ESS SmartBuild systems eliminate job site measuring, cutting, and waste with prefab steel framing solutions.
Construction studies show only 49% of paid framing labor is actual assembly. The other 51% is plan-reading, layout, measuring, cutting, and material handling.
| CREW MEMBER | NON-ASSEMBLY TIME | WHAT THEY'RE DOING INSTEAD |
|---|---|---|
| Lead / Foreman | ~70% (5.5 hrs) | Reading plans, layout, chalk lines, checking square & plumb |
| Cut Man | ~90% (7.0 hrs) | Measuring, marking, cutting every single piece |
| Nailer #1 | ~30% (2.5 hrs) | Walking for material, waiting on cuts, staging |
| Nailer #2 | ~30% (2.5 hrs) | Walking for material, waiting on cuts, staging |
| TOTAL | ~30% (2.5 hrs) | More than half your payroll produces zero walls |
Traditional Daily Cost
4-man crew at $35/hr average
HEAD TO HEAD
CATEGORY |
TRADITIONAL |
SMARTBUILD | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Framing Time (2,000 SF) |
2-3 Weeks
|
3-5 Days
| ||
Crew Size |
4-5 Skilled Framers
|
2-3 General Laborers
| ||
Skill Level Required |
Journeyman+
|
Basic Assembly
| ||
Material Waste |
10-15%
|
Under 2%
| ||
On-Site Cutting |
Every Piece
|
Zero
| ||
Hidden Prep Labor |
$3.70/SF ($7,400)
|
$0
| ||
Daily Setup Time |
30-60 Minutes
|
~5 Minutes
| ||
Tools Required |
12+ (saws, guns, etc.)
|
2 (Clamp + Screw Gun)
| ||
Fire / Pest / Moisture |
Vulnerable
|
Immune
| ||
Dimensional Stability |
Warps, Crowns, Shrinks
|
Straight Forever
| ||
Price Volatility |
High (45% Tariffs)
|
Stable (Manufactured)
| ||
“If you can put together something from IKEA, you have more skill than is needed to assemble ESS SmartBuild systems.”
Hidden Prep Labor Eliminated
$3.70/SF in plan-reading, layout, measuring, cutting, and material handling.
$7,800–$11,200
$2,800–$4,200
Hidden Prep Labor Eliminated
$18,500–$37,000
$28,000–$56,000
$8,400–$21,000
Hidden Prep Labor Eliminated
$14,800–$29,600
$19,500–$44,800
$5,600–$16,800
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