Foundation&Footings in February

[T5R+]

Planning to erect a (habital by teenagers) building and wanted to start in the New Year.

Is it better to dig,pour and build nearer summertime or is Feb/Mar the same? My asumption is that the foundations are harder to dig due to wetness and concrete takes longer to set, whilst blockwork will end up being laid damp/wet so mortar takes longer to cure?

If there is an ideal time window, happy to be advised.

[Spudler]

Wrong way round! Concrete cures and mortar sets,not that it really matters. Actually the longer both take to set and cure the stronger they'll be, just be sure to cover with hessian (never polythene) and it will be fine. As a rule on site brick/block laying is allowed at 4 degrees and rising, you can add additives but they can be difficult to measure for diy. Keep all materials covered up and it doesn't matter what time of year you build, buy a couple of rolls of hessian and you'll be fine.

[Piglet]

We started our big block bit shed last Feb and it was fine. Make sure you've got a decent base to work off though, the ground surrounding ours was an absolute bog which made getting materials and people to it quite difficult.

[T5R+]

Spudler said:

Wrong way round! Concrete cures and mortar sets.....

Thanks both. Chocks away!