Factory design is a crucial initial step in the construction of any production facility. A well-executed design not only ensures optimal functionality but also helps save on construction and long-term operating costs. However, many businesses embarking on this process lack a complete understanding of the costs associated with factory design.
In this article, BIC will help you understand what factory design costs entail, what factors influence these costs, and provide effective ways to optimize your budget, suitable for both first-time developers and companies looking to expand their production systems.
Area is a direct factor influencing factory design costs. Larger factories often have a lower design cost per square meter compared to smaller factories, due to discounts based on the volume of work. However, the total cost will still be higher because the larger the scale, the more complex the drawings and the more detailed technical items required.
Each type of factory serves different purposes and will have different design requirements. For example:
- Mechanical manufacturing workshops need to focus on ventilation, floor load-bearing capacity, and machinery layout.
- Food processing plants need to meet hygiene standards and have separate raw material processing areas.
- Storage warehouses need to consider high load-bearing structures, ventilation, and moisture resistance.
Factory design costs will increase if the functionality is complex, requiring specialized designs for each functional area.
Factories typically utilize two main structural types:
- Prefabricated Steel Structure: Common, fast construction, moderate design costs.
- Reinforced Concrete Structure: Used for multi-story factories, heavy load-bearing, higher design costs due to more detailed technical calculations.
Occasionally, factories also employ a combination of steel and concrete structures to balance cost and durability.
The location of the factory can affect design costs due to:
- Varying geological conditions requiring thorough surveys (weak soil, proximity to rivers, hilly terrain, etc.)
- Legal regulations and construction standards specific to each area.
- Difficulties in surveying the existing conditions if the area is remote or has limited infrastructure.
A reputable factory design firm not only ensures timely completion but also helps minimize the risk of design errors, which can affect subsequent construction. Professional companies typically divide the design package into:
- Preliminary Design
- Detailed Technical Design
- 3D Perspective Design, Structure, MEP, Fire Protection (FP)
Prices can vary greatly between different firms, but it is not advisable to choose a cheap but unqualified firm, as the consequence is bearing very high modification costs.
Factory design prices are not fixed and usually fluctuate depending on the area, technical requirements, and design firm. Below is a reference price list commonly seen in the market:
|
Factory Area |
Design Unit Price (VND/m²) |
Note |
|
Under 1,000 m² |
Contact |
Basic design or with few special requirements |
|
1,000 – 5,000 m² |
Contact |
Reasonable price, most common |
|
Over 5,000 m² |
Contact |
Discount available for large areas |
- Basic Package: Includes floor plans and preliminary perspectives.
- Full Package (Detailed Technical Design): Includes architecture, structure, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP), and fire protection system (FPFS), depending on the area and complexity.
- Turnkey Design & Build Package: The contractor handles the construction phase as well, typically calculated as a percentage of the total investment (approximately 2 – 4%).
- Geotechnical survey and existing condition surveying fees.
- Building permit and legal documentation fees.
- Fee for revising drawings based on requested changes: charged based on the number of revisions or engineer working hours.
Optimizing costs doesn't mean choosing the cheapest option, but rather making smart investments with long-term efficiency. Here are strategies businesses can implement:
- List the intended use, machine capacity, workforce flow, and vehicle access requirements.
- Avoid frequent blueprint changes that lead to increased time, costs, and effort.
- A unit with extensive experience in factory design will provide correct and sufficient consultation, avoiding technical risks and construction errors later on.
- Review their portfolio, completed projects, and feedback from previous clients before signing a contract.
- Synchronization between design and construction helps avoid technical conflicts between teams, while also saving costs and coordination time.
- Often, discounts or better package prices are available compared to separate contracting.
For small factories or simple functions, consider adapting existing design templates instead of creating entirely new ones – it's faster and saves 20-30% of design costs.
- Obtain at least 2-3 quotes from different units.
- Don't just compare prices; carefully review the "included" and "excluded" items in the quote to avoid seemingly low prices that lack essential components.
Many businesses, in an attempt to save on budget, fall into errors that lead to doubled costs. Here are some common mistakes:
- Choosing an excessively cheap design firm:
+ Being 30-50% cheaper than the market average often means a lack of experience or cutting corners on technical aspects.
+ Consequences: inaccurate drawings, discrepancies with actual construction, and costly revisions.
- Failing to budget for unexpected costs:
+ Designs that don't account for fire protection systems (PCCC), mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP), or permit fees.
+ Construction permit applications being rejected due to insufficient or non-compliant technical documentation.
- Inadequate site survey:
+ Weak soil requiring deep foundations not accounted for in the design - leading to construction delays or urgent foundation adjustments.
+ Height/width restrictions in the area not thoroughly checked, leading to design violations.
- Unclear contract: Lack of binding agreements on the number of revisions, delivery deadlines, and additional costs -> Easily leads to conflicts and prolonged timelines.
Choosing the right design firm not only helps you save costs but also ensures construction quality, adherence to deadlines, and full compliance with legal requirements. Here are some criteria to consider:
- Practical Experience
+ Prioritize factory firms with many years of experience in the industrial factory sector, especially in specific industries such as food processing, mechanical engineering, cold storage, gas, etc.
+ Have sample projects and complete design documents for you to review.
+ Clear Capability Profile: Including company legal information, the capabilities of the engineering team, and the ability to implement design packages (architecture, structure, electrical and plumbing, fire protection...).
- Transparent Workflow
+ Provide clear quotations, have a solid contract, specify the number of revisions, and the delivery time.
+ Provide sample drawings and illustrative perspectives to help you easily visualize the actual construction.
- Full Package Support from Legal to Construction: Reputable firms often support the entire process from survey – design – construction permits – construction, ensuring progress, saving costs, and avoiding problems between stages.
If you are looking for a professional warehouse design company, Bicons.vn is a top choice with:
- Transparent and detailed quotations for each item
- Free consultation on optimal functionality & cost solutions
- Experienced engineers with expertise in various industries
- Support for construction permits and complete legal documentation
- Flexible options for full-package or customized design services
BIC is committed to partnering with businesses from the initial concept to construction implementation, ensuring that every drawing is highly applicable, sustainable, and cost-effective.
Warehouse design costs are a worthwhile investment if you plan correctly from the start. By understanding the factors that influence cost, comparing transparent quotes, and choosing the right reputable design firm – you can significantly optimize your budget and avoid construction and operational risks later on. If you are preparing to invest in warehouse construction – let BIC help you design an efficient, economical, and technically sound production space.
