Since a lot of things have to happen before I start building our place in SC, I have the luxury of picking what time of year I want to start. The house will be small (1000 sq ft or so), and I will work on it full time, 6-1/2 days a week. My goal is to be finished in one year- I think that's pretty doable. I'm very successful at keeping projects on track, and finishing on time or early. Having said all that- What's the best time of year to start, considering the SC climate? Since I've been in FL for 30 years, I can handle working in heat, although I don't like it much. Likewise, I can handle the cold pretty well, although I think many tasks would be challenging below 40 degrees or so. I can't decide whether I should start in the fall, doing all of the heavy work in the cooler months, and then do my finishing in the warm weather, or start in the spring. I'm a little worried about starting in the spring, due to possible rainy weather, which would slow down getting the shell built. One other factor- I'll have a full basement, which I may hire out, or I may DIY ICF. The basement needs to go in first, obviously. I could probably even have the basement done well ahead of time, before I quit my paying job, and pick up my hammer. Thoughts?
Most contractors will try to get the house dried in before cold weather hits. That usually allows them to work in the dry and eliminate the cold exterior work when winter does arrive. With a portable heater or even a wood stove will heat up the interior in the winter enough to be able to work inside. Your progress will not be hampered by the weather this way.
I do have an unlimited supply of firewood- maybe I ought to get some cut and seasoned before I break ground. SC has pretty mild winters, but it will get below freezing at night.