Following on from last week’s discussion about ground conditions and weather reliability, let us look at why Summer piling makes sense from a planning perspective and how you can make the most of the season for your project.
It is All About Timing Your Build Right
Most people do not realise that getting your piling done in Summer sets you up perfectly for the rest of your build. Think about it, if we get your foundations sorted in June or July, you have the whole rest of the year to crack on with the actual construction work.
We see this pattern year after year with our domestic clients. They get the piling done during the good weather, then spend August and September getting the ground works finished, October and November doing the main build work, and they are weatherproofed before the worst of winter hits. It is just sensible project management.
For commercial jobs, this timing is even more crucial. We have worked on projects for clients like Blackpool FC and various hospital developments, where coordinating trades and meeting deadlines is absolutely critical. Getting the foundations right during Summer means the whole project stays on track through the busy Autumn building season.
The alternative of trying to do piling work in November or December often means you are looking at delays that push the entire project back to the following Spring. That is not just inconvenient, it is expensive.
Keeping Everyone Safe
Safety is always our top priority. We are accredited with CHAS, Construction line, Safe Contractor and SMAS because we take this seriously. But the truth is, Summer conditions just make everything safer for everyone involved.
Better visibility means our NVQ-qualified lads can see exactly what they are doing. Firm, dry ground means fewer slips and trips. Predictable weather means we are not rushing to finish before the next downpour hits. All of this adds up to a safer job site for our team and less risk for your property.
When we are working on domestic projects, safety becomes even more important because we are often working close to homes where families are going about their daily lives. Summer conditions mean we can work more predictably and with better control over noise and disruption.
We have found that homeowners are generally much happier with Summer piling projects. The work gets done efficiently, there is less mud tracked about and because we can work longer hours, the whole thing is over and done with more quickly.
Your Money Goes Further
Nobody likes nasty surprises on building projects, especially when it comes to costs. Summer piling work tends to be more straightforward, which usually means fewer unexpected expenses.
When ground conditions are good and the weather is reliable, jobs tend to go according to plan. That means our original quote is more likely to be exactly what you pay. Compare this to Winter work, where waterlogged ground, equipment access issues and weather delays can all push costs up.
We are often asked whether Summer work costs more because it is busier. The honest answer is that the improved efficiency usually more than makes up for any seasonal demand. A job that takes three days in Summer might take five days in Winter, and you are paying for that extra time.
Plus, if you are planning a larger project, getting your piling sorted in the Summer gives you the whole year to budget and plan for the next phases of work. That’s much better than finding yourself halfway through a build when Winter hits and everything slows down.
Making the Most of the Season
If you are thinking about piling work, do not hang around. Summer’s the time when everyone wants building work done, which means our calendar fills up fast. The smart money books early.
We cover the North-West, Midlands, South and North-East, and we are seeing more demand each year for domestic extensions and underpinning work. People are investing in their homes rather than moving, and that trend does not look like it is slowing down anytime soon.
For commercial clients, Summer booking is even more critical. Large projects need to be planned months ahead, and the earlier you can get us involved in the planning process, the better we can coordinate with your other contractors and suppliers.
Getting Started
We are not trying to pressure anyone, but if you are serious about getting foundation work done this year, now is the time to start the conversation. Our office team in Great Harwood is here five days a week to discuss your project and provide free estimates.
We have built our reputation over 12 years by being straight with people. If Summer is the right time for your project, we will tell you. If it is not, we will be honest about that too. What we will not do is leave you waiting until the weather turns and wish you had started earlier.
Whether you are planning a simple extension or a major commercial development, the principles are the same, good foundations need good conditions, and Summer provides exactly that.
Get in touch:
- Piling North-West: 01254 314010
- Piling Midlands: 01217 40012
- Piling South: 0203 150 0130
- Piling North-East: 0203 150 0130
