Is it cheaper to use precast concrete?

Lifting System For Precast Concrete

Whether precast concrete is cheaper depends entirely on project specifics. Here’s a no-nonsense comparison of cost drivers:

●When Precast is Typically Cheaper

▸Repetitive Structures

Identical units (e.g., parking garages, apartment blocks) spread mold costs across many components.
Example: 50 identical columns cast in one reusable mold.

▸Labor-Intensive Regions

Reduces skilled onsite labor needs (no formwork carpenters or finishers).
Critical where union wages or labor shortages inflate costs wages or labor shortages inflate costs.

▸Accelerated Schedules

Factory production + fast assembly slashes project duration.
Saves overhead costs (site management, equipment rentals, financing fees).

▸High-Quality Finishes

Architectural surfaces (exposed aggregate, patterns) cost less in factory vs. onsite handwork.

▸Remote Sites

Offsite fabrication avoids mobilizing crews/equipment to inaccessibleizing crews/equipment to inaccessible locations.

●When Cast-in-Place is Usually Cheaper

▸Unique/Custom Designs

Custom molds for one-off shapes cost more than simple onsite formwork.
Example: Organic architectural curves.

▸Small-Scale Projects

Transporting few precast units long distances kills savings.
Example: A single retaining wall.

▸Tight Sites with No Crane Access

Precast requires heavy cranes; cast-in-place can use pumps or manual methods.

▸Design Changes Mid-Construction

Altering precast units post-production is costly; cast-in-place allows adjustments.