Construction Business Review

Fabtech Design and Build
Prefab Walls to Accelerate Construction Projects

Steve Vandergriendt, Sales Manager, Fabtech Design and BuildSteve Vandergriendt, Sales Manager
The adage ‘measure twice, cut once’ holds particularly true in the pre-construction phase, where accuracy directly influences the timely execution of the projects.

This principle underpins the operations of Fabtech Design and Build.

It takes the initial building plans and creates a precise price estimate for the builder. Upon securing the contract, the design team engages in an exhaustive design process to incorporate every detail the builder wants. This includes obtaining CAD files from plumbing contractors, specifying exact locations for plumbing items, defining openings for doors and windows and detailing HVAC and electrical systems. Fabtech’s thorough review and integration of all contractors’ designs prevent additional on-site work or issues, such as moving studs. The goal is to infuse as much precision and foresight into the pre-construction phase as possible through continuous collaboration and refinement with the contractor.

“We excel in handling all preparatory work in advance, even while concrete is being poured or the site is being excavated. The key advantage of using prefab walls over on-site framing is the ability to identify and eliminate potential issues before construction begins, rather than addressing them during the building process,” says Steve Vandergriendt, sales manager.

Fabtech operates a 45,000-square-foot warehouse designed to keep all materials dry and protected. The facility houses advanced technology, including an EasyFrame CNC/ Layout machine saw to enhance the production process, which not only cuts all the materials but prints and labels them, ensuring precise identification and organization. This system optimizes material usage, significantly reducing waste.

Securing on-site labor has become increasingly challenging for many companies that once depended on large framing crews. However, Fabtech offers a compelling solution. By providing a heated and dry facility, Fabtech ensures a consistent and comfortable working environment, especially advantageous in the cool climate of British Columbia.

Their ability to work concurrently with on-site activities improves time management. Prefabrication accelerates construction schedules by approximately 30 percent compared to traditional stick framing. For example, reducing a project schedule by two months can save a general contractor around $100,000 per month in site costs, including supervision, labor and equipment rentals.

One notable case involved a framing company that traditionally used on-site stick framing without prefabrication. After trying Fabtech for a project, they found that a job expected to take five months was completed in just three months due to the use of prefabricated walls. This resulted in a 30 percent reduction in the project timeline, delivering significant value to the customer. As a result, the company’s framers, who are still finishing up a few stick frame projects, now prefer using prefabricated walls and plan to continue with this approach in future projects.

In British Columbia, where wet winters pose momentous challenges, Fabtech’s ability to swiftly enclose buildings and make them watertight is essential. This efficiency is coupled with stringent adherence to seismic standards, which is crucial due to the region’s earthquake risks. Fabtech supplies vital seismic hardware, including rods and clips and provides detailed hold-down layouts to guide framers in precise placements, streamlining on-site construction and accelerating project timelines.

  • We excel in handling all preparatory work in advance, even while concrete is being poured or the site is being excavated. The key advantage of using prefab walls over on-site framing is the ability to identify and eliminate potential issues before construction begins, rather than addressing them during the building process


Its strategic partnerships with suppliers of floor systems and seismic hardware ensure that walls and other structural elements integrate seamlessly. Direct communication with these suppliers allows Fabtech to efficiently manage design interruptions or necessary adjustments, such as incorporating beams within the walls or aligning them with the floor system.

A dedicated team ensures that projects stay on track by quickly addressing issues and making necessary adjustments. This adaptability includes accommodating changes on-site, such as shifting the construction focus to different parts of the structure, which might require restacking or repositioning walls.

By paying attention to every detail, Fabtech guarantees timely and efficient project completion while upholding the highest quality standards.