The soaring price of the US Dollar has made the cost of imported goods like steel prohibitively expensive. EcoConcrete Kenya Beam & Block provides a locally sourced and produced alternative at a very cost-effective rate that aids budget control in construction.
Budget control in construction is the process by which managers keep expenses under control by managing labour, material, and overhead costs to ensure that the project finishes on a set budget. Budget control relies on sound estimates and constant monitoring over the course of a project. Without cost control, a project quickly burns through its budget before all is completed.
The construction industry in Kenya is becoming efficient in cost control and achieving advanced technologies like precast. The use of precast concrete technology helps in budget control by allowing a predetermined cost of construction that is unlikely to change after quotation. Effective management of cost enables clients, developers, and facilitators to achieve value for money.
ways precast concrete products save money.
1) Precast concrete saves transport cost
Precast concrete products are built in one location and then transported on-site by a smaller number of workers, making the operation cleaner and more efficient. On-site concrete, on the other hand, necessitates more workers, equipment, and vehicles, which adds to the project’s costs.
2) Precast prevents delays
Precast concrete moulds allow manufacturers to respond quickly and cast immediately for small, large, or medium-sized projects. It is a cast-off site product in a controlled environment, and it’s not affected by the weather conditions avoiding construction delays.
Contractors and builders know that delays in the project lead to many unpredicted losses. The precast concrete is secure compared to cast on-site concrete and allows contractors more control over the project.
3) Precast comes with superior quality
Precast concrete beams and blocks are of high quality, and casting experts monitor the precast plant for the well-mixed concrete and the controlled climate, ensuring quality for longer life cycles and less maintenance. If the structure lasts longer than expected, the investment value rises.
With the use of lab-tested components, high-density precast concrete is produced, which makes precast concrete very durable and corrosion-resistant. It can withstand impact, corrosion, and go through years of wear and tear while still maintaining structural integrity. The outstanding corrosion-resistant properties of reinforced concrete make it the perfect pick for floor/roof slabs, walls, and other precast construction. It is also ideal for constructing foundations as it is resistant to moisture.
4) Precast enhances safety
Because worker safety is the priority in any type of work, precast concrete is manufactured out of site and is easy to handle eliminating the major risks. On-site casting is sometimes required, but the safety record of precast projects helps to reduce the risk, resulting in fewer accidents on the job site.
5) Precast increases energy efficiency
In the building, the materials and processes used in construction have a significant role to play in energy efficiency. Precast is an energy-efficient solution in construction due to excellent insulation and thermal properties, as they are applicable in all climates. Heavy-weight concrete buildings accumulate energy and minimize power demand. Insulated floors reduce energy consumption for both cooling and heating.
Steps of budget control in Construction
1: Analysis and discovery
Start by assembling your team, as it takes more than one person to plan a budget. The makeup of your construction team depends on the size of the structure under construction.
An understanding of the overall cost structure is critical, your funding for the project should be secure and well-established.
Construction projects are expensive, so being prepared to withstand overruns without breaking the bank is essential. Research and analyse the goals and requirements that you have for this project. Know the what and why of your build before you start on the how. Once you have all of that planned out, start on the specifics. Evaluate the site conditions and any existing documentation.
2: Design and development
During this phase, you need to determine the potential scope of your project. The first step is to meet with your architects and design consultants i.e., engineers to draw on their expertise as needed.
After you analyse your potential work, ask consultants to come up with creative options and pitch with drawings or models. It’s critical for all stakeholders and decision-makers to be aligned on the final design before you get started.
Once there’s sign-off, create a list of required materials, and don’t hesitate to seek help from outside consultants for second opinions. Most of us don’t have any idea what goes into the buildings we spend most of our days in, nor how much they could possibly cost.
Having an experienced engineer provide an estimate for the overall project will enable you to evaluate bids from multiple contractors when it comes time to choose one for budget control.
3: Documentation and pre-construction
Once you power through the design and development phase, you will need to secure approval for the final design and budget. Ensure decision-makers understand the project and are prepared to move forward with it.
Before breaking ground, have a meeting with all stakeholders (contractors, architects, Engineers, etc.) to discuss the project, assess any potential issues, and work to resolve them. This will reduce risk from the start and help keep your project budget and timeline more firmly on track.
4: Construction and closeout
Actually building and closing out contracts will almost certainly be the longest phase of the project. Monitor the build and ensure progress is kept as close to your projected schedules and costs as possible.
Even the best-laid plans will encounter hurdles. Keep a detailed change order log to ensure that when changes need to be made, they’re tracked and noted for the future. Identify problem spots ahead of time and develop workarounds.
Keep all stakeholders aligned, from contractors to utilities. Track your deliverables and any materials being used. This will help keep your contractors’ progress payments timely, accurate, and fair to the work that has been completed. Prepare punch lists, closeout checklists, warranties, and any necessary inspections.
Conclusion
Precast concrete is one of the versatile and modern ways to enhance the durability of construction in a cost-effective way. Precast concrete products have several benefits that tend to save time and money as we have seen in this article.
Traditionally poured concrete casting requires more money and time on the other hand precast products require fewer amounts of money and time, especially in these unpredictable economic times.
Contact us on 0700 326 326 for more information.