How Bolt-On Balcony Systems Reduce Construction Time and Costs

In the construction industry, time and money are always top priorities. Developers, builders, and contractors are constantly looking for ways to speed up building projects and save costs. Traditional building methods, especially when it comes to balconies, can often be time-consuming and expensive. 

However, bolt-on balcony systems are quickly becoming a popular alternative. These prefabricated bolt-on balcony solutions are designed to be easy to install, cutting down both the time and costs involved in construction.

In the UK, demand for prefab systems has been growing as more companies look for ways to reduce delays and manage their budgets more effectively. Bolt-on balconies are a great example of how modern solutions can help solve the age-old problem of construction time and cost overruns.

The Cost of Traditional Balcony Construction

Traditional balcony systems are usually built directly on-site, requiring a series of complex tasks to be completed. These tasks often include pouring concrete, assembling steel parts, and using scaffolding to access higher floors. Because of these steps, the construction process takes longer and costs more.

• Labour and Equipment Costs

In traditional balcony construction, workers need to set up scaffolding and use heavy machinery to handle materials. This requires more labour and equipment, which drives up costs. The process can be slow and time-consuming, especially if the scaffolding needs to be adjusted or moved throughout the project. With many steps involved, the overall bolt-on balconies cost can quickly add up.

• Weather Delays

Construction work is also highly dependent on the weather. Bad weather, such as rain, snow, or strong winds, can delay the progress of the project. When conditions are not ideal, workers cannot perform certain tasks, leading to downtime. These delays not only extend the construction timeline but also increase costs, as more time is spent on-site.

• Need for Skilled Labour

Traditional balcony systems require skilled tradespeople to perform specific tasks, such as welding, metalwork, and concrete pouring. Hiring these specialists adds another layer of cost. In addition, finding qualified workers can be difficult, which may further slow down the project and increase overall costs.

• High Balcony Installation Costs

When you combine the costs of labour, equipment, and potential delays caused by weather, traditional balcony construction can become very expensive. The time required to complete the project also means more temporary facilities and workers on-site, further raising the price.

• Comparing with Prefabricated Bolt-On Balconies

When comparing traditional balcony systems with prefab bolt-on balconies, it’s clear that the latter is a more cost-effective solution. Prefabricated systems are made off-site and arrive ready to install. 

This reduces the need for on-site labour and equipment, cutting down on construction time and overall costs. Therefore, the high costs associated with traditional balcony installation can be avoided when opting for prefab systems.

What Makes Bolt-On Balcony Systems More Cost-Effective?

Bolt-on balcony systems are much simpler to install, and they save time and money in several ways.

• Factory Pre-Assembly

One of the main ways bolt-on systems save money is by being made in a factory before they arrive on-site. This means the only thing left to do on-site is to attach them to the building. This pre-assembly reduces the amount of work needed, meaning fewer workers and less time spent on-site.

• Modular Design

Bolt-on balconies are modular, meaning they come in parts that fit together easily. This design makes it much easier to install than traditional balconies, which require complex work to assemble on-site. 

The modular nature of these systems means that you don’t need to worry about mistakes or delays during installation. Everything fits together as it should, and it’s quicker to put up.

• Less Waste and Rework

Because bolt-on systems are made off-site and carefully checked before delivery, there’s less chance of errors. In traditional construction, mistakes are more likely to happen during on-site work, which can lead to delays and extra costs for rework. 

With bolt-on systems, these risks are reduced, helping to keep costs down.

• Faster Project Timelines

The faster a project can be completed, the less money is spent on things like temporary facilities, workers, and equipment. With bolt-on systems, the installation process is much quicker, which means the project can move forward faster. 

This not only saves money but also allows the building to be completed and occupied sooner, which is especially important for developers who want to start earning revenue quickly.

When you look at the bolt-on balcony cost compared to traditional methods, it’s clear that prefab bolt-on systems offer big savings in terms of materials, labour, and time.

Time-Saving Benefits of Off-Site Balcony Systems

One of the most significant advantages of bolt-on balconies is how quickly they can be installed. Traditional balcony systems require multiple steps, including pouring concrete, welding, and assembling materials on-site. 

This can take a lot of time, which leads to delays in the overall construction process. Bolt-on balconies, on the other hand, come pre-assembled and ready to be attached to the building. This “plug-and-play” approach makes the installation much faster and smoother.

• Just-in-Time Delivery

Bolt-on balconies are delivered exactly when needed. This means that you don’t have to store bulky balcony units on-site for long periods of time. Storing materials on-site can cause clutter, slow down work, and even increase costs due to the need for extra storage space. 

With just-in-time delivery, the prefabricated bolt-on balconies arrive right before they’re ready to be installed, keeping the construction site neat and organised. This helps to save on storage costs and keeps the site running efficiently, which ultimately speeds up the entire construction timeline.

• No Hot Works or Welding

Another significant time-saving benefit of bolt-on balconies is that no welding or hot works are required during installation. Traditional balcony systems often involve welding metal parts on-site, which can be a lengthy process. Welding also requires extra safety precautions, which adds to both the time and cost of construction. 

By using bolt-on balconies, you eliminate the need for these time-consuming tasks. The systems arrive ready to be fixed into place, significantly reducing installation time and removing the complications associated with welding. This also reduces the potential for safety risks, creating a safer working environment.

• Modular Balcony Installation

The modular design of bolt-on balconies further contributes to faster installation. Since the components are pre-assembled in a factory, workers on-site simply need to attach them to the building. This process is much quicker than constructing a traditional balcony, where each part has to be assembled on-site. 

Modular systems ensure that everything fits perfectly and is ready for installation without the need for adjustments. This streamlined process means that workers can finish the job faster, and there’s less chance of mistakes or delays during installation.

• Overall Efficiency

With the combination of quick install systems, just-in-time delivery, and modular design, bolt-on balconies make the entire installation process much faster than traditional methods. Developers and contractors appreciate this speed, as it allows them to complete projects on time, reduce delays, and move forward with the next phases of construction. 

This efficiency is one of the main reasons why bolt-on balcony systems are becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry.

Breaking Down the Costs: Kit, Install, and Lifecycle

To understand how much a bolt-on balcony costs, it’s important to break down the different components.

• The Kit

The cost of a bolt-on balcony kit includes all the materials, as well as the preassembly in the factory. This is generally cheaper than traditional methods because there are fewer on-site workers and less time required for assembly. The prefabrication process allows for more efficient use of resources, which lowers costs significantly. 

By removing the need for additional labour and the complexity of on-site assembly, the total cost of a bolt-on balcony is usually much more affordable compared to traditional construction methods. 

For further insights on construction cost drivers, the NHBC on construction cost drivers offers valuable information on factors affecting construction costs.

• Installation Time Comparison

The installation time is much shorter with bolt-on systems. With traditional methods, installation can take several days or even weeks, depending on the complexity of the structure. For example, traditional balcony systems may require on-site welding, curing time for concrete, and other lengthy processes. 

In contrast, bolt-on balconies can often be installed in just a few hours or days. This not only saves on labour costs but also reduces the overall construction timeline, allowing for faster project completion. 

• Lifecycle Value

Bolt-on balconies are often made from materials like aluminium, which are durable and resistant to corrosion. This means the balconies require less maintenance over time, leading to savings in repairs and upkeep. 

The lifecycle value of bolt-on systems is much higher compared to traditional systems, which may need more frequent maintenance, especially if they are made from materials that corrode or degrade over time. With fewer repairs and a longer lifespan, bolt-on balconies provide more value in the long run. 

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) frameworks, such as those outlined in the MMC guidelines, support the idea that prefab systems like bolt-on balconies offer superior lifecycle value and cost-effectiveness.

When you look at the cost breakdown, it becomes clear that bolt-on systems are a much more cost-effective balcony solution in both the short and long term. The savings from faster installation, fewer on-site workers, and reduced maintenance make these systems an excellent investment for developers.

Case Study: Value-Engineered Balconies in Action

Let’s take a look at a real-world example of how bolt-on balconies can save time and money.

Imagine a development with 20 apartments. If the developer used traditional balcony systems, it would take about 120 days to install all the balconies. This would require a lot of labour, equipment, and weather-dependent work, leading to delays.

But, by using bolt-on balcony systems, the same development was completed in just 90 days. This means the developer saved 30 days of work, which translates to around £85,000 in costs for things like temporary facilities, workers, and machinery. Not only was the project finished faster, but the developer was also able to start earning rental income sooner.

This example shows how value-engineered balconies can lead to big savings in time and money. By choosing bolt-on systems, developers can reduce their upfront costs and speed up the project’s overall completion.

The Bigger Picture: Faster Completions and Faster ROI

Speeding up construction doesn’t just save money; it also helps developers earn money faster. With bolt-on balconies, the project is completed sooner, meaning the building can be marketed and rented out earlier. This leads to faster revenue for developers, which is always a key goal in any construction project.

Additionally, because bolt-on systems are faster and easier to install, there’s less disruption to the local area and less disturbance for tenants. This creates a smoother experience for everyone involved, from the contractors to the final occupants.

In the bigger picture, using bolt-on balconies leads to faster completions and, therefore, a faster return on investment (ROI) for developers. This is one of the key reasons why these systems are becoming so popular in the UK construction market.

Why Choose Neaco for Bolt-on Balconies?

Neaco offers a leading solution for bolt-on balconies, providing high-quality, durable systems made from materials like aluminium, known for its strength and corrosion resistance. Our modular design allows for easy installation, reducing construction time and costs while maintaining a sleek, modern appearance. Neaco also offers customisation options, ensuring the balconies fit the specific needs of your project, from size and shape to finishes.

Neaco’s bolt-on balconies are quick to install, with preassembled units that minimise on-site work and eliminate the need for welding or hot works. This not only speeds up the construction process but also reduces the risk of delays caused by weather. Our cost-effective balcony solutions combine lower on-site labour costs with long-term savings due to the low-maintenance materials used.

With a focus on quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, Neaco is the ideal choice for developers seeking cost-effective, durable, and visually appealing bolt-on balconies for any project.

So, get a cost estimate for your next project now!