Frequently Asked Questions
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Planning your dream build can be tricky, but our team of experienced professionals is here to guide you every step of the way.
Plans & Permits
Questions about modifying plans are very common. Luckily, you do have options for making changes to plans. We will call you once we receive your request to determine what changes you’d like to make to your plan.
These plans include almost everything you need to obtain a building permit. Your general contractor will be able to assist you with the additional material that needs to be gathered and submitted for permits. If you are serving as your own general contractor we suggest you contact the Department of Public Works in the city or county in which you wish to build. They will be able to provide you with a list of what they require in addition to the architectural drawings (blueprints).
Examples of other items necessary for a permit application would be a site plan, septic system design (unless on city sewer), pre-engineered roof truss diagrams, mechanical layout for heating and cooling system and installation instructions from manufacturer for a pre-fabricated fireplace if applicable. There may be additional items necessary. Again, consult with your Department of Public Works.
At the time blueprints are drawn, each designer puts great care into ensuring the construction drawings conform to national building codes. However, this does not mean they will meet all local building codes. Each city, county, municipality, etc. has its own set of building codes consisting of zoning requirements and other regulations that are best suited for that particular area. Be sure to check with your local building official to determine what is required for the area where you plan to build.
It may be necessary to work with your builder, a local residential designer or another design professional to modify the blueprints for code compliance in your specific area. Some areas of North America have very strict engineering codes such as the Northern areas with snow load requirements, hurricane-prone areas of the Golf Coast and parts of California that are in a high-risk zone for earthquakes. If you are building in these areas, it will be advantageous to hire a local engineer to review your plans and provide any additional drawings or calculations required by your building department.
Along with the blueprints, your local building official may require a site plan, septic system design (if your property is not served by a county sewer system) and energy codes. If you are not sure if you will need to hire an engineer or supply the other items along with your construction drawings, contact your local building department. They can provide a list of all the required items needed to obtain a building permit.
Foundations
A stem wall slab is a term to describe a foundation type where there is a footing, a short foundation wall is formed and poured on top of that and then the garage slab is poured within the perimeter of the foundation walls.
Appearance
Yes, they look better. Walls, ceilings, and roofs do not have ripples or bumps, and there are no “nail pops” in the drywall/plasterboard. Roofs of steel-framed homes do not sag over time, even under concrete tiles, so the finished job continues to look good. Steel house frames will not change or move over time, so gaps will not open, letting in air. Insulating products work by creating a barrier between temperatures.
Over time, a wood frame can settle and move, creating openings, and allowing air to travel through, making the insulation far less effective. Steel will not settle over time, allowing other complementing products to continue performing how they were designed and specified. Because of the light steel’s strength, a home can be designed with larger open spaces while the exterior looks like any normal home, only better!
A heavy-weighted picture that requires a bolt or hanger can be screwed straight into a stud. Studs are easily located with magnets.
Weather & Natural Disasters
Because steel is a positive conductor to the earth, the electrical energy is conducted straight to the ground. It is not released destructively within the frame as in conventional framing or cladding.
Thermally-induced movement is not an issue if a light steel frame home is constructed correctly and insulated. Steel is engineered, inorganic, and will not rot, warp, twist, bow, shrink or settle. There are far fewer instances of plaster or cornice cracking because steel doesn’t change during its lifespan, so it is highly unlikely that there will be noise. Because a steel frame doesn’t settle over time, there are fewer issues with movement, such as sticking doors or windows.
A properly engineered and specified steel home can withstand gale-force winds. Most steel-reinforced buildings can withstand hurricane winds of up to 170 mph.
Steel construction is much lighter than traditional materials like concrete or wood without compromising strength. Steel is less likely to damage itself from the seismic shaking that occurs during an earthquake because it has less mass and less force.