Wondering if prefabricated steel substructures come in pre-determined sizes, or whether you can have one built to your own exact specifications?

In just about all cases, you’re going to need a below-ground substructure that’s completely bespoke to your own project and requirements.

The good news is that in just about all cases, you can get a prefabricated steel substructure built to suit those specifications.

Sound too good to be true?

As a subcontractor who specialises in prefabricated steel, let me tell you more about bespoke prefabricated steel substructures, below.

TIP: Learn more about prefabricated steel substructures and their benefits by reading our recent blog on the subject!

Will a prefabricated steel substructure always be bespoke?

If you’re ordering a prefabricated steel substructure, it will always be built to your exact specifications. This can be constructed to your size and finish requirements – plus any fixtures and finishings.

This is so that when the end user (or you as the contractor) comes to place machinery into the substructure, they won’t drill into the steel walls or floor.

The only time the substructures we make are repetitive, is when we construct vehicle inspection pits, via our parent company, Premier Pits. Generally, these are a set width and a set depth, so that mechanics can work on vehicles from below.

When won’t a prefabricated steel substructure work?

We’re a very honest business. Sometimes (I mean, very occasionally) we have to decline work due to the substructure in question being too big, or the logistics hindering the way it’d require to be installed on-site.

We do this as we know that it will be very tricky for us to be competitive in price compared to traditional in situ concrete – considering for most clients, the main driver is getting the cheapest cost.

Normally we can always potentially build to suit a client’s exact specification, however the cost (due to the complications mentioned above) would not sit in a potential client’s budget – or the logistics simply make it too tough for this method to be viable.

Advice from a specialist subcontractor

If you think a prefabricated steel substructure could be a great choice for your next project, the best thing to do is to contact us in advance of starting the design stage (if that boat hasn’t already sailed).

Chances are, if we understand what you’re looking to deliver on the project, we can help with some budget advice from the very beginning – to help manage your expectations.

If you’re undecided on which method of below-ground construction to use, ensure you consider the time it will take to install your substructure on-site, the accuracy/tolerances required, and the level of waterproofing you need.

These are all key factors to consider when choosing the right substructure for you.

Conclusion

Thanks for taking the time to read this post. Hopefully it’s come as good news that you can pretty much ONLY get a prefabricated steel substructure built to your exact specifications.

In fact, the only time when this is not the case is with the vehicle inspection pits we manufacture via our parent company, Premier Pits.

Do you want to know more about whether a prefabricated steel substructure might be the right choice for your project? Feel free to leave a comment below – or get in touch with me directly. I’ll be happy to help!