1. Choosing the wrong materials and equipment

Not all materials can withstand freezing temperatures and snowy conditions.

It is critical to choose materials that will stand up well to cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions.

For example, keep in mind that plastic window sealants may not stick and wood may swell when it freezes.

Do some research before starting your project, and make sure you have everything you need before you begin - including plenty of spare parts.

2. Not paying attention to electrical safety hazards

Working with electricity in the winter can be dangerous if there has been recent heavy snowfall.

Circuits and fuses can fail when wet, and poorly insulated wires can be damaged by cold temperatures.

Downed wires on your property may also be energized and can cause an electric shock if touched.

What's more important?

Snowstorms often cause power outages that may prevent work from being completed.

3. Not taking snow and ice into account

We all know that winter weather means having to battle snow and ice, but many homeowners underestimate the impact these factors can have on a construction project.

Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you can't do any renovation work, but you need to consider that the temperature will be lower than usual and that snow and ice can cause problems.

Snow and ice around the exterior of a home can create a slick surface that can lead to slips and falls.

Ice debris on roofs and scaffolding can fall and injure workers when outdoors. And freezing temperatures can also increase the risk of cold stress-related injuries, such as hypothermia and frostbite.

Try to plan your work schedule around the weather, but if you must continue to work, dress appropriately.

4. Forget about holiday schedules

Preparation is key.

This is true for renovations in general, but especially in the winter.

Holidays and travel schedules can be disruptive to your scope of work.

You don't want to put things on hold because a batch of tiles gets stuck during the holiday rush, or your contractor is scheduled to travel halfway through your project.

Barnes-Cobie recommends planning home improvements well in advance of the holidays.

Many contractors and suppliers close around the holidays, but planning well can help avoid any hassles.

5. Don't provide interior space for subcontractors

Subcontractors, such as painters or tile installers, are essential to any renovation.

They need plenty of space to work, and you should give special consideration to their needs, especially in inclement or cold weather.

Most tradesmen set up store outside or in a garage to do the messier parts of their work.

However, in the winter, it can be very cold, so they need room in the house to set up and run their tools.

Keep an open line of communication with your subcontractors and make sure they have all the space they need to get the job done correctly.

6. Take on certain projects at the wrong time of year

Interior home improvements are easier to complete in the winter because the climate can be controlled.

But for outdoor projects, such as a home extension or a new roof, it may be best to postpone until the temperature rises.

You can't dig into frozen ground or pour concrete if the temperature is below 40 degrees.

Working on a roof can also be difficult in inclement weather. Roofs are already slippery, but recent rainfall, snow or ice can make roofing very dangerous.

In an unregulated winter environment, you don't want to install items that require temperature control, which includes items such as installing doors, windows and flooring.