Products > Frequently Asked Questions

Q. The first question that we are always asked is "Is building in steel more costly than building in timber"? A. When you compare steel framing which comes complete with Bracing panels, Tie downs, Pre-punched service holes and lintels over windows, with the equivalent in timber, steel wins every time.  Add to that the advantages of steel framing - No shrinkage, No warping, Lighter to handle, Non combustible and impervious to white ants and the choice is clear.
Q.   Do we need a builder or can we owner build? A. We can offer a frame erection service to both builders who are unfamiliar with steel construction, and to the owner builder.  We can also recommend builders to undertake the entire building project.
Q. How do I become an Owner Builder? A. Please refer to the section on this web page "Owner Builder"
Q. What about sub trades? A. Even in most timber framed houses, Builders prefer to use steel battens to fix their ceilings - so there's no difference there. Plaster to walls is by glue & screw for steel instead of glue and nail for timber.
Q.   Is steel more dangerous in the event of an electrical fault? A. Steel frames are earthed and carry any electrical current quickly to earth.  Thus reducing the risk that is present in a timber house.
Q.   What about noise? A. In the early days of steel framed homes some people did report "Creaking noises".  Technology has changed and this no longer occurs.  In fact it seems to be a story generated by timber builders to protect their industry, rather than comments made by people living in steel houses.
Q.   What about fire dangers? A.   Few things burn as well as timber.  In a steel house there is little to burn.   Bricks, Hardieplank™, Steel frames & trusses, Gyprock, Iron or Tile roofs are all non combustible.
Q.  Is a steel frame house cheaper to insure? A.   Due to the fact steel cannot burn and cannot be attacked by termites borers or fungal decay, insurance companies acknowledge a steel framed house is a lower risk to insure.  So as a result insurance premiums are lower.
(not all insurance companies share this view but many do).
Q. Does a steel frame house look different to a timber house? A.  No.  It is impossible to tell the difference between a steel and timber house once completed.
Q. What about Termite Protection? A.   Steel qualifies as a "Termite resistant material" Under the building code of Australia. Your steel structure is safe for life. The BSA provides that building in steel is sufficient to meet the requirements of the code.  Avoid expensive and repetitive poisonous sprays around you home.
Q. Can you get help with Engineers, Drafting of plans and other information? A.   We are more than happy to assist you with advice if needed, and supply answers to all your questions or solutions to any problems you may encounter.

Owner Builder

Being an Owner Builder does not mean that you must build with your own two hands.  Even registered builders contract out a lot of tasks to Sub Contractors as the builder himself may not always be working on your site.  In fact, most registered builders would not be licensed to carry out electrical work or plumbing and drainage work.  Roofing and guttering too tend to have specialty tradesmen, as does painting etc.

Your Registered Builder may make use of some or all of these tradesmen, and there is no reason you cannot do the same.  Remember though, the builder is ultimately responsible for all subcontractors and may be held accountable if anything goes wrong, That's is why the builder will charge a percentage on top of the sub trades, to cover his liability.

As an owner builder, you must choose your sub trades carefully as you will be responsible for the work they do.