battle with your equipment and tools not working and it’s less efficient for sure.”

Most years, builders would just be getting back to work on their projects after taking a break through the holidays and January, but most were able to keep going under such mild weather. 

“I know a number of builders were able to take advantage of the really good weather through December and January and get a jump on some of that work,” said President of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Central Interior Kelly Reid. “So that will help. Hopefully if this [cold] doesn’t last too long, that will help with the spring rush. It will take some of the pressure off of the March and April work.”

The tease of a mild winter is long gone and people who are forced to work in the elements are getting a harsh dose of reality.

“We’re getting cold and the industry has to adjust,” noted McCurrach. “So hopefully the crews that are working have some work they can go to inside right now.”