From project delays to workplace injuries, the disruption of a building site isn't just an inconvenience; it also has a major impact on the cost and quality of projects. But what if there was a way for you, as the builder, to control and minimise any disruption? Thankfully, with prefabricated construction solutions, teams are able to reduce site disturbance significantly. We explore how prefab construction can reduce on-site disturbances caused by typical building processes and help your project run smoothly.
Types Of Disruption
Site disruption comes in many forms and doesn’t just impact the construction team — neighbours also bear the brunt of complications on site. The last thing homeowners want is to gain a reputation as being difficult before they even move in. Let’s break down the different ways the site and surrounding environment can be disrupted (and more importantly, how prefab can help!)
Noise
Noise pollution is one of the most common complaints resulting from construction. Whether it’s drilling, hammering, or even jackhammering, the whole street can usually hear what’s happening on site. While noise restrictions are in place to minimise day-to-day disruption, prefab can reduce this even further.
Because the structures are manufactured off-site, noise is contained within the factory environment. There will of course be some noise during the delivery and installation process, but it will be significantly lower than with a structure that has been entirely built on site.
Material Waste
Prefab offers precision. At Plungie, we know how much steel and concrete are in our pools down to the gram. Not only does this help improve overall quality, but it means less material waste during the construction process. Any waste that is created won’t leave the factory floor. This helps keep the surrounding environment clean and also means fewer skips are required on site.
Multiple Teams On Site
We all know what happens when there are too many cooks in the kitchen. When multiple teams work on the same project, it’s easy for miscommunication to occur. In the case of a Plungie, the installation can be overseen by a home builder rather than a specialist pool builder, so there’s no need to bring in additional workers. This gives builders more control over their projects. What’s more — the neighbours will thank you for not taking up as many parking spaces on the street.
Workplace Injuries
Prefab solutions require fewer workers on site as the majority of labour occurs off site. Fewer people on site equates to less risk of hazard exposure. Off-site construction reduces hazard exposure on site by 20%, so there’s a much lower chance of your team members sustaining an injury. According to Safe Work Australia, an average of 6.2 working weeks is lost per workplace injury claim. Prefab solutions can help avoid these delays and ensure your team is able to do their job safely.
Project Delays
Speed is often touted as the primary benefit of prefab construction. The efficiencies achieved through prefab can cut overall project timeframes in half to help you avoid delays. After all, there’s no better way to reduce disruption on site and in the surrounding community than to get the job done faster.
Plungie installation is a fantastic example of how prefab can help you kill two birds with one stone. Firstly, the pool excavation and site preparation can be completed at the same time by the same team. Then the plumbing and electrical work can be completed for the house and the pool at the same time. To top it all off, the whole project can be overseen by one builder. Simple, right?
A Day In The Life Of A Plungie
To help illustrate the simplicity of prefab solutions, we’ve mapped out a day in the life of a Plungie — installation day to be more specific.
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Delivered on a truck (yes, even the Max) ready to install
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Precast swivels mean it’s lifted straight off the truck
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One crane is used to lift it into place — even if there’s more than one Plungie
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The home builder oversees the install
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Plumbers and electricians involved in the home build can hook up the pool equipment
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Construction cover is put on so the team can get on with the home build
When comparing the on-site activity of a Plungie and a traditional concrete pool, the difference is clear.
A Day In The Life Of A Traditional Concrete Pool
While prefab isn’t disruptive on site, it’s certainly disrupting the construction industry — and we couldn’t be more excited. We look forward to seeing more builders, architects and homeowners adopt prefab solutions and start experiencing the efficiencies for themselves.
