We work in a cyclical business that experiences ups and downs due to the seasons and weather. But there's a puzzling difference between the Cape and Islands and much of the rest of New England. In our market, construction slows down during the summer—counterintuitive, considering summer offers some of the best weather of the year. In most other markets, contractors remain busy through the summer months.
Sure, a hot August day might not be ideal for roofing, but we’re lucky to have ocean breezes that keep the Cape and Islands cooler. With our population tripling in July and August and our transformation into a vacation mecca, many folks pause construction—some towns even forbid it altogether during the peak season that defines our identity as a destination.
That said, let’s not overlook the opportunity summer provides. It’s a perfect time for planning, component assembly, excavation, and preparing for the fall rush.
Our busiest months are typically March, April, and May, as the industry races to meet the Memorial Day deadline. Then comes the July 4th deadline. After that, school’s out, the pool’s open, and it's time for a deep breath and recharge. Vacations and staycations follow, along with the industry's relative lull in July, August, and September—before things ramp back up in October through December as we try to beat the cold and get everything closed in.
This lull is partly due to homeowners not wanting work happening near their homes during peak season. Traffic from summer tourism doesn’t help either. But perhaps we’re missing an opportunity. Subcontractors are often more available in August and September than they will be later in the fall. Instead of waiting until October 1 to kick off projects, how can we guide our clients to take advantage of the summer months for planning, product selection, permitting, and preparation?
Imagine using September 3 as a new start date instead of October 1. That’s a potential 30–60 day jump on the competition. It would be like the IRS spreading tax payments throughout the year based on the last digit of your Social Security number—lightening the April 15th crunch for everyone. Just think what a difference that could make!
And what about the plumber or electrician trying to quote your job while juggling six others? The best way to stay at the front of the line is to show up early. If you're pulling the trigger in July, you’ve got a built-in head start that others will envy—from behind you.
Well begun is often half done.