Faster Construction

CFS construction time is typically faster than traditional methods and significant time savings can be trimmed off the construction schedule. CFS allows for quicker production, fabrication and install.

  • Panelization – Frames and components can be formed at high speed and erection time is fast and simple requiring less labor time onsite
  • Weather Delays – Offers a more predictable schedule- using panelized construction can minimize rain, snow and other weather delays

Cost Effectiveness

CFS construction can be every cost effective especially when you consider all the long term benefits to the property owner.

  • Return on Investment – ROI is increased over wood and concrete construction
  • Insurance – Non Combustibility- light gauge products are resilient and noncombustible, which equates to lower builder risk insurance
  • Fast Efficient Construction
    • Light weight and can be assembled without heavy lifting equipment saving on time, labor and cost
    • Off site fabrication- Walls can be panelized off-site which reduces on-­site labor costs and construction waste
    • Steel framing also allows for designs that use wider stud spacing and varying thicknesses of material, which can result in further cutting construction costs compared to traditional concrete or structural steel systems
  • Maintenance Cost – Long term building maintenance costs are reduced because steel is resistant to rot, mold, termite infestation
  • Warranty – The consistent, high quality of steel framing results in few warranty claims and call-backs
  • Foundations – CFS has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any construction material so less concrete is needed at the foundation to support the structure – cutting costs further

SUSTAINABILITY

● Less waste

● 100% recyclable

● More energy efficiency

● Better acoustical performance

SAFETY

● More ductile to stresses imposed by wind and seismic forces

● Less variables than wood or concrete construction

● Non-combustible framing material

● Highest strength-to-weight ratio of all framing materials

DURABILITY

● Corrosion resistant

● Does not harbor mold growth

● Better loss history than wood

● Unaffected by termites or other pest

QUALITY

● Steel coils are Mill Certified

● Engineered to delivers dimensional accuracy

● Precisely dimensioned to minimizing errors on-site

● Panels and openings are verified prior to shipment

Advantages of using CFS over Wood Construction

  • Building Height – IBC approved up to 12 stories
  • Reduced Foundations Cost – Lighter structure results in reduced foundation requirements
  • Electrical/Plumbing Savings –  trades work faster because all service holes are prepunched and this can result in a ~50 cents/sqft savings
  • Abbreviated Schedule – off-site prefabrication means on-site framing time is reduced by ~50%, which results in:
    • Faster to market product
    • General Condition savings from Contractor
    • Lower developer carry cost
  • Lower Builder’s Risk Insurance – policies for steel are 2/3 the cost of policies for wood
  • Lower Owner’s Property Insurance  – ~50% lower than a wood building
  • Reduced Risk – Steel is purchased in advance of fabrication, which reduces supply chain risk and price volatility
  • Design-Build System – frame engineering is provided as part of the service which means:
    • Structural engineering above the foundation can be eliminated
    • No risk of change orders
    • BIM design which integrates with the architect’s model
    • No waste
  • Flexibility – CFS can be combined with concrete structure, steel structure, or wood components
  • Flooring Savings – When MgO Board is used for floor decking, gypcrete can be eliminated saving ~$1.50/sqft
  • Sustainable Product – Steel is recyclable
  • Improved Quality – CFS is non-organic which results in:
    • Mold proof
    • Termite proof
    • No VOC’s
    • Steel doesn’t warp or twist; openings are square and walls are straight
    • Little to no shrink or swell risk so the building has less cracking and settling

Advantages of using CFS over Concrete Construction

  • Structure Cost – Typically $3-$5 /sqft cheaper
  • Foundations Cost – Up to 50% Lighter structure results in reduced foundation requirements
  • Electrical/Plumbing Savings –  trades work faster because all service holes are prepunched and this can result in a ~50 cents/sqft savings
  • Abbreviated Schedule – off-site prefabrication means on-site framing time is reduced by ~50%, which results in:
    • Faster to market product
    • General Condition savings from Contractor
    • Lower developer carry cost
  • Design-Build System – frame engineering is provided as part of the service which means:
    • Structural engineering above the foundation can be eliminated
    • No risk of change orders
    • BIM design which integrates with the architect’s model
    • No waste
  • Flexibility – CFS can be combined with concrete structure, steel structure, or wood components
  • Sustainable Product – Steel is recyclable