Questions? Look Here.

Yes, typically the conversion process from block/wood to light gauge steel is seamless. Impact to the Architectural design is typically zero to minimal, while most of the structural plans need to be completely replaced in most cases, except for the foundation related elements. This process can be performed by PBS or the current Architect/Engineering team, whichever makes the most sense. If we do the work, it is performed by a team of designers, detailers, and structural engineers under our guidance, and can take anywhere from a few weeks to few months, depending on type, size, and complexity of the project. The conversion process is executed in the initial phase of the project once under contract, and access to the CAD files is required. If your current Architect/Engineering team is going to do the conversion, we will provide them with the necessary orientation and CAD details to execute the work.

No, however the further along you are in the process, the more expensive and time-consuming the switchover will be. The ideal moment to consider and select the building technology you will use is at the initial Architectural design phase, as this is where overall layout, sizes, wall thicknesses, wall and ceilings heights, free spans and other aspects are impacted. It all comes down to the limited resources of time and money, as there will be costs associated with the conversion of the plans and resubmittal of the revised plans back to the building department for review and approval. Our advice is to check with your building department on the process, costs, and timing required for this type of change to make a more informed decision.

Yes. Typically, we can build pretty much any style, size, shape or type of structure with light gauge steel that you would build with wood and/or block materials. Of course, if you wanted to build a log cabin then light gauge steel would probably not be a good fit. There are some limitations as to free spans, number of floors and such, however, these limitations are usually less than wood and/or block due to the high strength-to-weight ratio of steel. If you are in doubt as to whether your project would be a good fit with our technology, just give us a call to discuss.

Although the entire set of building components for the structure are manufactured in a manufacturing facility, correctly termed as Off-Site Manufacturing (OSM), our system is not technically categorized as modular or prefab as we are providing trusses, column, beam and wall assemblies as individual components. Technically, we are considered a panelized SIP (Structural Insulated Panel) or componentized system. This terminology is typically unimportant, except when certain limitations or restrictions are imposed by local county, city, HOA controlled or historical communities.

Yes. Most of these restricted areas typically deal with the architectural look and feel of the exterior envelope, not the technical or framing aspect of the building or what is behind/inside the walls or attic. In fact, most communities welcome our technology and the benefits gained with its use for both the homeowner and the community.

Yes, we have worked with several GCs and framing crews over the years, mostly in Florida and the Islands. Most GCs and Framing Crews today are experienced in erecting and framing structures made of light gauge steel, especially if they have or are working on any commercial projects. The same goes for the other trades such as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. Normally, GCs and framing crews with light gauge steel framing experience need very little training or orientation on our system, which is typically about 3 to 5 days on-site. We can certainly assist in searching for and vetting GCs and framing crews in your area if required.

Although you can and probably should use light gauge steel for your remodel project, our focus is only on new construction. We suggest speaking with your General Contractor about using light gauge steel instead of wood for the framing as you will certainly get a much better result and longer lasting structure.

Yes, we are a design-build company. Typically, we can build pretty much any style, size, shape or type of structure with light gauge steel that you would build with wood and/or block materials. Of course, if you wanted to build a log cabin then our system would probably not be a good fit. There are some limitations as to free spans, number of floors and such, however, these limitations are usually less than wood and/or block due to the high strength-to-weight ratio of steel. If you are in doubt as to whether your project would be a good fit with our technology, just give us a call to discuss.

This depends on the size and complexity of the structure. As a point of reference, a small 2,000 SF home would take about a week to fabricate once production begins. As a standard procedure, we place orders into our production queue upon receipt of a signed contract and initial production payment. We typically fabricate the structure while the building permit is in process, allowing for delivery and installation immediately upon installation of the foundation, which can result in shaving off weeks or even months in the overall building process.

This depends on the size and complexity of the structure, but yes, it is typically much faster than traditional stick building or laying block, as well as less messy and resulting in less waste/cost. As a point of reference, a small 2,000 SF home would take an experienced crew of 5 to 6 framers about 3 to 4 days to erect and dry-in. As a rule of thumb, crews are typically 6 to 8 framers, which can erect about 3,000 SF of building space per week if they are extremely efficient.

Yes. Our structures are extremely energy efficient and thus very well insulated and air-tight compared to most wood/block framed structures. Like cardboard, thick block walls, and the human body, the open and closed-cell spray foam insulation does a great job at acoustical isolation and absorbs radio signals very well. Typically, Clients do not complain about reduced cell service inside this type of light gauge steel structure, however it does depend on many factors, including the location of the structure from the tower(s), orientation, size and shape of the structure, etc. In some cases, a booster may be necessary, which are typically provided free-of-charge by the service providers when requested.