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prefab allows contractors to leverage
skilled labour in urban centres for work
in remote locations. This approach not
only addresses workforce constraints
but also reduces safety risks.
Kinsey says that, for electrical
contractors, pre-wiring and pre-testing
electrical components in a controlled
environment improves both efficiency
and safety.
QUALITY AND COST
IMPLICATIONS
The controlled environment of a
factory setting enhances the quality of
prefabricated components. Ciezki says
that more strict dimensional controls
and higher precision in factories lead
to superior products compared to
traditional on-site methods. However,
achieving this quality requires
thorough coordination among design
and construction teams. “Prefab saves
time and improves quality because
it’s done in a controlled environment,
avoiding on-site risks and coordination
issues,” Ciezki says.
On the cost side, there is nuance.
Prefab and modular construction can
have higher initial capital costs due
to factory setup and bulk material
procurement. Johnston points out that,
unlike traditional construction, where
payments are staggered, prefabrication
projects require upfront investment for
materials and fabrication, which can
strain cash flow for contractors.
“Prefab thrives when there’s a large,
predictable pipeline of work, but
inconsistent demand makes it hard for
manufacturers to invest and reduce
costs,” Johnston says. “For the impact
to be successful, owners need guidance
to align procurement methods that
allow these construction methods to
deliver their value.”
Yet, Johnston says factors like reduced
site labour, shorter project timelines and
improved quality will result in long-
term savings.
“I think the quality goes up just because
you are doing work in a controlled
“ANYTHING YOU CAN DO IN
THE COMFORT AND CLIMATE OF
YOUR OWN FACILITY BEFORE
IT HITS SITE GENERALLY
HELPS SAVE TIME, MONEY
AND ADDRESSES POTENTIAL
SAFETY CONCERNS.”
- Rob Kisney, CEO, CDN Power Pac
environment. The time typically goes
down and then so does the cost.”
For example, Alberta’s program-
level approach for schools aims to
standardize components, enabling bulk
procurement and lowering costs for
future projects. “At times modular and
prefab can result in a higher capital
cost, but if you take a broader look at
what your building costs, then prefab
and modular construction does start to
have a cost benefit,” Osborne says.
CHALLENGES
While there are many benefits to prefab
and modular builds, one of the biggest
challenges identified is in scaling
operations. Prefabrication thrives
on economies of scale, but achieving
this requires a consistent pipeline of
projects. As Johnston explains, this
creates a chicken-and-egg problem that
hinders widespread adoption. “No one
has been able to really invest to drop
the price point, because the pipeline
hasn't been there, and because the
pipeline hasn't been there, the price
point hasn't dropped into this kind of
flat pressure cycle.”
Finally, coordination is critical.
Prefabricated components must meet
strict building codes and integrate
seamlessly. Ciezki says that even
slight misalignments can necessitate
time-consuming adjustments.
“Early engagement with
contractors and subcontractors helps
streamline budgets and processes, and
that’s where you can save time and
reduce costs, especially on large or
intricate projects,” Ciezki says.
”Prefabrication involves some level
of certainty, because you’re engaging
people earlier and you’re getting
more control over the outcome,” says
Osborne. “That’s really important
from a design perspective.”
THE ROAD AHEAD
Far from a flash in the pan, these
construction methods could
help build Alberta’s future. By
standardizing modular and prefab
components, the industry can save
money and increase efficiency.
In a province grappling with talent
shortages, tight schedules and the
need for sustainable construction,
modular and prefab methods offer
compelling solutions. These approaches
can transform construction practices,
delivering high-quality projects that
meet the demands of a growing and
evolving population. •
CONSULTING ENGINEERS OF ALBERTA
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