Prefab vs. Traditional Construction: Cost Comparison?

[Rigroller]

Hey folks,

just wondering if anyone has done a real cost comparison between prefab and traditional stick-built construction. Is prefab actually cheaper in the long run when you factor in labor, materials, and time? Would love to hear your experience or numbers if you’ve run the math!

 

[BricklayerX]

Did a side-by-side on a mid-size office build last year, prefab shaved off nearly 3 weeks and saved us about 15% overall. Labor costs were way lower, and we didn’t lose time to weather. Material costs were close, but the controlled environment and faster turnaround made prefab the better call for that job. If speed and predictability matter, prefab’s tough to beat.

 

[Kevin.grant]

Interesting thread! I haven’t crunched full numbers myself yet, but I’ve seen prefab projects move way faster with fewer delays it definitely seems like the time savings alone can make a big dent in overall costs, especially on tight schedules.

 

[Michael Race]

Yeah, I’ve noticed the same. Prefab can really speed things up and help avoid some of the usual headaches with scheduling and weather. The upfront cost might not always be lower, but the time and labor savings add up fast. Definitely feels like a smart option for certain types of builds.