Photo Credit: FRAMECAD
Technology has ushered in a new era of cost-efficient materials for the design and construction of buildings. One framing material proving its economic value is cold-formed steel (CFS).
In a recent podcast, Joe Doxey, FRAMECAD division manager at Douglass Colony, says the construction of a McDonald’s restaurant highlights the many short and long- term savings benefits of using metal framing. The savings coming from a shorter construction timeline alone could save more than $280,000 per restaurant project.
Future-Focused Approach
FRAMECAD’s Build it Better podcast episodes establish that steel framing, though having a slightly higher initial cost, provides significant savings in the long run. In the recent Build It Better episode, “Joe Doxey Part 1 – By The Numbers,” Doxey says builders and contractors should adopt a future-focused approach to costing out materials, one that prioritizes efficiency, sustainability and improved profitability.
The construction of a McDonald’s restaurant highlights the many short and long- term savings benefits of using metal framing.
As an example of the savings achieved by building with CFS, Doxey cited the following data to construct a new McDonald’s fast food restaurant:
- $1.3 to $2.3 million USD, average cost range to build a McDonald’s
- 5 weeks, construction time saved using CFS framing
- $5,000 savings per week, or $25,000 over 5 weeks
By opening 5 weeks early, the McDonald’s is able to generate the following additional income:
- $51,900, average amount of revenue generated per week
- $259,500, total amount of revenue generated over 5 weeks by opening the restaurant early
Additional builder’s risk insurance possible savings:
- $1.5 million, which reflects a 50% savings in builder’s risk insurance for building owners, in this case McDonald’s
Watch the entire Build it Better podcast hosted by Robert Johnson, business development manager at FRAMECAD, featuring Doxey.
6 Advantages of Steel Framing for Residential Construction
The surge in housing demand has placed pressure on developers and manufacturers to expedite construction without compromising quality. A new eBook from FRAMECAD, “Steel Framing: The Future of Residential Construction,” shows how cold-formed steel (CFS) framing provides several benefits for residential construction:
- Lightweight and Consistent: CFS is lighter than wood, reducing labor costs and enabling faster assembly. Its uniform properties ensure material consistency, which minimizes waste
- Prefabrication and Standardization: Steel framing allows precise offsite manufacturing, ensuring accuracy and easy assembly on the construction site
- Rapid Construction: CFS framing accelerates construction due to its modular nature, resulting in cost savings and fast project completion
- Enhanced Structural Integrity: Steel is non-combustible, durable and resistant to fire, rot and termites, providing longevity and lower maintenance costs
- Sustainability: Steel is 100% recyclable, reducing deforestation and waste production, making it the sustainable choice
- Design Flexibility: Steel’s strength-to-weight ratio enables larger spans and open floor plans, providing architects and developers with design flexibility
Download the FRAMECAD eBook, “Steel Framing: The Future of Residential Construction.”
Data-Driven Decisions
The construction industry has an opportunity to embrace innovation by considering CFS framing for projects. A future-focused approach prioritizes efficiency, sustainability and profitability — elements essential for builders to realize significant savings.
As highlighted in the McDonald’s example presented by Doxey, data-driven decisions can unlock savings by adopting steel framing as an innovative material.
Additional Resources
- Steel Framing System Cuts Construction of 90-Unit Apartment Building by 75%
- Orange Coast College Wins Design Competition with Steel Framed Project
- New FRAMECAD CEO to Accelerate Steel Framing Growth Strategy