On-site and Off-site construction techniques are widely used in the construction industry based on the objective and features of the construction project.
In an on-site construction, the technique makes use of traditional construction methods in which all the works and construction activities are performed sequentially. On the other hand, in off-site construction, the building components are manufactured at the factory through a streamlined process and adequate quality, which is then assembled at the construction site to get a complete structure.
Here the advantages and disadvantages of on-site and off - site construction are explained in this article.
Pros and Cons of On-site Construction
Pros of On-Site Construction
The important advantages of On-site construction are:
1. Design Customization
On-site construction techniques help to have any sort of design customization. In fact, it let the project team perform limitless customization. In case of a project, unexpected delays and issues faced at the site demands for intelligent design changes. These changes can be incorporated in on-site construction projects.
2. Alteration After Construction Phase
It is always recommended to reduce changes and alteration from the originally made design of the respective project. Change in design plans is something that result in project delay. But under necessary situations, the on-site construction method helps to make changes in the design plans.
3. Construction in Tight Urban Areas
Performing construction in urban areas with a tight population and traffic is a tough process. It is best to construct structures in these areas on-site instead of off-site as it is tough to transport and assemble building modules in such congested areas.
4. Easy Renovation
On-site construction helps to add any new structure to an existing structure or to undergo any sort of renovation. This finally provides a seamless look to the structure.
Cons of On-Site Construction
The disadvantages of on-site construction are:
1. Weather Conditions
The on-site construction is highly influenced by the weather conditions. As each site of on-site construction is primarily done on-site, each step is delayed if there are any unfavorable weather conditions.
2. Safety Concerns
Compared to off-site or modular construction, on-site construction demands high safety and precautions.
Pros and Cons of Off-site Construction
Pros of Off-site Construction
Important advantages of off-site construction or modular construction are enlisted briefly below:
1. Project not influenced by Weather
In off-site construction, the majority of the building elements are manufactured in the factory, hence the weather conditions do not affect the manufacture. The only site time and conditions affected are during the assembling.
2. Management of Timelines
The project team at the factory can perform the work simultaneously with the team at the site so that the timelines can be properly streamlined.
3. Quality Control
The structural units are manufactured at the factory under controlled factory settings thus off-site construction produces the final product with extreme quality.
4. Less Safety Concerns
The safety concerns and risks are less as a major time of the project is spent at the factory. Less time is spent at the site for assembling the prefabricated units.
5. Reduction of Waste and Overall Energy
Considering off-site construction helps to reduce the wastage caused in construction when compared to on-site construction.
6. Airtight Commercial Buildings
The modular construction techniques develop buildings, especially commercial buildings that are energy efficient by employing air tight prefabricated products.
Cons of Off-site Construction
The disadvantages of Off-site construction are:
1. Suitability Depends on Location
2. Changes in Design and Plans are not possible once the project Starts
3. Demands Extreme Detailed Planning
4. Customization in Modular Construction is Limited
5. Demands Proper and more communication between on-site and off – site workers
Also Read: What is Off-site construction?