Proper management of any construction project involves the efficient utilization of equipment, material, and human resource. The past decade has seen a wholesome transformation in the construction sector, thanks to technological innovation.
And with the plethora of options in the market, one may get confused. How do you pick the best fit for your specific type and size of the project? In this article, we strive to comprehend the impact of equipment in construction projects to provide you with a few tips to guide your choices.
Importance of Equipment in Construction Projects
Before we delve into the specifics, it may be beneficial to understand how equipment contributes to the overall on-site job productivity of a project. With the right kind of equipment:
- Resources like time, money, and labour are conserved.
- The output rate increases. More work is completed within a shorter time frame.
- You can handle tasks that are tedious, cumbersome, or impossible to do manually, like lifting massive concrete blocks five storeys.
- Contractors can achieve high-quality standards in design.
- Safety is enhanced. Fewer workers are exposed to health hazards and accidents.
Now that we comprehend the value of equipment in construction, read on for a few pointers.
5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Construction Equipment
- Scope of the project
Take into consideration all the operations that will occur until the completion of the project to pick the proper tools for the tasks. For instance, suppose the construction site requires excavation of large boulders to build the base and would like to make your own aggregate, you will need to invest in a rock crusher and an excavator.
- Quality
Due to the existence of numerous manufacturers, even machines that perform the same activity may have varying quality. Opt for brands that are durable and resistant to most harsh weather elements. You will cut down repair and maintenance costs in the long run.
- Scalability
The equipment should conform to current set technological standards. At the same time, they should have easily upgradeable features in case you wish to scale up in the future. This will save you tons of monetary investment as you don’t have to purchase a whole rig whenever the need to upscale arises.
- Costs
Nearly a third of a construction project’s budget goes to equipment procurement and maintenance. Frequently, construction equipment comes with a hefty price. Therefore, compare quotes from different vendors and pick the one that falls within your budget.
However, restrain from purchasing extremely cheap equipment. The manufacturer may have compromised on quality to reduce the price. And remember to factor in any miscellaneous costs.
- Availability of workforce
Do you have skilled labor that is adequately trained to operate the construction equipment you wish to buy? If you lack the relevant human resource, be willing to incur hiring costs. Also, take into account the total number of workers you have. If you have very few employees opt for fully automated machines that run on AI technology and require minimal human intervention.
Final Thought
The above host of factors will act as a guide whenever you wish to buy construction equipment. Ensure you purchase and use the right machine for its intended purpose. And if you find the cost of ownership out of your budget, opt to hire instead.
