To what Extent has the Promise of Pre-Fabrication in the Construction of Housing has been Cost Effective for the Client?

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Abstract

This study explores the concept of “Prefabricated houses” in a detailed manner. The main focus of the research is on “Prefabricated houses” and its relation with “Cost Effectiveness”. The research also analyzes many aspects of “Prefabricated houses” and tries to gauge its effect on “Cost Effectiveness”. Finally the research describes various factors which are responsible for “Prefabricated houses” and tries to describe the overall effect of “Prefabricated houses” on “Cost Effectiveness”.

1. Introduction

“Off site Fabrication, prefabrication, pre-assembly and modularisation are part of the broad spectrum of innovative contemporary techniques available to clients, developers and project managers seeking greater cost -effectiveness in construction.”

(A.F.Gibb:1999) pg 13

The construction industry has started to change over the past two decades, reports and investigations into the satisfaction of the industry's clients and the efficiency of the industry as a whole has led to the call for change.

Egan states “There is deep concern that the industry as a whole is under-achieving. It has low profitability and invests too little in capital, research and development and training. Too many of the Industry's clients are dissatisfied with its overall performance.”

(Egan: Rethinking construction 1998) pg 4

The views expressed by the Likes of Latham, Egan and the construction task force has meant that new methods and forms of construction have had to be established or developed further to meet the changing needs of the industry's clients and the world that construction is taking place in today. Other industry's have changed and developed to become more efficient and construction has had to try and follow suit or run the risk off being left behind.

“In both manufacturing and service industries there have been increases in efficiency and transformations of companies which a decade ago nobody would have believed possible. For example, British grocery chains are now world leaders. Car plants in this country are among the best internationally in terms of off efficiency and productivity”. (Egan rethinking construction pg11)

The industry has developed since the Latham and Egan reports of some ten years ago. Many ideas were developed and implemented such as the use of partnering as a method of bringing greater efficiency and cost savings through Clients and contractors developing long standing working relationships. One of the most noticeable changes has been the revival and increase in use of “pre-fabrication” throughout the industry in the past ten years.

Pre-fabrication is not a new innovation in the construction industry it has been used in many different ...