Drybuild

Drybuild, or dry-build, is a term used in multiple industries to describe a phase of work where components are assembled or staged using dry materials and without applying wet trades, liquids, or final finishing. The goal is to verify fit, sequencing, or feasibility before proceeding with final construction or operation.

In construction, drybuild often refers to all-dry or prefabricated assembly methods. Dry materials such as wood framing, gypsum board, sheathing, and insulation are erected in a controlled process, with plumbing, electrical, and mechanical runs routed but not connected until later. The approach can accelerate timelines, improve quality control, and reduce moisture exposure on site. Final finishing, including plaster, tile, and wet trades, is performed after the dry build stage.

In product assembly and engineering, a dry build or dry-fit is used to check component compatibility and clearances without applying lubricants, sealants, or fluids. This helps identify fit issues early and minimize rework. In some contexts, a dry build also denotes a preliminary assembly performed without final connections or testing, intended to validate assembly steps and tooling.

In software development and IT, dry-build or dry-run modes simulate the build process to show what would be built and in what order, without executing compilation, installation, or data modification. This mode is useful for auditing dependencies, generating build plans, and preventing unintended changes during deployment preparation.

Origin and usage: The term derives from the word dry, meaning without moisture or without liquids, and is used to describe non-wet, non-operational, or planning-oriented work. Related terms include dry-run, dry-fit, and dry construction.