Keys to an Economic Precast Solution
Contact a Precaster Early
Many factors influence precast costs. Size and piece repetition are the two that have the largest influence. Materials, architectural detailing, texture, cross-section, production and erection details, jobsite access conditions, and connections can also affect total cost. In order to ensure the most cost effective solution as possible, contact StructureCast during the early stages of your projects conceptual design phases to make your project a success!
Repetitive Shapes Minimize Mold Costs
Although precast concrete is quite heavy, nearly all other competing materials require machinery for handling and installation as well. Besides, speed of installation is more dependent on excavation than product handling and placement. Precast concrete products arrive at the jobsite ready to install. There is no need to order raw materials, and there is no need to expend time setting up forms, placing concrete or waiting for the concrete to cure.
Large Pieces Can Be More Cost Efficient To Produce, Deliver & Install
When planning your project design, your objective should be to minimize the number of molds and the number of major mold changes, especially if the molds have distinctive architectural shapes and designs. The practical goal should be to yield 20 to 30 pieces from each mold.
Simple reveals and rustication patterns cost almost nothing to mold, if repetitive. Projecting cornices, bullnoses, form liners, and top and bottom returns do add cost; however, if used repetitively, these design features can be attractive, affordable options that heighten aesthetic interest.
Choose Desired Design Features
Design features are infinite in number and possibilities. The adjacent chart shows you the approximate square foot cost of adding design features.
Effect of Repeition on Panel Square Foot Cost
| Number of Reuses | Panel Size (Sq.Ft.) | Mold Cost | Cost per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 200 | $3,000 | $15.00 |
| 10 | 200 | $3,000 | $1.50 |
| 20 | 200 | $3,000 | $0.75 |
| 30 | 200 | $3,000 | $0.51 |
Project Price Changes Based on the Number of Forms Affected by the Complex Shape
| Pieces | Project Total Sq.Ft. | Forms Affected | Project Premium | Premium per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 12,500 | 1 | $4,000 | $0.32 |
| 100 | 12,500 | 2 | $8,000 | $0.64 |
| 100 | 12,500 | 3 | $12,000 | $0.96 |
| 100 | 12,500 | 4 | $16,000 | $1.29 |
Effect of Panel Size on Erection Cost per sq.ft.*
| Panel Size, Sq.Ft | Erection Cost Per Piece, $/Sq.Ft. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $300 | $600 | $900 | $1,800** | |
| 50 | 6.00 | 12.00 | 18.00 | 36.00 |
| 100 | 3.00 | 6.00 | 9.00 | 18.00 |
| 150 | 2.00 | 4.00 | 6.00 | 12.00 |
| 200 | 1.50 | 3.00 | 4.50 | 9.00 |
| 250 | 1.20 | 2.40 | 3.60 | 7.20 |
| 300 | 1.00 | 2.00 | 3.00 | 6.01 |
**New York City
Lump Sum Price Versus Piece Size
| Sq.Ft. Per Piece | Cost Per Piece | Cost Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | $3,000 | $30.00 |
| 150 | $3,500 | $23.22 |
| 200 | $4,000 | $20.01 |