When comparing building in Light Gauge Steel Framing (LGSF) versus traditional materials, it is critical that the total cost of build is taken into consideration.

The total cost consists of:

• Material cost (on a m2 basis and including wastage – how much of your money is literally thrown in the off-cuts bin?)
• Manufacturing time and associated costs (labour and output rates)
• Transportation (getting materials to site)
• Construction / erection costs (labour)

While there is a tendency to compare the material costs only, this ignores many of the major project costs.  LGSF, especially when combined with FRAMECAD’s Steel Frame Business Solution, enables companies to:

• Save time and money by manufacturing frames 30% faster than traditional building methods (e.g. timber frames)
• Save in labour costs by utilizing low cost labour (due to the accuracy of LGSF frames and the ease of assembly. It may seem cheaper to use a traditional material but if it takes three times as long to complete the build then you’re wasting money and missing out on profit)
• Improve margins by using alternative building methods such as prefab, transportable and modular; as well as the usual build-on-site method
• Reduce onsite rework and warranty provisions through the accuracy of the system (no bows, nail pops or squeaky floors)
• Reduce transport costs due to the light weight nature of steel
• Save money by reducing material wastage

Analyzing and focusing on the total cost of build will enable your company to realize the following benefits:

• Improve profits (less wastage and lower labour input)
• Improve margins
• Improve cashflow (build and sell faster)
• Free up project capital sooner
• Decrease interest costs
• Invest more into profit generating activities
• Move quicker on to other investments

Tags : cost, cost of build, LGSF, steel frame