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Undertaking construction projects in the winter can be challenging, especially when it comes to keeping your home warm. Whether you’re remodeling, adding a new room, or replacing windows, the cold weather and open spaces can lead to chilly interiors and increased energy costs. However, with the right strategies and precautions, you can maintain a comfortable environment during your construction project while protecting your home from the winter chill.

Here’s how to keep your home warm during construction projects in winter with contractors in Omaha, NE.

1. Seal Off Construction Areas

One of the most effective ways to retain heat in your home is to isolate the construction zone from the rest of the house. Open walls, windows, or doors in the work area can cause drafts and allow heat to escape.

  • Temporary Barriers: Use heavy-duty plastic sheeting or temporary walls to block off the construction area from the rest of your home.
  • Draft Stoppers: Place draft stoppers at the base of doors leading to construction zones to minimize cold air infiltration.

Sealing off the area not only keeps your living spaces warm but also helps contain dust and debris from the construction process.

2. Use Supplemental Heating

During winter construction, supplemental heating can help maintain comfortable temperatures in your home, especially in areas directly impacted by the project.

  • Portable Heaters: Use energy-efficient space heaters in rooms adjacent to the construction zone. Opt for models with safety features like automatic shut-off and cool-touch exteriors.
  • Heating Mats: For temporary workspaces or areas with exposed flooring, consider using heating mats to provide localized warmth.
  • Propane or Electric Heaters: If you’re working in a partially enclosed area, such as a garage or addition, propane or electric heaters can help maintain a workable temperature for both you and the construction crew.

Always ensure proper ventilation when using supplemental heaters to prevent safety hazards.

3. Insulate Exposed Areas

Exposed walls or openings in the construction zone can quickly let in cold air, making it difficult to keep your home warm. Insulating these areas is essential to maintain heat and energy efficiency.

  • Temporary Insulation: Use rigid foam boards, fiberglass batt insulation, or spray foam to seal exposed walls or open window frames during construction.
  • Weatherstripping: Apply weatherstripping to any temporary doors or windows to reduce drafts.
  • Tarping and Wrapping: For exterior work, consider using tarps or weather-resistant wraps to shield openings and keep the cold out.

4. Optimize Your Home’s Existing Heating System

Your home’s heating system may need to work harder during winter construction, but you can take steps to optimize its efficiency.

  • Close Unused Rooms: Shut doors and vents in rooms that aren’t being used to focus heat on the main living areas.
  • Service Your Furnace: Ensure your heating system is in top condition by scheduling a maintenance check before construction begins.
  • Use Ceiling Fans: Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise on a low speed to push warm air downward and improve circulation.

5. Minimize Heat Loss

Heat loss during construction is a common issue, but there are ways to reduce it.

  • Cover Windows and Doors: Use thermal curtains or blankets over windows and doors to trap heat inside your home.
  • Close Chimneys: If your fireplace isn’t in use, close the damper or install a temporary chimney balloon to prevent drafts.
  • Monitor Openings: Ensure that any temporary openings, such as vents or ducts, are covered when not in use.

6. Coordinate with Your Contractor

Working closely with your contractor can help minimize disruptions to your home’s heating during the project.

  • Schedule Smartly: Plan major structural changes, like window replacements or exterior work, during milder winter days.
  • Request Insulation Priority: Ask your contractor to prioritize tasks like sealing and insulating walls or windows early in the project.
  • Communicate Needs: Make sure your contractor understands the importance of maintaining heat in your home and takes steps to minimize exposure to the cold.

Winter construction projects don’t have to leave your home cold and uncomfortable. By sealing off work areas, using supplemental heating, insulating exposed spaces, and optimizing your existing heating system, you can maintain a warm and inviting environment throughout the project. Planning ahead and coordinating with your contractor will ensure that both your home and family stay protected from the winter chill.

Complete your construction project with Contractors in Omaha, NE

Need professional advice or assistance with your winter construction project? Contact Lightwine Construction today. Our team of expert contractors in Omaha, NE are ready to help you navigate your renovation while keeping your home cozy and energy-efficient all season long.

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We take pride in every project we do because we want to like the work we do, not just you! Each project matters to us. Because of this, we aim to build a relationship with our clients so we can best make a project they can love and be excited about. Barebones communication is just not our style. Here at Lightwine Construction is able to both design and build a project. We sell what a project is going to look like.

We've engaged Lightwine Construction for several projects, initially discovering the company through the impeccable attention to detail and quality showcased in a friend's completed project. Our projects with Lightwine Construction involved fairly complex tasks, including framing and the restoration of the exterior of a 100-year-old residence. Johan and Heath's expertise, along with their valuable suggestions and problem-solving skills, played a crucial role in successfully completing these projects that other contractors had hesitated to undertake. We are pleased with the outstanding quality of work, attention to detail, and their ability to adhere to both schedule and budget. Without hesitation, we would highly recommend Lightwine Construction to friends and family.

— Mark and Brenda Ehrhart

I could not say more positive things about our experience with Lightwine Construction. From the very start of the process, Johann and Heath made us feel heard and respected. They were both communicative as well as trustworthy and their team was consistent and professional. When we changed our mind in the preliminary stages, they were very adaptable and encouraging. We most appreciated the details regarding all options, with both negative and positive aspects, allowing us to make the most appropriate decision. They came to our home personally on multiple occasions to ensure all was being taken care of and that we were happy with the ongoing stages as the vision came together. We built our addition towards the end of fall and in true Nebraska fashion, the snow came immediately. It is not only structurally amazing but it was a treat to be able to stand underneath our addition while the snow fell around us. We can’t wait to sit outside with our family and friends enjoying evening dinners, hosting summer birthday parties, and supporting Husker football. Experiencing all the seasons! I would recommend Lightwine Construction to everyone!

— Josh and Erika Marron

I hired Heath Lightwine last Spring to design and build an attached roof off my house into my backyard. He and his crew did a great job in a short amount of time. From the design to the last shingle going on, I couldn't have asked for better results! I will definitely hire Heath again.

— Don Shepard, Elkhorn