Prepping a pad in winter
Building a garage doesn’t have to be a spring or summer project when you build with CarShacks. Take a look around; have you ever seen construction come to a halt just because it’s winter? Not here in Southern Alberta. Construction doesn’t stop in the winter - and the same is true for garage building.
CarShacks builds year round using the latest standards and technology provided by the construction industry.
Spend your spring and summer enjoying your yard! Don’t spend it looking at a construction site.
Request your free on site quote today!
Winter Construction – Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the advantage to building in the winter?
- Will I be eligible for the Home Renovation Tax Credit?
- Isn’t the ground frozen in the winter? How do you dig/excavate?
- How do you pour concrete in the winter?
- Will I get a less quality product if I build in the winter?
- Another contractor told me that concrete flakes if you pour it in the winter – is this true?
- Will it cost me more to build in the winter?
- Will my garage project take longer in the winter?
Question: What is the advantage to building in the winter?
Answer:
The biggest advantage our customers find to building in the winter is having their garage completed when they aren’t typically using their yard. Think about it… how much do you really use your yard in the winter compared to the summer? In the spring and summer people want to be outside using their yards - which is hard to do when your yard is a construction site. Also, by having your garage completed in the winter you can use your time in the spring and summer to focus on your other outdoor projects.
Question: Will I be eligible for the Home Renovation Tax Credit?
Answer:
Provided that you meet the criteria set out by the government, your CarShacks garage project is eligible for the home renovation tax credit. If you book your garage project with us by December 15 2009, we will help ensure that the maximum eligible portion of your project is at a minimum completed by January 31, 2010 (when the eligibility period comes to an end). Talk with your CarShacks estimator for more details.
Question: Isn’t the ground frozen in the winter? How do you dig/excavate?
Answer:
CarShacks owns several ground thawing units which we can use to (as the name implies) thaw out the ground. This makes excavating year round possible. This is the same type of technology which home builders use to excavate for basements in the winter.
Question: How do you pour concrete in the winter?
Answer:
After we thaw out the ground using a ground heater, we pour the concrete using a special winter concrete mix designed for our climate. Then, special tarps and winter concrete blankets are used to ensure the concrete cures.
Question: Will I get a less quality product if I build in the winter?
Answer:
Not with CarShacks. With every project we take on – be it summer or winter – we ensure that our high quality standards are upheld. All projects come with our standard warranty on both materials and workmanship.
Question: Another contractor told me that concrete flakes if you pour it in the winter – is this true?
Answer:
Issues with concrete can occur regardless of the time of year it is poured. This is often a result of a poor concrete mix, improper finishing, or inadequate curing. CarShacks has experiencing pouring concrete for winter projects and offers the same warranty on its concrete for the winter as it does in the summer. Inexperienced contractors unfamiliar with pouring winter concrete may try to deter you from winter construction using this as an excuse.
Question: Will it cost me more to build in the winter?
Answer:
No. CarShacks does not practice charging more for winter construction.
Question: Will my garage project take longer in the winter?
Answer:
Potentially. Weather can play a big part in construction timelines - and we all know how unpredictable the weather can be in Southern Alberta. For example, siding and shingles becomes brittle to work with if temperatures are too low. Additionally, the number of daylight hours to work with is fewer in the Winter. CarShacks will keep you up to date with your construction timelines. The most important thing to note is that CarShacks treats each garage project with the attention it deserves to be done right, we are not going to carelessly rush through your project or work in conditions that we know will impact the quality of our product.
Unfortunately you can’t always build whatever size garage your heart desires. There are a few city bylaws your garage must comply with to successfully apply for a building permit.
When you build your garage with CarShacks, your estimator can consult with you on and help you understand the city bylaws which may be applicable. Additionally, CarShacks applies for your building permit on your behalf, taking care of your application, site plans, and building plans.
>>> Continue reading Calgary Garage Bylaws & Code Requirements
To serve our potential customers best, CarShacks offers free on site quotes with guaranteed pricing. CarShacks offers incomparable quality and consumer protection on our garages and we believe in providing accurate, upfront pricing on our garages. The only way we can provide this is by seeing the property we will be building on and fully understanding the needs and requirements of our customers.
When you meet with a CarShacks estimator, you can be assured that:
- You are meeting with a qualified consultant who is highly knowledgeable in garage building;
- Your consultant is not a high pressured sales-person, you will be under no obligation to build a garage with CarShacks;
- You will be provided with a detailed quote outlining the costs of the different components of your garage construction project.
CarShacks will not be able to guarantee pricing over the phone or email. When soliciting garage quotes, we recommend meeting with potential builders or contractors in person and on site before making any decisions based on price. Watch out for contractors who offer “low ball” quotes over the phone - their initial prices may be low, but they might overcharge on “extras” which might actually be necessities on your property. Get quotes in writing and ensure it outlines exactly what is included. Additionally, compare your potential contractors in our buyer’s checklist. Not all garages and garage builders are created equal. It is important to fully understand the product you are buying and the service you will be provided with.
Your CarShacks on site consultation is designed to achieve multiple goals:
- Select the best size garage to fit your needs
- What are you planning on using your garage for?
- How big are your vehicles?
- What is your budget?
- What is the maximum size of garage your property will allow?
- Permit Assessment
- Will the garage project you’re planning interfere with any city bylaws?
- Is a development permit required for your project?
- Determine the best place to build your garage
- The current location of gas lines or utility right of ways may restrict where you can build your garage
- What place would maximize both your garage size and yard space?
- Select Garage Options
- CarShacks does not build garage packages, every project is custom suited to our customer’s unique needs, this means we can provide a superior amount of options to other garage builders
- Select exterior finish options (exterior wall and roof materials)
- Select structure options (wall height, truss style, gable style, windows, doors, etc)
- Select electrical package
- Select interior finishing
- Garage Education
- What you can do to maximize the lifespan of your garage.
- What makes CarShacks garages different from other garages?
- What time frame you are looking at for your garage project to be completed?
- Written Quote
- CarShacks believes in providing our potential customers full transparency in to our garage pricing:
- Quote is broken out by components (examples: concrete pad, structure, siding, electrical, etc);
- Quote breaks out labour & material costs;
- Quote outlines the contract terms.
- Our quotes will not hide costs or make you guess about what they include or do not include.
- If you are discussing multiple options or garage sizes with your consultant, they can also provide you with multiple quotes.
Whether you’re ready to start building your garage right away, or just looking for pricing to budget for next year, get an on site quote from CarShacks.
