In the field of metal structures, you can often come across a ready-made project for various buildings, such as a ready-made project for a hall or a ready-made project for a car repair shop. The term “turnkey” project attracts attention mainly because of the claim that this type of project offers significant savings in cost, time and quick results.
However, it is extremely important to dig deeper and evaluate the validity of these claims. In this article, we’ll look at three common advantages of “off-the-shelf” projects, their potential drawbacks, and why each project ultimately deserves an individualized approach.
The reality of off-the-shelf designs: Debunking the three most common benefits
The three most common advantages associated with choosing a ready-made metal construction project are saving half of the design costs, short deadlines and fast results.
1.Design cost savings
The first advantage you may come across with a ready-made project is that it will save you up to 50% of the design costs. But is saving half the cost really possible?
Although the idea of saving this amount may seem attractive and extremely tempting, it is crucial to consider various factors. Ready-made projects often require adjustments and adaptations to specific conditions of your plot, including geological factors, load requirements and impacts such as snow, wind, temperature differences, seismic impacts. Factors such as existing buildings, additions and distances must also be taken into account.
The finished project may include loads and impacts for a geographical location with minimum or maximum loads for Bulgaria. In both cases, they most likely will not exactly meet the norms for your project, and in the second, at maximum loads, there will be a greater cost of materials. This will inevitably lead to a greater financial cost.
Ignoring these specifics can lead to non-compliance and lack of optimization. Ultimately, the cost of execution (ie construction) on a non-optimized design can far exceed any initial savings, and certainly not deliver on its initial promise of saving up to 50% of the design cost.
2.Receive a completed project quickly
A second advantage associated with the so-called “ready-made” project is a short delivery time. Let’s look at it too.
Although off-the-shelf designs may promise quick results, the time required for adjustments and fit-outs is usually comparable to that of individual designs. Coordination with other parts of the project is inevitable and cannot be missed, even if there is a lead in the project on the “Structures” part.
In the past, there were so-called standard designs where all drawings and calculations were done by hand. Understandably, this made the process much slower. But advances in the software used have eliminated the need for manual operations and greatly shortened the design process, making the timelines for “individual” and “off-the-shelf” designs the same.
3.Predictability of the result
The third often cited advantage of ready-made projects is the ability to predict the end result.
While off-the-shelf designs emphasize predictability, modern design practices allow rapid visualization and calculations of metal consumption.
Nowadays, with a clear assignment with the specifics of the project and geological conditions, it is possible to present a Visualization and Consumption of metal for a specific option within a few days. This allows clients to receive information at short notice presenting specific design options and what to expect.
Embracing the individuality of each project
Considering the advantages discussed, it becomes clear that “off-the-shelf” projects perfectly suited to the client’s needs are rare. While the allure of cost savings and quick results can be very tempting, the reality of adjustments, adaptations, and potential non-optimization must be considered.
After all, the concept of a “ready-made” project is more of a marketing tactic, tapping into customer expectations, but which will rarely be able to meet them. It is critical to evaluate the true benefits and consider the long-term implications of choosing a standardized solution (such as an off-the-shelf design) versus a custom design that prioritizes the success of your project.
Each project ultimately requires an individualized approach to ensure compliance, cost-effectiveness and optimal results. The benefits of a customized design process that takes into account unique site characteristics, geologic conditions, and loading considerations far outweigh any perceived advantages of “off-the-shelf” designs.
In conclusion…
Metal construction projects are best executed by embracing their individuality. By prioritizing specific project requirements, regulatory compliance and optimized results, clients can make informed decisions about their metalwork projects.
Recognizing that the benefits of “off-the-shelf” designs often outweigh the need for adjustments, adaptations, and the potential for non-optimization, it becomes clear that customization is key.
So before you fall in love with the idea of an “off-the-shelf” project, weigh the real benefits and make a choice that aligns with your project’s goals and expectations.