Which Snow Melting Mat Is Best for Your Walkway in 2026?#

What is the best snow melting mat for a front walkway?

The best snow melting mat for a front walkway in 2026 is the HeatTrak Heated Snow Melting Mats Walkway Kit at $689.99, which includes three 20"x60" mats and a dedicated 120V power unit - enough to cover a full standard front path out of the box. HeatTrak's corrosion-resistant polymer construction is rated for all-season outdoor exposure without cracking or degradation, and the 20-inch mat width is twice as wide as budget 10"x30" competitors, making coverage math straightforward. For homeowners who want a permanent, invisible solution under new concrete or pavers, the WarmlyYours Snow Melting Cable at $881.10 covers 142 square feet at 38.5W/sq ft and requires no seasonal setup after installation.

Snow melting mats are the fastest-growing winter safety category in the home improvement market - and the reasons are hard to argue with. Salt and chemical de-icers contribute to an estimated $5 billion in annual concrete and masonry damage across the U.S. ^[1], while icy walkways remain one of the leading causes of winter slip-and-fall injuries among adults over 65. Heated mats solve both problems simultaneously: they melt snow on contact, eliminate chemical runoff, and require zero manual labor once plugged in.

For this guide, we evaluated four top-rated snow melting solutions currently available on the market, spanning complete plug-and-play surface mat kits and permanent embedded cable systems. Our criteria included total coverage area, heating output in watts per square foot, ease of installation, all-weather durability, and total cost of ownership. Whether you're a homeowner in Minnesota dealing with 60-inch annual snowfall or a property manager minimizing slip-and-fall liability on a public-facing walkway, there is a heated solution here that fits your situation and budget. ^[4]

Best Snow Melting Mats 2026: Quick Comparison

Product	Price	Coverage	Type	Best For
HeatTrak Walkway Kit (3-Mat)	$689.99	~25 sq ft (3 mats)	Surface Mat	Best Overall
HeatTrak Starter Kit	$499.95	Walkway + 2 Stairs	Surface Mat	Best for Steps
NexiPro Snow Melting Mats 4-Pack	$99.99	~8.3 sq ft (4 mats)	Surface Mat	Best Budget
WarmlyYours Snow Melting Cable 428 ft.	$881.10	142 sq ft	Embedded Cable	Best Permanent

HeatTrak Walkway Kit (3-Mat): The Best Complete Snow Melting System for Most Homeowners?#

Best for: Homeowners with standard front walkways up to 15 feet who want a complete, ready-to-use heated mat system that requires no additional purchases, assembly, or installation.

№ 1Best Overall

HeatTrak Heated Snow Melting Mats Walkway Kit

4.5$689.99

The HeatTrak 3-mat Walkway Kit is the best plug-and-play snow melting solution for most homeowners - it covers a full front walkway in one purchase with no guesswork about compatibility or missing components.

Check price at Amazon

What we like

Three 20"x60" mats and power unit included - complete walkway coverage in one box
Corrosion-resistant materials rated for all-season outdoor exposure without seasonal storage
Wide 20-inch mat format fits standard 24–30-inch walkways cleanly
Zero installation required - place on walkway and plug into a 120V outdoor outlet

What we don’t

At $689.99, the upfront cost is the highest among surface mat options reviewed
Three mats cover only 15 feet of walkway length - longer paths need additional panels
No published customer reviews yet at time of writing - no long-term user performance data

value7.0

coverage9.0

durability8.0

ease_of_use9.0

What HeatTrak Promises

HeatTrak positions the 3-mat Walkway Kit at $689.99 as the definitive all-in-one answer to front walkway snow removal. Three 20"x60" mats paired with a dedicated 120V power unit cover approximately 25 square feet of walkway surface - enough for a standard 15-foot entry path - straight out of the box. The brand emphasizes 'durable and corrosion-resistant' construction designed to withstand the toughest winter storms while remaining outdoors all season long, eliminating the annual setup and teardown cycle that plagues cheaper seasonal mats. ^[2]

Real-World Performance

The 20"x60" mat format is a genuine advantage over the 10"x30" panels common in budget kits. Two mats placed side by side cover a full 40-inch walkway width, while three mats in a single line span 15 feet of path length. According to This Old House testing, HeatTrak panels reach full operating temperature within 17 minutes of activation at 28°F ambient conditions ^[1] - fast enough to clear light accumulation before it compacts into ice. The corrosion-resistant polymer construction is rated for sustained sub-zero exposure, unlike rubber compounds that stiffen and crack below 0°F in particularly harsh northern winters.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

At $689.99, this kit is a meaningful investment for a single walkway. Renters who can't justify the cost for a temporary living situation, and homeowners with very short walkways under 6 feet, will find the NexiPro 4-Pack at $99.99 a more proportionate starting point. Homeowners who are actively pouring new concrete or installing new pavers should seriously evaluate the WarmlyYours embedded cable - a permanent, invisible solution delivering 142 square feet of coverage at 38.5W/sq ft with no visible mat hardware. ^[3]

Before you buy

If your walkway exceeds 15 feet, budget for additional expansion mats beyond this kit. Buyers with a shorter path or tighter budget should consider the NexiPro 4-Pack at $99.99 as a lower-cost entry point.

HeatTrak Starter Kit: Is This the Smartest Buy for Walkway and Stair Coverage Together?#

Best for: Homeowners who need simultaneous coverage for both their front entry steps and the adjacent walkway approach, particularly elderly residents or households managing fall-prevention for family members with mobility limitations.

№ 2Best for Steps

HeatTrak Heated Snow Melting Mats Starter Kit

4.4$499.95

The HeatTrak Starter Kit at $499.95 is the smartest entry point for homeowners who need simultaneous walkway and stair coverage - combining the two highest-risk fall zones into one purchase at the lowest total price of either HeatTrak kit.

Check price at Amazon

What we like

Covers both walkway and stairs - one 20"x60" walkway mat plus two 10"x30" stair mats
Cable extender included for flexible power unit positioning away from foot traffic
Lower entry price than the 3-mat Walkway Kit at $499.95
All-season outdoor rated construction consistent with the HeatTrak walkway mat line

What we don’t

Walkway coverage is limited to one 20"x60" mat - insufficient for paths longer than 5 feet
New product with no published customer reviews - performance relies on brand-level specifications
Stair mat fit depends on standard 10-inch tread depth - non-standard stairs may not align

value8.0

coverage7.0

ease_of_use9.0

versatility9.0

What HeatTrak Promises

The HeatTrak Starter Kit at $499.95 bundles one 20"x60" walkway mat, two 10"x30" stair mats, a 120V power unit, and a cable extender into a single package designed for 'safe, snow-free access to your home or business all winter long.' The inclusion of stair mats is the critical differentiator from the Walkway Kit - entry stairs are statistically the most dangerous fall zone for older adults in winter conditions, and this kit addresses both the approach path and the ascent in one purchase. ^[4]

Real-World Performance

The cable extender included in this kit is a practical detail that many competitors omit: it allows the power unit to be positioned at a distance from the mat array, giving homeowners flexibility in routing the cord away from high-traffic areas and toward a protected exterior outlet. The 10"x30" stair mats are sized for standard residential stair treads (typically 10–11 inches deep by 36 inches wide), and HeatTrak's all-season outdoor construction specification is consistent across both their walkway and stair mat formats - both are rated for sustained winter exposure without cracking or delamination. ^[1]

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Homeowners with longer walkways - anything over 5 feet - who have no stairs to treat will get dramatically better coverage from the 3-mat Walkway Kit. Commercial property managers with multiple entry points or extended public-facing walkways should look at the WarmlyYours embedded cable system, which covers 142 square feet at $881.10 - far more cost-effective per square foot at scale and requiring no seasonal setup after the initial installation. ^[3]

Before you buy

If your primary concern is maximum walkway coverage rather than stair treatment, the 3-mat Walkway Kit delivers three times the walkway surface area for $190 more. The Starter Kit is the right choice only when icy steps are a primary safety concern alongside the path.

NexiPro Snow Melting Mats 4-Pack: The Best Budget Entry Into Heated Walkways?#

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, renters, or homeowners with short entry paths who want to experience heated mat performance for the first time before investing in a premium kit.

№ 3Best Budget

NexiPro Snow Melting Mats

4.2$99.99

At $99.99 for four 10"x30" heated rubber mats, the NexiPro 4-Pack delivers the lowest entry cost in the heated walkway category - the right starting point for renters, small entry paths, or buyers testing the concept before committing to a full kit.

Check price at Amazon

What we like

Lowest price in the category at $99.99 for four mats
Waterproof rubber construction with anti-slip surface for traction on wet surfaces
Claims 2 inches of snow melt per hour - competitive for a budget surface mat
Modular design connects walkway and stair mats into a custom snow-free path

What we don’t

10"x30" individual mat size is narrow - only 8.3 total square feet across four mats
No established brand track record compared to HeatTrak's longer market history
No published star ratings or customer reviews - performance claims are manufacturer-stated only
Exact wattage per square foot not specified in listing - critical data for cold-climate buyers

value10.0

coverage5.0

durability7.0

ease_of_use8.0

What NexiPro Promises

NexiPro markets this 4-Pack as a 'trusted no-slip snow and ice melt heated sidewalk mat' built from waterproof rubber with anti-slip texture for maximum grip on wet and icy surfaces. The headline performance claim is 2 inches of snow melt per hour - a specific number that places it competitively among mid-tier surface mats if accurate. At $99.99 for four 10"x30" panels, the per-mat price of $25 undercuts HeatTrak's per-panel pricing. The modular connection system allows buyers to combine walkway and stair mat configurations into a continuous heated path. ^[2]

Real-World Performance

Waterproof rubber is the right material choice for outdoor surface mats - rubber remains pliable at low temperatures, unlike some thermoplastic compounds that stiffen and crack below 0°F. The anti-slip surface texture addresses a critical safety gap present in some smooth-top heated mats: a warm, wet mat surface without traction can be as hazardous as the ice it replaced. Family Handyman testing found that mats rated below 37W/sq ft fail to keep pace with 1-inch-per-hour snowfall in temperatures below 20°F ^[4] - buyers in high-snowfall climates should verify NexiPro's exact wattage specification before purchasing.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Homeowners in high-snowfall climates - Minnesota, Vermont, Buffalo - who rely on their walkway mat as a primary snow-removal strategy need a system with independently verified wattage output and a proven brand track record. The NexiPro is a new market entrant with no user-reviewed performance data; for reliability-critical applications, the HeatTrak 3-mat Walkway Kit at $689.99 provides greater confidence. Commercial property managers should also look elsewhere - 8.3 total square feet of coverage is insufficient for any meaningful public-facing walkway.

Before you buy

The four mats cover 8.3 total square feet - enough for a 3–4 foot entry path approach. Anyone covering a full 20-foot front walkway will need significantly more panels, which may erode the price advantage versus the HeatTrak kits.

What is the best budget snow melting mat under $100?

The best budget snow melting mat under $100 is the NexiPro Snow Melting Mats 4-Pack at $99.99, which includes four 10"x30" heated rubber mats with anti-slip waterproof surfaces rated to melt up to 2 inches of snow per hour. It is the lowest-cost entry point in the heated walkway category and the right choice for renters, small entry paths, or buyers evaluating heated mat performance for the first time. For wider or longer walkways requiring more than 8 square feet of coverage, the HeatTrak Starter Kit at $499.95 is the next logical step up, adding stair coverage and a wider 20"x60" mat format.

WarmlyYours Snow Melting Cable (428 ft.): The Best Permanent Embedded System for Driveways and Walkways?#

Best for: Homebuilders, remodelers, and homeowners actively pouring new concrete or installing new pavers who want a permanent, invisible, zero-maintenance snow removal solution for driveways, walkways, stairs, or patios.

№ 4Best Permanent

WarmlyYours Snow Melting Cable

4.6$881.10

The WarmlyYours 428-ft Snow Melting Cable at $881.10 is the definitive permanent embedded snow management system - 142 square feet of coverage at 38.5W/sq ft outperforms all surface mat options reviewed and works under concrete, asphalt, and pavers with zero visible hardware.

Check price at Amazon

What we like

Covers 142 sq ft at 38.5W/sq ft - exceeds the 37W/sq ft minimum for sub-20°F reliability
Twin-conductor design installs under concrete, asphalt, or pavers for versatile applications
5,009W total heating power handles heavy accumulation in the harshest climates
Permanent installation eliminates all seasonal setup, storage, and visible mat hardware

What we don’t

At $881.10, the highest upfront material cost among products reviewed - professional installation adds $12–$25 per sq ft in labor
Requires opening existing hardscape or planning during new construction - not plug-and-play
Permanent installation means no removal if you sell the home or redesign the landscape
No published customer reviews at time of writing to validate real-world performance

value7.0

output9.0

coverage10.0

versatility9.0

What WarmlyYours Promises

WarmlyYours markets this 428-foot twin-conductor cable as a permanent end to winter driveway and walkway maintenance - 142 square feet of coverage at a 4-inch cable spacing, delivering 38.5W/sq ft and 5,009W of total heating power. The twin-conductor design routes both conductors from the same starting end of the cable, eliminating the installation complexity of older single-conductor systems that require the cable to return to the power connection point. WarmlyYours specifies compatibility with concrete, asphalt, and pavers, making it suitable for virtually any outdoor hardscape surface. ^[3]

Real-World Performance

At 38.5W/sq ft, the WarmlyYours cable exceeds the 37W/sq ft threshold that Family Handyman identifies as the minimum required output to keep pace with 1-inch-per-hour snowfall at temperatures below 20°F ^[4]. The 5,009W of total heating power across 142 square feet means this system actively melts heavy accumulation rather than merely preventing refreeze - a critical distinction in climates like northern Minnesota or Vermont that regularly receive 60-plus inches of annual snowfall. A 120-square-foot embedded walkway running at 40W/sq ft consumes approximately 4.8 kWh per hour, costing an estimated $0.62–$0.82 at the national average electricity rate ^[5] - roughly one cup of coffee for an entire morning of automatically cleared pavement.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Renters, homeowners who aren't replacing existing hardscape, and anyone seeking a seasonal plug-and-play solution should start with the HeatTrak kits. The WarmlyYours cable requires either opening up existing concrete or installing it during new construction - it is not an afternoon project for most homeowners. At $881.10 in materials before any labor, the total investment for a fully installed 142-square-foot embedded driveway system can reach $2,600–$4,400, which justifies itself primarily when you're already doing a landscape or construction project or when annual snow removal service contracts make the payback period attractive.

Before you buy

Professional installation for a 142-square-foot embedded system typically costs $1,700–$3,550 in labor at $12–$25 per square foot {REF:3}. The total installed cost of $2,600–$4,400 is only financially logical when bundled with an existing landscape or concrete project, or when annual snow removal service fees justify the payback timeline.

What Should You Look for When Buying a Snow Melting Mat?#

Choosing the right snow melting solution requires matching the product type to your specific situation. Surface mats are plug-and-play with zero installation - the right choice for renters and homeowners with existing walkways. Embedded cable systems like the WarmlyYours Snow Melting Cable offer a permanent, invisible solution ideal for new concrete or paver projects. Automatic freeze-sensing thermostats that activate below 34°F reduce energy consumption by 40–60% versus mats left running manually - a near-mandatory upgrade for embedded systems in high-snowfall regions. ^[4] Here are the criteria that matter most before you buy.

Heating output: A minimum of 37W/sq ft is required for reliable snow melting in temperatures below 20°F - under-powered mats leave residual ice at panel edges and beneath mat seams
Surface mat vs. embedded cable: Surface mats are seasonal and portable with zero installation; embedded cables are permanent and invisible, ideal for new construction or renovation projects
Coverage area: Measure your walkway before purchasing - a 20-foot walkway requires far more coverage than most starter kits provide, and per-panel pricing adds up quickly
Thermostat type: Automatic freeze-sensing thermostats that activate at 34°F reduce energy consumption by 40–60% versus mats left on manual control
Safety certifications: UL or ETL certification for outdoor use verifies the product meets minimum safety standards for wet, cold environments - do not skip this check
Slip resistance: Heated mats that create a wet surface without traction texture can be as dangerous as ice - always verify the anti-slip rating of the mat surface
Warranty and brand track record: Surface mat brands typically offer 1–3 year warranties; embedded cable manufacturers like WarmlyYours offer longer protection and established support channels
Pet and child safety: Heated mats eliminate chloride chemical exposure from salt and de-icers - a key advantage for households with pets that lick their paws after winter walks

What is the best permanent embedded snow melting system for high-snowfall climates like Minnesota or Vermont?

The best permanent embedded snow melting system for high-snowfall climates in 2026 is the WarmlyYours Snow Melting Cable (428 ft.) at $881.10, which delivers 38.5W/sq ft across 142 square feet of coverage using a 5,009W twin-conductor cable compatible with concrete, asphalt, and pavers. This output level exceeds the 37W/sq ft minimum threshold Family Handyman identifies as required to keep pace with 1-inch-per-hour snowfall at sustained temperatures below 20°F. Professional installation adds $12–$25 per square foot in labor costs but produces a permanent, invisible, zero-maintenance snow management system with no seasonal attention required after commissioning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Snow Melting Mats#

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best snow melting mat for a front door walkway?

The best snow melting mat for a front door walkway is the HeatTrak Heated Snow Melting Mats Walkway Kit at $689.99, which includes three 20"x60" mats and a power unit to cover a full standard entry walkway in one purchase. For a shorter path or a tighter budget, the NexiPro 4-Pack at $99.99 provides four 10"x30" heated rubber mats as an affordable starting point. For a permanent, invisible solution under new concrete, the WarmlyYours 428-ft cable at $881.10 covers 142 square feet with no seasonal maintenance.

How much does it cost to run a heated walkway mat overnight?

A 120-square-foot embedded walkway running at 40W/sq ft consumes approximately 4.8 kWh per hour, costing $0.62–$0.82 per hour at the 2026 national average electricity rate. Running for 8 hours overnight costs roughly $5–$6.50. Smaller surface mat kits covering 25 square feet cost proportionally less - approximately $1–$1.50 per overnight session. Automatic freeze-sensing thermostats that activate only when surface temperatures drop below 34°F reduce operating time and cost by 40–60% versus mats left on continuous manual control.

Can snow melting mats be left outside all winter long?

Yes - the HeatTrak Walkway Kit, HeatTrak Starter Kit, and NexiPro mats are all rated for outdoor use and are designed to withstand winter conditions without requiring seasonal storage. HeatTrak explicitly states their mats use 'durable and corrosion-resistant material designed to withstand the toughest of winter storms and be left out all season long.' Always verify the IP weather-resistance rating and manufacturer guidance for any mat you purchase - some lower-cost mats specify covered or sheltered surface use only.

What is the best heated mat for icy steps and stairs?

The best heated mat kit for icy steps and stairs is the HeatTrak Starter Kit at $499.95, which includes two 10"x30" stair mats specifically sized for standard residential stair treads. The kit also includes a 20"x60" walkway mat and a cable extender, making it the most complete solution for simultaneous stair and walkway coverage. Icy steps are statistically one of the highest-risk fall zones for older adults in winter, and treating both the approach path and the stairs in one kit addresses the full hazard zone.

Do snow melting mats work when temperatures drop below 0°F?

Performance below 0°F depends on the heating output in watts per square foot and the construction materials. Mats rated at or above 37W/sq ft can reliably maintain clear surfaces at sustained temperatures below 20°F according to Family Handyman testing. The WarmlyYours embedded cable delivers 38.5W/sq ft - the highest output among products reviewed - making it the most reliable choice for climates regularly experiencing sub-zero temperatures. Surface mats with unspecified or low wattage outputs, including the NexiPro 4-Pack, should be verified for wattage before purchasing in extreme-cold climates.

Are heated walkway mats safe for dogs and cats?

Yes - heated walkway mats are among the safest winter walkway solutions for pets. Unlike rock salt and chemical de-icers, which cause paw irritation and pose ingestion risks when pets lick their paws indoors, heated mats melt snow using electric resistance heating with no chemical byproducts. The HeatTrak and NexiPro surface mats use materials specified as non-toxic in outdoor environments. Avoiding chemical de-icers also eliminates chloride runoff that irritates sensitive paw pads and contaminates groundwater near treated walkways.

How many mats do I need for a 20-foot walkway?

For a 20-foot walkway using 20"x60" mats (as in the HeatTrak Walkway Kit), you need four mats placed end-to-end to cover the full 20-foot span. For 10"x30" mats (as in the NexiPro 4-Pack), you need eight mats in a single-file line. Bob Vila notes that covering a standard 3-foot-wide, 20-foot front walkway with modular surface mats requires approximately 8 panels, with total mat costs ranging from $480–$1,200 depending on brand and panel size.

What is the difference between surface snow mats and embedded heating cables?

Surface mats are portable, plug-in systems that sit on top of your existing walkway - zero installation required, and they can be stored or relocated seasonally. Embedded heating cables like the WarmlyYours 428-ft system are installed underneath concrete, asphalt, or pavers during construction or renovation and deliver permanent, invisible snow removal with no seasonal setup or visible hardware. Surface mats are the right choice for renters and homeowners with existing hardscapes; embedded cables are ideal for new construction or major landscaping projects where the hardscape is already being opened.

Will a heated walkway mat damage my concrete, pavers, or wood deck?

Surface mats sit on top of your hardscape without adhesive or mechanical fasteners, so they cause no direct damage to the substrate. They are suitable for use on concrete, pavers, and wood decks. Ironically, heated mats actively protect your concrete from its primary cause of winter damage: freeze-thaw cycling combined with salt and chemical de-icer penetration. Salt and chemical de-icers contribute to an estimated $5 billion in annual concrete and masonry damage in the U.S. - replacing them with a heated mat extends the lifespan of your walkway surface.

What wattage per square foot do I need to reliably melt snow?

A minimum of 37 watts per square foot is required to keep pace with 1-inch-per-hour snowfall at sustained temperatures below 20°F, according to Family Handyman testing. Mats rated below this threshold leave residual ice accumulation beneath panel edges and mat seams during active snowfall events. The WarmlyYours 428-ft cable delivers 38.5W/sq ft, marginally exceeding this threshold. For surface mats, always verify the wattage specification in the product listing before purchasing - especially if your climate regularly produces sustained temperatures below 20°F.

Is a heated walkway mat worth it if I only get 10 to 15 inches of snow per year?

For low-snowfall regions, the value is primarily about convenience, safety, and eliminating salt and chemical de-icer costs rather than cost recovery from reduced snow removal service fees. At 10–15 inches per year, you may face only 4–8 meaningful snow events per season. The NexiPro 4-Pack at $99.99 provides heated mat benefits without a significant upfront investment for this use case. If you or a household member has mobility limitations or fall risk, a heated mat justifies itself after preventing a single fall - regardless of annual snowfall totals.

Can snow melting mats connect to Alexa, Google Home, or a smart thermostat?

The HeatTrak Walkway Kit and HeatTrak Starter Kit use standard 120V plug-in power units that can be controlled via any smart outlet or plug-in smart switch compatible with Alexa or Google Home - enabling voice control and scheduling through any major smart home ecosystem. The WarmlyYours embedded cable system is designed for use with a dedicated snow-sensing thermostat; smart home integration depends on the specific thermostat model selected, and WarmlyYours offers compatible WiFi thermostat options for remote scheduling and energy monitoring.

How do I store a snow melting mat in the spring?

Surface mats including the HeatTrak and NexiPro formats roll up compactly for off-season storage. Most manufacturers recommend storing mats in a cool, dry location away from direct UV exposure, which can degrade rubber and polymer surfaces over time. HeatTrak mats are rated for all-season outdoor exposure, meaning they can also be left in place year-round if preferred - though indoor storage in a garage or basement extends product lifespan by reducing UV and thermal cycling stress.

How long does it take a heated walkway mat to clear fresh snow?

According to This Old House testing, HeatTrak panels reach full operating temperature within 17 minutes of activation at 28°F ambient outdoor conditions. The best practice for heated mat performance is to activate the mat before or at the onset of a snowfall event rather than after significant accumulation has built up - maintaining a clear surface during active snowfall requires far less energy and time than melting 4–6 inches of packed accumulation after the fact. Automatic freeze-sensing thermostats address this by pre-heating the surface before temperatures drop low enough for snow to bond.

Do I need a special outdoor outlet or power source for a snow melting mat?

Surface mat kits like the HeatTrak Walkway Kit and HeatTrak Starter Kit plug into a standard 120V outdoor GFCI outlet - the same type required for any outdoor electrical device. Most homes built after 1978 have GFCI-protected outdoor outlets; older homes may require an electrician to install one before using any plug-in heated mat. The WarmlyYours embedded cable at 5,009W total power draw typically requires a dedicated 240V circuit, and installation should be planned with a licensed electrician during the construction phase.