While on the lookout for construction alternatives, you might have come across the terms pre-engineered and pre-fabricated buildings. Pre-engineered and pre-fabricated concepts may sound similar; however, in actuality, their meanings are significantly different. Knowing the difference will help you understand the choices available to you regarding building construction.
About Pre-Engineered Buildings:
Pre-engineered modular buildings (PEB) are designed and constructed in a factory. They are generally steel-based and can be altered per any client demand. This design process incorporates structural, mechanical, and electric systems from early stages. This synergy delivers effectiveness and minimizes the construction time.
The unique advantage of PEBs is their speed of assembly. Since most components are built-off site, they can be put together more quickly on site. It greatly reduces the labor cost, and project delivery time.
About Pre-Fabricated Buildings:
Pre-fabricated structures, also referred to as modular buildings, are assembled from components manufactured in factories offsite. Contrary to PEB, pre-fabricated constructions include wood, concrete, or steel. These can be ideal for residential homes, schools or commercial buildings, etc. The biggest plus point about these structures is the unique design; they can be easily expanded or adjusted according to your needs.
The Essential Differences Between Pre-Fab and Pre-Engineered Buildings:
Though both PEBs and pre-fab buildings are meant to make construction simpler, they are quite different.
- Composition: PEBs are made primarily of steel, whereas pre-fab buildings could use a multitude of materials.
- Design Variations: There are several design options available in pre-fab buildings. They serve multiple architectural plans, while PEBs tend to be more of a functional type.
- Construction: PEBs are built for fast assembly, so that they can help in reducing the construction time much quicker. However, prefabs can take longer because of the onsite assembly of the separate components.
- Price: PEBs tend to be less expensive because of the streamlined design. While the upfront cost of a pre-fab building can seem more, it can save in the long-term through energy efficiency.
Applications and Use Cases:
The reasons why each type of building is used are different. Pre-engineered construction is used for warehouses, factories, and larger commercial buildings. As a result, these structures offer strength and durability.
Prefabricated buildings are, however, a new trend in residential solutions, schools, agriculture, and healthcare facilities. Being modular, they can quickly be set to use in areas needing immediate housing or services.
Why Choose The Experts?
Whether you are still mulling over your options, companies like atlanticsteelstructures.com stand ready to furnish you with good and helpful insights. They can inform you of some best practices in selecting and constructing custom buildings. You need to make educated and informed decisions with their input, ensuring that you select the structure that suits your needs.
Conclusion
Basically, pre-engineered and pre-fabricated buildings are alike but used for different applications. The information shared here will make you choose the right ones among these as per your project. Whether you want a quick, budget friendly, or flexible solution, there are choices for you. Explore your options now!