9 Ways Precast Concrete Impacts Your Bottom Line
Choosing precast concrete for your construction project can directly impact your bottom line throughout all phases of construction and for everyone involved. One of the many benefits of precast concrete is the inherent versatility and reliability of the product itself, which makes it a top choice for a variety of markets, including: industrial, institutional, corporate, parking decks, residential, and retail.
In order to pull off a large-scale development, the owner, architect, general contractor, and engineer must all work together to stay on time and on budget while achieving a functional, aesthetically-pleasing building that meets several guidelines and standards. Learn how using precast concrete can save you money before construction begins, during the construction process, and well after the project is finished.
Pre-Construction Savings
Long before any work is done on-site, choosing precast concrete for your construction project can boost your bottom line. Pre-construction planning takes into account overhead costs, the design, and the all-important timeline. Working with precast concrete can help you save money in all of these areas.
>>Cut Overhead Costs
Precast concrete uses molds and forms to create different products necessary to achieve a total precast building system. For example, the ATMI Precast plant houses 20 production tables for manufacturing of precast beams, double TT’s, insulated or solid precast wall panels, columns, slabs, and more. These molds and forms can be recycled and re-used many times – therefore cutting overhead costs and saving you money. On the other hand, on-site concrete construction requires forms to be built from scratch for each project.
>>Stay Within Design Budgets
Precast concrete provides a variety of color, textures, and finishes, meaning it can serve as an affordable alternative to more expensive stone, masonry or tile. In fact, ATMI Precast can provide creative solutions such as inset brick and the use of liners to simulate natural stones.
Additionally, the molds can include design elements that can enhance appearance and presentation in your construction project. Keeping the design budget in check while still achieving your desired look and feel is key.
>>Reduce Weather Delays
Using precast concrete for your project means that you can get started right away. Not only can multiple project components get done at once, but the indoor, controlled environment means that your precast construction will stay on schedule, regardless of what Mother Nature has in store. This means, your project will get the green light no matter the time of year – because after all, time is money.
Construction Savings
When it’s time to get on-site and start building, you can count on precast concrete to cut your costs yet again. Using precast means that you can reduce your transportation and labor costs, minimize risk to your on-site workers, and forge ahead with a quality product that won’t let you down.
>>Slash Transportation Costs
Due to the fact that precast concrete products are constructed at one location and then transported on-site when ready, your general contractor doesn’t have to worry about multiple trade transports, making the operation cleaner and more efficient. Less workers, less equipment and less vehicles equates to less headaches and less expenses.
>>Minimize On-Site Accidents & Exposure
We know that the safety of your construction site is always a priority. One of the benefits of working with precast concrete and its off-site casting, which eliminates the need for other trades to work erecting structural frame. Furthermore, when working with precast, the dust exposure is limited almost exclusively to within the precast plant. A safe working environment is not only best practice, but it reduces any Workers’ Compensation costs as well.
>>Depend on Quality
Working with a reputable precast manufacturer means you have partnered with a company that commits to meeting high standards and delivers a quality product that you can rely on during the construction process. For example, ATMI Precast is certified through the Precast Concrete Institute (PCI). Working with ATMI ensures a high-quality precast product.
Post-Construction Savings
When your project is complete it’s out of your hands. But, in order to attract tenants, you have to be able to sell the features of your building. Of course, these plans may have been made in the pre-construction phase if you are building a facility for a specific occupant or use. Either way, these post-construction savings are what people are looking for.
>>Save on Maintenance
Concrete is a hard and highly-durable material that is resistant to wear, weather, and damage. Sustainability is evidenced by precast concrete’s ability to facilitate LEED Certification. The investment value of a building increases if the structure lasts longer than expected. Furthermore, exterior precast concrete can be left untreated without damage from the elements. And, if painted, repainting is necessary only every five to ten years.
>>Reduce Energy Costs
Precast concrete is highly energy efficient as concrete intrinsically retains heated or cooled air. This saves money on energy bills and reduces the overall energy load of the building. This is an important asset for designers who need to cut heating and air conditioning costs associated with HVAC systems – and it is an important selling point for precast concrete products.
>>Be a Friend to the Environment
Precast concrete is completely recyclable, making it an environmentally-friendly choice. Concrete consists of water, sand, gravel and cement. To make the cement, gypsum is added to limestone, clay, sand and iron ore and the mixture is finely ground. This means that precast as a construction material is clean and waste-free, and the addition of by-products reduces requirement for cement in the mix.
Precast concrete provides unique benefits that can be found with no other material because it is naturally based and offers exceptional building aesthetics. Together with structural ability, speed, and economy, precast building construction is an unparalleled choice to get the most out of your project.
Is precast concrete a good fit for your project? Contact us today. We’d love to work with you!
