Prefabrication Does It All

Martyn Rowlands, Managing Director of PIPEKIT, outlines why prefabricated modular kits and drainage solutions are in such high demand across the offsite sector.

Over the past two years, PIPEKIT, an independent distributor of specialist pipework systems and drainage solutions, has been heavily investing in and expanding its dedicated, inhouse prefabrication service, following significant market demand, specifically in the offsite sector. Working alongside customers including VOLUMETRIC™, market leaders in volumetric modular solutions, PIPEKIT’s prefabricated facility is playing a significant role in helping clients, contractors and developers alike, design and fit high performance, offsite modular solutions.

Offsite prefabricated drainage and modular kit solutions for Pods and PUCs can significantly help contractors change their way of working for the better and navigate some of the complex issues surrounding the design and installation of effective plumbing and drainage systems in various offsite building projects, from tall builds, interim housing, refurbishment projects or modular homes.

Traditional on-site methods using loose piping products, has an over reliance on skilled site-based labour, specialist tooling and storage requirements, which can escalate costs quickly. Conversely, prefabricated drainage systems and modular kits can offer an effective solution to address the skilled worker shortages, at the same time as drive overall costs down and improve the speed, quality, and reliability of installations. Speed of installation being particularly beneficial, especially in a confined space like a bathroom where other trades require access.

The biggest added value for offsite prefabricated drainage and modular kits is the enhanced level of quality and control it can offer a project. When using PIPEKIT’s prefabrication service, clients can benefit from utilising a high quality, offsite service that minimises the risks and costs before the product even arrives on site. PIPEKIT will work with a customer to develop a set of standard stack designs and modular kits and then manufacture, test, and deliver to site. Typically, the service will deliver a quantity at a time, according to the project’s timings, helping to minimise on-site waste and reduce storage requirements. It also undertakes a 14 point quality control check, including air and pressure testing, with the test record embedded into the QA report for each stack and kit. The whole process takes place in a controlled factory environment from cutting, welding, testing, and packing, without the inclement conditions found on construction sites to help maximise quality assurances.

PIPEKIT’s prefabricated drainage stacks and modular kits utilise leading brand, lightweight materials which can also ensure ease of lifting and working in confined spaces. The prefabricated nature of the stack designs is also easier and faster to install, with only two joins required, which is as simple as two electrofusion couplings (compared with traditional methods), and in turn is particularly prevalent for the complexities of managing the build and fit out of tall buildings, large refurbishment projects or modular construction requirements.

Commenting on the ongoing partnership with PIPEKIT, Andrew Fawcett, Procurement Manager from VOLUMETRIC™ said: “We have worked in partnership with PIPEKIT for nearly three years and together we have developed innovations that are cost and time saving. We lean heavily on the PIPEKIT supply chain expertise, and they support us in developing our concepts into efficient sub-assemblies, adding value through prefabrication wherever we can.”

It is arguable that using a prefabricated drainage and modular kit service can cost more up front, but the overall project cost savings brought by this offsite method are significant. Plus, when you factor in the ability to increase the reliability of installations, offsite, prefabricated solutions offer an economic, sustainable, quicker and safer option for all.

We are always happy to help, so do please get in touch with Jane Smith or Rob Rowlands for more details on our Bespoke  Prefabricated Drainage systems