By Prefabrication is not a new technology. It has been around for many years. It has only become popular in recent years with the increased adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM enables the increased use of prefabrication, which makes it easier to use on construction projects. Many contractors, engineers, architects, and homeowners are opting for prefabrication construction. Before we dwell on the benefits of prefabrication, let us first understand what prefabrication is.
What Is Prefabrication?
Prefabrication is assembling various components of a construction project in a factory or metal fabrication site. E.g., walls, floor, and roofs. The fabricated parts are then transported to the construction site and assembled. Prefabrication is used for concrete and steel components of the structure. This method is generally used for construction projects where,
- It isn’t easy to erect.
- Wet concrete needs to be transported in time.
- Concrete is poured in the required areas.
Now that we have seen what prefabrication is and where it can be used, let’s look at the benefits of using prefabrication construction.
Benefits of Prefabrication
Despite the perception of this method not viable, prefabrication provides various benefits in construction. The six major benefits of prefabrication for businesses and homeowners are discussed below.
Cost-effective
Construction projects usually face the problem of escalated project costs. But, with prefabricated construction, the project cost can be reduced. While custom-made prefabricated components may seem expensive, they are not. Instead, they provide an affordable option with reduced material and labor costs. Additionally, prefabricated construction projects need less time to complete. This further helps with financial savings.
Marriot’s AC NoMad hotel in New York is being constructed using prefabrication construction methods. It is set to be the world’s tallest modular hotel. Using prefabrication construction has enabled the project to be completed in approximately seventy million dollars. Comparatively, the same project would have cost around a hundred million dollars with traditional construction.
Safety
Prefabricated construction projects have fewer safety risks associated with them. Since the parts are created in a controlled factory environment, it reduces the risks associated with dirt, moisture, and other environmental hazards. The laborers at the construction site and the homeowners are less likely to be exposed to environmental health risks.
Additionally, the construction process is much safer with prefabricated construction than traditional methods. The components can be easily installed in place and joined together. The number of incidents of fall hazards is reduced with prefabricated construction.
Quality-control
Prefabrication uses standardized processes that allow us to work in a controlled environment. Standardized checks are carried out at various stages of the assembly line in the factory. Precise machine equipment is used to ensure conformity to building code. Any sub-par quality element is rejected. Only the components meeting the quality requirements are passed ahead. This provides for enhanced quality assurance compared to traditional construction on site.
Similarly, labors working on site are bound to make fewer mistakes when working with precise components. This further improves the quality of construction.
Flexibility
Prefabricated or modular construction offers an enhanced degree of flexibility. The workers can easily assemble, disassemble, and move materials to different sites. Additionally, prefabrication construction improves structural design flexibility. Architects and contractors can think of limitless design ideas with prefabricated construction. They can bring their ideas to life easily, too, as the materials can be easily assembled.
Eco-friendly
Prefabricated construction offers an eco-friendly and sustainable construction option. Firstly, prefabrication reduces waste since the components are produced in a controlled factory environment. The extra materials can be recycled for future fabrication tasks. Secondly, prefabricated buildings and homes are more eco-friendly than those constructed with traditional methods.
Prefabricated elements provide for better insulation and increased energy efficiency than traditional homes. This helps reduce electricity consumption and the impact on the environment in the long run.
Construction Time
Prefabrication construction is quicker to complete than traditional construction methods. The project can even be completed in half the time compared with traditional methods. It is because prefabrication allows precise planning, eliminates on-site weather conditions, and enables simultaneous construction. Businesses can take multiple projects at once and even complete them quickly with prefabrication, leading to business growth. Similarly, homeowners can move quickly into their new homes with prefabrication construction methods.
Prefabrication construction’s popularity will likely keep on increasing in the upcoming years. People and businesses have realized the benefits of prefabrication over traditional construction and are more open to adopting this method. Customers can get high-quality, quicker, cost-effective, and eco-friendly construction. Similarly, businesses can save finances and complete the construction projects on or before the scheduled deadline with prefabrication construction.
As prefabrication manufacturing technology improves over time, it will lead to enhanced benefits, and the advantages will increase in the future.
