In the world of construction, time is indeed money. The adage “Time is Money” may sound cliché, but it holds undeniable truth, especially in real estate development. The shorter the time it takes to construct a new building, the more significant the benefits, not only in terms of direct costs but also in reducing social costs associated with noise and dust pollution from construction sites.
When it comes to building materials like Cold Formed Steel (CFS) or Cold Rolled Steel (CRS), there are clear advantages compared to other materials. To fully grasp these advantages, it’s essential to understand the primary value proposition of CFS and how it can lead to successful projects that save both time and money.
A value proposition is the demonstrable value that a company promises to deliver to its clients when they choose to use their product or service. It serves as a concise business or marketing statement summarizing why a consumer should opt for a particular product or service.
The goal of a value proposition is to persuade potential consumers that a specific product, in this case, CFS, adds more value or more effectively solves their problems than similar alternatives. It must clearly articulate how the product meets a need, explaining its unique benefits and why it outperforms other products on the market. An ideal value proposition is concise and resonates with a customer’s core decision-making drivers.
Consider the case of Canadian CFS construction company “FrameTech.” They urgently needed to plan and construct a new, significantly larger building as they were outgrowing their existing manufacturing facility. Their primary objective was to use CFS exclusively in this new construction, replacing structural steel and pre-engineered metal (PEM).
FrameTech was well aware of the advantages of CFS, including its:
✓ Strength
CFS is up to 20% stronger than typical hot-rolled steel (HRS) due to its room-temperature manufacturing process. This makes it the preferred material for curtain walls and partitions in commercial construction.
✓ Sustainability
CFS is an eco-friendly choice, ideal for projects aiming to minimize carbon emissions and waste while creating energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly buildings.
✓ Aesthetics
CFS often boasts a more modern appearance compared to hot-rolled steel.
FrameTech faced several key considerations, challenges, and benefits in their valueproposition:
✓ Eliminating structural steel
They aimed to eliminate the use of structural steel for certain building elements.
✓ Creating flexibility
The design included a large workshop with spacious clear spans, bays, and height to accommodatefuture additions and modifications.
✓ Efficiency
FrameTech collaborated closely with an engineering company to optimize design and construction.
✓ Economy
The project had to be cost-effective, with savings realized through in-house expertise and efficient construction.
Engineers developed truss and column assemblies, adding insulation to the building frame to enhance energy efficiency. The result was impressive:
✓ Time Savings
The project was completed in just nine weeks, saving approximately 17 weeks compared to traditional construction methods.
✓ Cost Savings
FrameTech saved an estimated $1 million in labor costs and potential time delays by using their in-house team.
In conclusion, Cold Formed Steel offers significant advantages in terms of time and cost savings for certain building types, making it an attractive value proposition for projects aiming for efficiency and rapid progress. FrameTech’s success story demonstrates how embracing CFS can lead to substantial benefits in the world of construction.
