Planning a commercial concrete project this year? Then don’t wait until April or May to get the ball rolling.
While it’s true that Michigan’s winter will remain in full swing through February and March of this year, these are also the months when developers, builders and business owners all across Grand Rapids lock in their concrete contractors for spring and summer projects.
There are a few reasons for why this is. Let us briefly explain, and then you can get on the phone with your concrete contractor!
The Concrete Season in West Michigan Is Short
In Grand Rapids and West Michigan, lake-effect weather shrinks the window for concrete construction to between late April and October. Even then, factors like temperature, soil conditions and rainfall need to be considered.
Because of this short timeline, commercial concrete contractors can get booked out even before the winter winds down, leaving them unavailable for any more projects.
So, even though February and March aren’t concrete pouring or building months, they are the period for planning, pricing and scheduling.
Commercial Projects Require More Prep Time
Commercial work like building concrete parking lots or warehouse slabs are not the same as pouring a residential driveway. Most commercial concrete projects need:
- Site evaluations
- Soil and compaction reviews
- Reinforcement planning
- Material coordination
Most professionals recommend that these measures be taken 4-8 weeks before the first pour.
Securing a contractor in February or March gives you ample time for proper site prep, scheduling, and accurate cost forecasting.
Finalizing Your Pricing Early Helps You Control Your Budget
In Grand Rapids, concrete pricing can fluctuate throughout the year based on:
- Demand
- Cement supply
- Fuel costs
- Labor availability
During winter, contractors are forecasting for upcoming work instead of reacting to the peak-season demand that occurs in the spring and summer. This results in:
- Consistent pricing
- Fewer surprises
- More flexibility
- Better control over your commercial concrete budget
For developers working with tight margins or strict timelines, early booking is a real advantage.
FAQs
Can Commercial Concrete Be Poured In Winter?
Yes, but only under controlled conditions. Cold weather concrete installation requires heaters, insulated blankets, warm-water mixes and precise timing. It is also more expensive, which is why most businesses and developers choose to pour in late April through October.
What Delays Commercial Concrete Work In The Spring?
The most common spring delays include:
- Frozen subgrade or slow thawing
- Heavy rainfall
- Mud limiting site access
What Types of Commercial Concrete Projects Benefit Most From Early Booking?
Projects with tight deadlines or complex construction benefit greatly from pre-planning. These include:
- Retail and mixed-use concrete projects
- Industrial slabs and concrete foundations
- Concrete parking lots and loading areas
- Warehouse floors
- Public works projects
Get A Free Quote From JDE Concrete
West Michigan’s short concrete season, combined with the complexity of commercial work, makes late winter the best time to secure a trusted local contractor like JDE Concrete.
We have over 25 years of experience building in Grand Rapids, Lansing, Traverse City and more. Equipped with a modern fleet and a team of experts, we build commercial concrete infrastructure that lasts through the toughest climates.
Click here to get a free quotation today!