Fabric Structure Value

Project analysis for whole-of-life fabric structure value:

Efficiency starts with the project analysis to uncover the best possible fabric structure value. This needs to be done before fine tuning building design and installation techniques, if these are to be carried out in the most effective manner. This should include the most efficient paths for building disposal or relocation at the end of the project, or being kept as a long term building.

There are a range of fabric structures from which to select from including;

  • Container mounted
  • Fabric to the ground
  • Post mounted
  • Concrete wall mounted
  • Mobile
  • Open sided tyre change bays

Add to this a range of end walls and doors, roof and wall vents, and different fabrics, that can be used.

While these items can be easily costed, the one cost that is often overlooked is the cost of inefficiency of the processes that happen in the structure, due to the building not meeting all the needs of the users of the structure.

When carrying out project analysis, some recurring factors that reduce efficiency are;

  • The structure could be too narrow for several operations to be comfortably and safely completed at the same time.
  • The storage of tools, lubricants and spare parts may be cramped.
  • The structure may be too short, allowing the ingress of rain or sun onto the work area.
  • It may be enclosed to the point that humidity, heat and lack of natural air flow are a factor in reducing productivity. 
  • It may be too open for cold winter conditions. The seasonal placement of containers across one end can reduce this.
  • The placement on the site may not allow for the efficient maintenance of the building, service roads and drains.
  • Traffic flow around the building may create potential hazards.
  • The containers are not painted to increase their life.
  • Perhaps it would be more effective to take a light mobile structure to the heavy items in the laydown area, than using valuable shed space for the operations such as hard facing.

In the early engineering and project analysis stages, it is important that these items are addressed and they are costed. In some instances a 10% inefficiency factor over a year, can be more than the initial cost of the building.

Some things to consider;

  • Start with draft plans that can be changed.
  • Brainstorming the options with all stakeholders to achieve the most efficient structure layout and dimensions.
  • Integrate the structure with traffic management and site topography.
  • Being aware of rain and sun direction.
  • Plan for the best fabric structure value and biggest potential market if the structure is to be sold at the end of the projects life. 

In the final presentation to management the depth of research of the project analysis will make the final decision easy to justify.

Financing:

Getting the best fabric structure value can be influenced by how you manage the financing to fit in with your business strategies.

The normal purchasing terms for Allshelter are 50% deposit on order and 50% prior to shipping.

If a direct purchase does not suit you, then for some of the more common container mounted models, they can be rented over a six month minimum term. 

The cost of transport to site and return, the install and packing up, plus the cost of checking the shelter on return, and replacing or repairing any damaged items all add to the basic rental cost.

If you wish to change your fabric structure from a Capital expense (CAPEX) to an Operational Expense (OPEX) Allshelter can arrange a a lease option, or approach your own finance broker, as they are normally comfortable on leasing fabric structures. If you want help in this area contact us.

End of life value:

If you have to sell or relocate your fabric structure at the end of a project or lease consider the following.

  • If it is a long structure consider having it built so as it can be sold or reused as a number of shorter structures.
  • Often structures wider than 20m will have a higher m2 cost, so if you have the option, the narrower structure can be easier to sell at a more competitive price.
  • All weatherproof containers have spent time on the high seas and will have some rust. Use an angle grinder with a wire brush to remove the rust and prime the bare metal.
  • Use a marine grade paint to paint the whole container. Make sure the roof has a good cover of paint as this is where they tend to rust first.
  • A painted container will hold its value.
  • If you have an end date for your project start advertising the structure for sale six months before the end. People will pay more for a structure that can see, plus they can remove it so they know they have all the parts.
  • If you are near a major road put a "For Sale" and date on the structure and allow word of mouth do the selling for you.
  • Let us know and we will publicise it as we often get approached from buyers happy with secondhand structures.
  • If you are storing your structure for later use be sure you control rodents that can cause major damage to the fabric.

By planning the end of use, you can improve your fabric structure value considerably.

The photo is of a fabric structure at Olympic Dam in South Australia. It covers their ventilation drill equipment and is shifted every 6-8 months, as they shift to dig a new shaft.

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