What factor increases during prefabrication compared to on-site construction?

During prefabrication, coordination with other trades typically increases compared to on-site construction due to the need for precise planning and integration of various components before they arrive at the construction site. Prefabrication involves assembling parts of a building in a controlled environment, which requires close collaboration among different trades, such as electricians, plumbers, and HVAC specialists, to ensure that all systems fit together seamlessly once the components are delivered and installed on site. This increased coordination helps to identify potential conflicts early in the process, reducing the likelihood of delays when the modules are brought together during assembly.

While design flexibility, delivery timing, and material costs are all important factors in construction, they do not typically exhibit the same level of coordination requirements found in prefabrication. In fact, prefabrication may limit flexibility in design changes due to the pre-established nature of the components being produced. Additionally, delivery timing often becomes more streamlined as parts are prepared off-site and shipped when ready, rather than requiring multiple deliveries of materials at various stages throughout on-site construction. Material costs can vary, but they do not inherently increase as a direct result of prefabrication; in some cases, costs may even decrease due to bulk purchasing or reduced waste.