Information for builders about Frametek steel framing
Welcome to the C-Style Homes page specifically aimed at builders. We are interested in your involvement from two perspectives:
- We would like to increase the number of builders we presently have who are interested in building the C-Style Homes using Frametek’s Light Gauge Steel. If the concept appeals to you and you are interested in further information, or becoming involved in an exciting build process – “the way of the future” - please contact tony @ c-style.co.nz or gordon.barratt @ frametek.co.nz.
(See the comments below, from experienced builders who are using the Frametek steel build process.)
- If you are a builder who would rather spend more ‘time on the tools’ and are looking for an opportunity to move away from the time consuming, quoting, ordering, invoicing and supply liaison required to get your clients materials to site, why not let C-Style Homes provide this service for you. We can perform these processes for you allowing you to do what you do best; build homes.
We can deliver the materials to your site either on a ‘Just-in-Time’ basis, or have your whole house shell delivered in a container. Both methods will allow you to build at your pace, taking advantage of having all your build products there when and where you want it.
Included with this service will be a full project management system, that is easy to use and will show you your progress to date, what materials are about to be delivered, and with minimal input from yourself, will allow your client to keep up to-date with the build progress, and associated costs. This management system will allow you to keep track of your time, the project costs and profits, as well as ensuring your contractors or staff are paid in a timely manner.
What builders are saying about Frametek steel framing:
Stephen Morris: Classic Steel Homes, Manawatu
Stephen sums up the reason why in two words, "Overall simplicity."
"There is no other way to describe working with steel framing. It is just so easy to handle," he says.
Stephen says the benefits of using a product that is manmade, is that there is no chance of it ever changing shape. "The lack of ongoing maintenance with Frametek steel framing is such a bonus. 99% of finished projects we never have to return to – there are no drying or warping issues that you have to be conscious of when dealing with wood."
"It just makes sense to go steel. You deal directly with the manufacture from start to finish. I can't emphasise enough how simple the whole process is," says Stephen. "Steel framing is the way of the future!"
Steve Mason: Chevron Homes, Paraparaumu
“Number one is its’ lighter. It also negated any further bracing. Not having to allow for additional bracing offers huge cost savings. And, third, steel framing is straighter and doesn’t warp, bend or rot. Carpenters don’t have to spend a lot of time straightening and planning to get things straight because the steel is already straight,” explains Steve.
Paul Atkinson: Builder, Paua Industries, Auckland
“It is extremely versatile," says Paul, who has used Frametek steel framing for just about every type of job – commercial, office, housing and sheds. Paul says he chooses Frametek because it provides an alternative construction method that people are very satisfied with. "It is reliable, long lasting and doesn't rot," he says.
Mike Bennett: Kapiti Coast
As an avid builder, Mike is impressed with the simplicity of steel framing in terms of physical construction and product design. "It's so easy to use, and with it being such a light weight material, there is the added advantage of requiring less people to help which of course saves a lot of time and money," he says.
With only marginal difference in cost between timber and steel, Bennett believes the finished product is what gives Frametek steel framing the professional edge.
"From the point of view of a homeowner, long-term stability is important in a product. Unlike timber, there is no movement in steel so you can be sure that your house will stay strong and straight as the day it was built."
Adrian Taylor: Taylor Built Taranaki
Adrian says the fact that Frametek steel framing contains pre-drilled service holes means workers are able to speed up production time, saving both time and money. "The beauty of steel framing is the built-in service holes designed for Sparky's (and plumbers). By making their job easier and more efficient, we are able to save more money in the long run."
"Being a lighter material, steel framing has many benefits particularly given the high costs of labour and transport..." adds Adrian.”You really start to appreciate how light and easy steel framing is when you can deliver a medium sized house on the back of the ute and trailer to the building site. A week later, with some help from a couple of mates, it's up. No more cut throat labour costs."
Martyn Baker: North Auckland
"...from a builder's perspective in one word, 'Brilliant!'
"The weight is the first thing you notice as a builder – it's not as heavy as wood to work with. There are also no dust or toxic chemicals when you're handling it," explains Martyn.
He says the fact that steel framing does not retain moisture also simplifies construction, and creates time savings. "When you're building a house in the middle of winter, for example, you don't have to worry about waiting time for drying, which means you can keep construction on schedule."
Martyn says of all the benefits of building with steel framing, the quality of the finish is the strongest endorsement for using steel. "The biggest benefit is the finished product: totally straight walls and flat ceilings. You just don't get that same finish with wood," he says.
Steel framing, properly installed, is stable. Martyn says it is routine with wood framing to have to return to the site within a year to fix cracks in the plaster, whereas steel eliminates that step from the construction process and cost as much as possible. "The thing with wood is that it never stops moving over time – it's always alive!"
He adds, “Chevron is looking broadly at how we construct homes to maximise their durability. We want to make sure things last and that we can avoid leaky homes, and steel-framing fits with that direction.”
Martyn anticipates some effort will be required for builders and tradesmen to transition to steel framing, but believes the end product will make it worthwhile.
“Carpenters will have to change mindset from hammer and nails to cutters and drilling, likewise with our subcontractors. There will be some issues to be worked through because it is new, but we’re very impressed with it.” He encourages other home builders to consider steel framing as a viable option.
