For decades, the assumption was: “Cast-in-situ is cheaper. Precast is faster.” In 2026, that math has changed. With rising labor costs, stricter waste regulations, and material inflation, Precast is often cheaper AND faster.
Let’s look at the breakdown for a standard Street Light Foundation (1m x 1m x 1m).
Option A: Cast-in-Situ (The Old Way)
- Excavation: Same for both.
- Formwork (Shuttering): Carpenters need to cut plywood, build the box, and brace it. (4 hours labor + wood cost).
- Steel Fixing: Steel fixers cut and tie rebar on site. (2 hours labor).
- Pouring: Wait for the ready-mix truck (min load charge). Pour. Vibrate. (1 hour).
- Curing: Wait 7 days. Water it daily.
- De-shuttering: Remove wood. Disposal of wood waste (New Fees).
- Finishing: Patch up honeycombs. Paint bitumen.
Total Time: 5-7 Days per unit. Hidden Costs: Carpenter wages, Wood waste, Water tank trucks, Skilled supervision.
Option B: Precast (The Smart Way)
- Excavation: Same.
- Installation: Crane truck drops the finished block into the hole. (15 minutes).
- Backfill: Immediately.
Total Time: 15 Minutes per unit. Hidden Costs: None. The price on the invoice is the final price.
The Inflation Factor
Labor costs in the UAE have risen ~15% in the last 2 years. Wood/Timber prices have risen ~20%. Ready-mix concrete prices fluctuate wildly.
Precast prices are stable because we buy raw materials in bulk and use automated steel molds (reusable 1000+ times). We don’t buy plywood. We don’t waste labor.
The Verdict
If you are building one foundation, cast it in-situ. If you are building fifty, Precast is 30% cheaper and 500% faster.
Do the math. Then call us.
