Prefab vs traditional construction: what’s the fastest, most cost-certain approach?

At some point, most businesses need to develop or expand operations. For some, it could be a one-off build – a retail space, for example. For others, it will happen more regularly – say new worker accommodation or updating a holiday park.

Traditionally, however, any sort of construction has taken companies down an expensive, slow and disruptive road. One where delays are the norm and budget overruns inevitable.

Here’s the thing, though: it doesn’t have to be this way. As a business, you can embark on a building project that is:

• Efficient
• Cost-certain
• Quick.

It’s called prefabricated construction. It’s what Advance Build has done for more than 16 years – helping commercial clients like you deliverfast, high-quality prefab projects.

Without the hassle.

Not convinced? Keep reading.

We’re going to look at both prefabricated and traditional building methods, how they differ on speed and cost-certainty – and why many businesses prefer prefab.

What actually is prefabricated construction?

Prefabricated construction means being built offsite in factories, then transported to the site for installation. 

This method involves:

• Offsite manufacturing – Components or modules are made in a weathertight, controlled factory environment. This allows for streamlined, accurate production.

• Transporting assembled homes to site – Finished builds are taken to the site so they can be connected to the foundations

Prefab buildings are suitable for a wide range of business needs – such as office spaces, holiday parks, education and worker accommodation.

What about traditional construction?

When we talk about ‘traditional construction’, we mean those projects that are built onsite – from the ground up – using standard methods. All materials (bricks, cement, tiles, paint etc.) are brought to the site where builders and tradespeople then construct the dwelling. 

This approach involves: 

• Onsite assembly – All construction happens on the building site using traditional construction methods.
• Human labour – Onsite workers interpret plans and construct every element of the build.

Traditional construction is completely bespoke, making it more suitable for more complex projects. 

Prefab vs traditional construction: how do they compare?

When it comes to choosing a building approach, how do you know which way to go? After all, no business or project is the same. 

That’s why it helps to understand how each construction method scores in terms of speed and cost-certainty. 

Let’s consider both. 

Construction speed

If you’re building a new dwelling, you want it finished as soon as possible. After all, you want to start using it!

Well, prefabricated construction is one of the most easy and efficient ways to build.

That’s because it:

• Reduces total build time – Simultaneous processes means site preps and construction happen at the same time. According to a recent report by McKinsey and Company, this can cut the overall project time by up to 50%.
• Eliminates weather delays – Construction continues inside a weathertight factory, no matter how severe the conditions are outside.
• Allows for rapid installation – Once the pre-built dwellings arrive onsite, they are quickly connected and set up.

In contrast, traditional construction:

• Relies on a sequential process – The traditional building approach is very phase-driven. This means more coordination of different trades, who aren’t always available when your project reaches a particular stage. This can push out timeframes significantly.
• Depends on good weather – Ever seen a building site in a downpour? Muddy, wet – and empty. Until an actual building has been constructed, there is little to be done if rain, wind or extreme temperatures come your way. This can cause huge delays in completion times.
• Hinges on labour availability – When there aren’t enough tradespeople to go around, projects can end up taking a lot longer to finish. 

Construction budget

Think you need to factor in a budget buffer? Not necessarily. But again, it depends which path you tread.

Because when it comes to project costs, prefabricated construction:

• Offers cost-certainty – When your timeframe doesn’t blow out, your budget doesn’t tend to either. You don’t need to manage the unexpected costs often associated with onsite delays — thanks to the streamlined, efficient manufacturing process.
• Creates minimal waste – The standardised factory building process allows for precise measurements and optimised material usage. This helps reduce excess waste.
• Reduces onsite labour time – Prefabrication minimises the time spent on traditional onsite construction tasks, lowering labour costs.

Reduces travel costs – Fewer site trips means less money spent on labour, fuel and other associated costs.

On the other hand, traditional construction is:

• Cost-uncertain – Unforeseen weather delays, labour fluctuations and materials prices can all push costs skywards.
• More wasteful – Onsite cutting and adjustments often mean more material waste. This impacts both budget and resource efficiency.
• Labour-intensive – Projects need a wide range of skills throughout the build. Costs can vary greatly depending on the location or market, making it a significant and unpredictable part of the overall budget.

Which approach is best for your business?

Modular vs traditional construction: how do you choose?

As always, it depends on your particular situation. In essence, though, prefab construction will suit if your business needs:

• Fast, scalable expansion
• A clear, upfront budget (cost-certainty!)
• Efficiency.

That’s why it works well for industries such as:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Retail
• Hospitality.

Alternatively, head down the traditional construction path if you’re after:

• Highly-customised, complex designs
• Unique architectural features 
• Plenty of onsite changes (due to design changes or site conditions).

Generally speaking, the traditional method is the preferred choice for projects such as:

• Large-scale infrastructure such as high rise buildings
• Specialised commercial buildings
• Those with difficult site access, i.e. dense urban areas

Is your business about to build?

Ultimately, the choice between prefab and traditional construction depends on your specific needs and priorities. 

The traditional approach will always have a place in construction. But it’s worth thinking about prefab construction. It’s faster, more cost-certain – and far less disruptive than the traditional way.

At Advance Build, we understand you don’t want construction to drag on for months or years. That’s why we offer high-quality, efficient transportable home solutions for businesses like yours.

Talk to the team today about your next building project.