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Home » FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

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QUOTES & BUILDING COSTS

How much will my building cost?

The cost is dependent on a number of factors including the complexity and size of your project along with Akura’s scope of works. By engaging Akura, we can apply our experience to the design, construction and fabrication process; optimising it for steel and precast panel efficiencies, thereby allowing us the ability to pass on considerable cost savings to our customers.

What do I need to supply in order to get a quote?
  • Site location
  • Budget
  • Intended use of building
  • Building requirements and specifications
  • Timeframe – when do you want to start, when do you want to move in
  • Project Scope
Will you quote someone else's design?

Yes.

What if I decide not to proceed/can't get finance, but want to use the plans at a future date?
No problem. We can review at any time.

PRE-CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

Can Akura use my existing shop drawings?
Yes. However, by engaging Akura to develop the drawings we have the ability to integrate design factors for steel and precast panel efficiencies resulting in cost savings.
What if there are design changes after construction starts?
Akura has the flexibility to implement changes after construction commences within reason. If the project scope changes; for instance you would like to add an awning to your structure, we have the capacity to integrate this into the existing design and construct accordingly. We will always work to ensure your requirements are met.
I have a tight deadline, how long does the design and construct process take?

Generally speaking, it takes approximately 5-8 months from concept to completion for a Turnkey project. However this largely depends on the complexity of the project.

For a U-Select™ Structural Package (footings, steel and panels), the turnaround can be from as little as 3 weeks.

A U-Select™ Lock-Up Package can be delivered from as little as 8-10 weeks.

WORKING WITH AKURA

Can you provide me with an on-site consultation?
Absolutely. We understand that with any construction project, the design and construction of a building is influenced significantly by the land on which you are looking to build. Our Project Consultants can meet with you wherever best suits you to discuss your requirements and advise on the best possible design/construction application for your specific site.
Who will I deal with?
You will be allocated with a specific Project Manager from the very beginning who will work with you throughout the duration of our scope of works.
Will I be kept up-to-date on the progress of my project?
Absolutely. Akura’s focus is on taking a collaborative approach with our customers. This means we provide regular updates regarding the progress of your project throughout each phase.
How do I know you will do a good job?
We have many happy customers as proof! Akura can provide you with details of past customers to discuss with them the process of working with Akura and why they recommend using us. Alternatively take a look at what some of our happy customers have to say.
Can I see past projects?
Absolutely. Akura has a large portfolio of completed projects, only some of which are listed on the website. Our staff can provide you with details of specific projects similar to yours, or we can also organise a site visit so you can see first-hand the quality of our work. This also provides you with the opportunity to speak with past customers and get their take on what is like working with Akura.
What are the advantages of working with Akura?
  • We are a family owned business with strong rural values, thus we have both a professional and personal interest in delivering high quality outcomes, underpinned by friendly and approachable staff.
  • We have over 40 years’ experience in the construction industry and have worked across commercial, industrial, agricultural and residential projects
  • We are supported by our ability to manufacture both structural steel and precast concrete panels which allows for shorter lead times, flexibility to make changes to the construction and cost efficiencies associated with dealing direct with the manufacturer – us!
  • Our innovative design team work to ensure your project is as pleasing to the eye as it is functional.
  • Expert Project Managers are involved from day one, helping to tailor the design, get it through Council and oversee its successful development to ensure it fully meets your needs.
  • Because we own our trucks, mobile cranes and earthmoving equipment we have near complete control of construction.
  • We have a team of highly experienced and skilled people, who are the best at what they do and are committed to achieving customer satisfaction.

PRECAST CONCRETE PANELS

What is your sqm rate for precast concrete panels?
Price per sqm depends on a number of variables such as size, thickness, finishes and complexity of the panel, however as a general rule, Akura precast concrete panels are anywhere between $150-300/sqm.
What is your production capacity for precast concrete panels?
We have the capacity to manufacture up to 1,200sqm of precast concrete panels per week.
How can we be competitive in and around Sydney/Metro Areas?
To manufacture precast concrete and steel in the Central West is far more efficient and cost effective than in Sydney and other metropolitan areas. This offsets costs associated with freight. Our projects are largely based in areas like Canberra, Western Sydney, Tamworth and Central Coast – therefore we have many examples of how we’ve been able to be competitive against manufacturers located in those areas.
What is maximum precast panel size?
The maximum panel size is 3.5m x 10m
How thick are precast concrete walls?
The standard thickness of precast concrete panels used for structural walling is 150mm. However, we have the ability to produce panels at a range of sizes and thicknesses.
What is the difference between precast concrete panels and tilt-up panels?

Precast concrete panels are manufactured off-site in a controlled environment such as plant or factory to remove weather related variables that could cause inaccuracies and disrupt quality finishes. This controlled environment is optimal for reduced curing times and the advanced mix ratios achieve superior strength to withstand transport and erection loads.

Tilt-up panels are manufactured on site and is a time and space consuming practice, whereby a number of variables such as weather and site can impact the quality assurance of the final product and curing times are longer. But it can be beneficial on small, hard to access sites that precast concrete panels would not be able to be transported into.

What are the types of precast concrete panels?

Structural Walling
The panel acts as a load-bearing structural element of the building.

Cladding (clip-on panels/dado panels)
The panels are clipped onto a structural steel frame and operate as cladding only – they do not act as a load-bearing structural element.

Can precast panels be used for retaining walls?
Absolutely. Precast concrete panels are often utilised as a cost and time efficient alternative to traditional retaining wall products. Akura can supply precast concrete panels for residential, commercial and industrial retaining wall applications.
What are the advantages of Precast Concrete Panels?
  • Reduced lead times
  • Flexibility to integrate any type of design or finish
  • Flexibility to customise the panels specific to size and thickness
  • Low Maintenance
  • Durable
  • Fast installation
  • Cost efficient
  • Can be used for structural walling or as a cladding/facade material
Can precast concrete panels be used as cladding only?
Absolutely. Also known as dado panels or clip-on panels, precast concrete cladding is manufactured to clip onto a structural steel frame. The beauty of this material is that there is the ability to apply architecturally designed features and is a robust, durable, low maintenance and high quality facade material.
How long do precast concrete panels last?

The technology in concrete mix design has advanced considerably over the last decade and continues to do so. The very specific mix ratio ensures the durability of precast concrete panels, which at present across the industry, have an anticipated lifespan of around 100 years.

Environmental factors, purpose and use will impact this, i.e. in the case of precast concrete panels used for a building which contains chemicals, heavy material and corrosive elements, the lifespan may be considerably reduced.

Are precast concrete panels durable?

The demand for precast concrete to cure faster and provide high early compressive strengths only continues to drive advances in technology and analysis of chemicals and additives.

The compressive strength is also a major contributor to durability. As an industry standard, precast concrete panels are manufactured to achieve a strength of 40mPA at 28 days. Akura’s process exceeds this standard.

This means that precast concrete panels are denser, thus have low permeability – meaning panels have a high resistance to the penetration of fluids. Denser the panel – potential for a longer lifespan.

Which is best: precast or tilt-up panels?

The use of additives help precast concrete panel manufacturers to produce products that contain low w/c rations and higher compressive strengths than many cast-in-place structures – like tilt panels.

One of the many benefits of precast over cast-in-place/tilt panels is the ability to produce quality products on a consistent basis using new advances in additive technology and ‘environments’.

Are precast concrete panels the same as tilt-up panels?

There exists a lot of confusion regarding the different ‘types’ of precast concrete panels, with many believing that both precast panels and tilt-up panels are one and the same. However, these two types of concrete panel are very different; in both the way that they are manufactured along with their durability and cost.

Precast concrete panels are manufactured off-site, generally in a manufacturing plant which ensures a controlled environment for fast curing and consistent quality.

Tilt-up panels are manufactured on-site, where form-work is put together, concrete is poured on site and panels are lifted. The trend has moved away from site-cast (tilt panels) over the last decade, with many builders and architects appreciating the improved quality that factory cast, quality-tested precast panels can deliver.

STRUCTURAL STEEL

What is your production capacity for structural steel?
We have the capacity to manufacture up to 50 tonnes of structural steel per week.
Why combine structural steel and precast panels?
There are a number of benefits of combining structural steel and precast concrete panels, but largely interface between both materials has greater accuracy due to coordinated drafting, and we can achieve greater construction efficiency during the installation process.
Do you source steel from overseas?
Absolutely not. Akura’s structural steel is 100% Australian sourced.

ENQUIRE NOW

Get a quote and/or have your questions answered by one of our project consultants. 

Things that may help with your enquiry:

  • Site location
  • Intended use of building
  • Project Scope
  • Budget
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Ask an Expert
Enquire Now
Call us
02 6338 1900
Mon - Fri / 8 - 5
Visit us
33 Hampden Park Rd,
Kelso NSW 2795
Ask an Expert
02 6338 1900
Mon - Fri / 8 - 5
33 Hampden Park Rd,
Kelso NSW 2795

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Menu
  • U-Select™
    • U-Select™ Structural Package
    • U-Select™ Lock-Up Package
    • U-Select™ Steel and Panel Package
    • Optional Extras
  • Turnkey
  • Large Scale Agricultural
    • Dairy Sheds
    • Horse Arenas & Equine Sheds
    • Workshop & Maintenance Sheds
  • Property Development
  • Akura Projects
    • Project Locations
  • About
    • Our People
    • Our History
    • Core Values
    • Employment Opportunities
    • In-House Manufacturing
      • Precast Concrete Panels
      • Structural Steel
  • Contact