What Makes Up the Cost of a Prefabricated Building? An Item-by-Item Budget Guide

Most people asking for a quote for a prefabricated house, container or light steel building expect a single price per square metre. Such a price can be given, but it misleads; the budget of two buildings of the same area can double depending on fittings and site. In this article, instead of a price, we explain the items that make up the budget, the approximate share of each and what changes that share. The aim is for you to know what you are comparing with what when reading a quote.

1. Structural system

In a light steel building this item is the frame of galvanized profiles; in a prefabricated building the panel frame and roof trusses; in a container the chassis and body profiles. Its share of the budget is usually the second highest. Factors that increase the share: number of storeys, wide spans, heavy snow load and high seismic zone calculations. Galvanizing thickness and steel grade (such as S350GD+Z275) determine the price; in a cheap quote this is the first item cut, so ask for the material certificate.

2. Panels and insulation

The insulation material of the wall and roof panels (polyurethane, rock wool, EPS) and its thickness determine this item. A thick, non-combustible panel raises the initial budget and lowers heating and cooling costs for years. A low quote with thin panels in a cold region costs more in the operation period.

3. Windows and facade

PVC or aluminium windows, glass type (double, heat control) and external cladding (metal, composite, wood-look) are in this item. The share grows as the glazed area grows. In villas and tourism buildings it is the most variable item of the budget.

4. Services and interior fittings

Electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, kitchen and bathroom fittings. Most of the difference between shell delivery and turnkey is here. The number of wet rooms and air conditioners changes the budget directly. When comparing quotes, always ask whether services are included and at what level.

5. Foundation and ground

Because a prefabricated building is light, a strip or raft foundation is sufficient on most ground; concrete pads are used for containers. Sloping land, weak ground and a high water table increase the foundation cost. The foundation is usually outside the manufacturer's scope; clarify the scope in quotes.

6. Transport

The distance from the factory (Polatli, Ankara) to the site, the number of trucks and the loading gauge determine this item. Knock-down systems are transported with fewer vehicles; a monoblock container carries fewer units per vehicle. In overseas projects, packing to container dimensions reduces this item.

7. Assembly and site works

Assembly crew, crane, scaffolding and accommodation. Site remoteness and difficult access increase the share. As more work is completed at the factory, this item shrinks; in a fully equipped container, site work is limited to placement and connection.

The five decisions that change the budget most

• Permanent or temporary: A container for temporary use, prefabricated or light steel for permanent; the wrong choice means double the cost.
• Insulation thickness: Chosen according to the climate zone; increasing it later means new panels.
• Delivery level: Shell, with services, turnkey; the scope must be in writing.
• Glazing ratio: An aesthetic decision is a budget decision.
• Site distance and readiness: On a site with infrastructure ready, the assembly item halves.

Checklist when reading a quote

• Are the steel grade and galvanizing thickness written down?
• Are the panel type and thickness specified?
• Is the scope of services and interior fittings listed item by item?
• Are foundation, transport and assembly inside or outside the scope?
• Are the delivery time and payment plan tied to the budget?

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