A mid-size team with extraordinary results
We are a mid-size MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) firm specialized in engineering design. We bridge the gap between small local shops and large national corporations. We have ample resources to handle complex projects, such as hospitality and large commercial buildings, while providing more personalized client service than expensive giant firms.
Our current team includes five PEs licensed in several states and over a dozen designers to keep your projects on schedule. Some of our notable building projects are valued at several million dollars, Many of the buildings are single story to mid-rise, with most being low-rise. We have completed several MEP projects for spaces as small as 2,000 square feet up to a half million square feet.
Property Types
- amenity centers
- business offices
- churches
- commercial
- government community buildings
- gymnasium
- industrial
- retail
- medical offices
- restaurants
- storage
- strip centers
- tenant improvements
Two Low Cost Construction Methods
Tilt-Wall Construction
Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMB)
Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMB)
Tilt-Up Construction involves pouring concrete panels on-site and then tilting them upright to form the walls of the building. This method is commonly used for industrial, retail, and commercial buildings.
Cost Factors for Tilt-Up Construction:
- Higher Material Costs: Concrete is more expensive than steel, and the formwork required for casting the walls adds to costs.
- Longer Construction Time: Tilt-up buildings take more time to build compared to PEMBs because of the curing time for concrete panels and the complexity of the tilting process.
- More Labor-Intensive: It requires specialized equipment for tilting the panels, and skilled labor for both the casting and the assembly.
- Stronger and More Durable: Concrete panels offer greater durability and resistance to weather and fire, which can justify the additional cost.
Estimated Cost Range:
- Low End: $40 to $60 per square foot (for basic designs with minimal customization).
- High End: $60 to $100+ per square foot (for high-performance buildings with custom designs and finishes).
Pros of Tilt-Up:
- Stronger, more durable structure (fire-resistant, better thermal performance).
- Low maintenance over time.
- Aesthetic appeal: can be finished in various textures or coatings.
Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMB)
Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMB)
Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMB)
PEMB involves the use of factory-built steel components, which are pre-manufactured and then assembled on-site. These buildings are typically used for warehouses, commercial buildings, and industrial structures.
Cost Factors for PEMB:
- Lower Material Costs: Steel components are generally less expensive than traditional construction materials like concrete and brick.
- Faster Construction Time: The prefabricated nature of PEMBs allows for quicker assembly, which reduces labor costs.
- Simpler Foundations: PEMBs usually require less extensive foundations, which can reduce costs.
- Design Flexibility: PEMBs are more adaptable to standard building shapes (such as rectangular designs), but customization can add to costs.
Estimated Cost Range:
- Low End: $20 to $30 per square foot (for basic designs and minimal custom work).
- High End: $30 to $50+ per square foot (for more complex designs, additional features like insulation, or larger buildings).
Pros of PEMB:
- Faster construction time.
- Lower material costs.
- More flexibility in site preparation.
- Energy-efficient options available (e.g., insulated panels).
Construction Method Analysis
- PEMB is generally the cheaper and faster option, ideal for straightforward, large-span buildings like warehouses, factories, and distribution centers.
- Tilt-Up is more expensive, but offers greater durability, aesthetics, and long-term performance, making it a better choice for commercial and industrial buildings three stories and under, that need to last for decades and have more specific design requirements.
Based on information available, low-rise commercial buildings likely account for the largest share of U.S. commercial construction. In that category, tilt wall is the most popular construction method because of speed, cost, and durability. Although, this is not true for mid-rise projects.
If you're working on a project where budget and timeline are critical, PEMB would typically be the more cost-effective choice. If you're looking for a more durable, customizable building and are willing to invest more upfront, Tilt-Up could be worth the extra investment.
Our engineers are highly experience with both of these cost effective building methods. We would appreciate the opportunity to submit our bid and are eager to support your team on your project.
