It’s that time of the year again, Christmas lights are going up, the smell of barbecue is in the air, and everyone’s counting down to a well-earned break. But before you trade your hard hat for a Santa hat, one more thing to tick off your list: getting your build ready for the Christmas shutdown.
At Prescom Constructions, we’ve seen it all, from half-finished slabs baking in the summer sun to forgotten tools “gifted” to the weather. A little preparation now can save a lot of headaches later. Whether you’re a sub-trade, client, or just someone curious about what goes on behind the site fence, here’s your light-hearted yet practical guide to wrapping up your construction project before the holidays.
Here’s our five-step checklist to keep your build safe, compliant, and ready to roll when you’re back in January:
1. Secure the Site & Lock Up Properly
Make sure all tools, materials, and equipment are safely stored. Think of it like tucking your site into bed before Santa arrives. And if you’ve got deliveries scheduled, double-check they’ll arrive before the holidays, or you’ll be opening crates instead of presents in January.
2. Confirm Subcontractor Schedules
Touch base with your sub-trades. Who’s finishing before the break? Who’s coming back early? Clarity now means no one accidentally rocks up mid-holiday holding a fruitcake and wondering where everyone went.
3. Protect What You’ve Built
Cover and seal any exposed work. NSW summers can be harsh, and rain doesn’t wait for your return. As we always say, it’s fair game for the weather (and possibly the neighbourhood birds) if left open.
4. Communicate with Everyone
A quick email or call to clients, trades, and suppliers goes a long way. Let everyone know what’s done, what’s paused, and when things resume. Clear communication keeps everyone merry and bright.
5. Plan for a Smooth Restart
Before you clock off, set up a “welcome back” plan, review site safety, confirm compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC), and ensure your licenses are current. SafeWork NSW requires that hazards be managed even when a site is quiet, so safety doesn’t take a holiday either!
Building in New South Wales means following some essential rules for good reason. From the Home Building Act 1989 to the NCC, these regulations ensure safety, quality, and peace of mind. The NCC (formerly known as the Building Code of Australia) outlines the minimum standards for construction, while the Home Building Act protects homeowners from unlicensed work and poor workmanship.
Skipping a few steps before the holidays might feel tempting, but compliance isn’t seasonal. Keeping your paperwork, safety checks, and site security in order means starting the new year strong, without any “surprise” fines or rework.
Did you know the National Construction Code is updated every three years to keep up with modern building practices?
The Home Building Act 1989 was introduced to ensure every builder in NSW is licensed and insured, so clients can rest easy while enjoying their pavlova.
Every year, hundreds of construction sites “hibernate” over Christmas. At Prescom, we make sure we sleep peacefully, not chaotically.
And here’s our little Christmas message from the Prescom family:
“At Prescom, we build futures today so that you can enjoy Christmas tomorrow.”
Ensure your site is safe, compliant, and ready to welcome the new year. Whether you’re a sub-trade preparing for a shutdown or a client planning the next phase, we’re here to help you get it right the first time.
Contact Prescom Constructions today to schedule your pre-holiday site check or plan your January restart.
At Prescom, we don’t just build structures; we create peace of mind, one holiday season at a time.
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