The idea of building your home from a prefabricated kit has excellent appeal to numerous people, and there are a number of advantages to doing this.
Across Australia, it is easy to see that the do-it-yourself trend is far from over. It has grown and encompasses much more than assembling that bookcase from Ikea. However, there are several factors and potential mistakes you should bear in mind before picking up your hammer and nails.
Factors to Consider When Building Steel Frame Homes
The Location
Regulations can significantly differ in areas that are just a few kilometres apart. Additionally, a building site off the beaten path can be a challenge for the delivery of materials. Ensure you are clear regarding what you can build and where.
Home Size
Because your home is emerging before your eyes, it can be challenging to picture the actual amount of space you will have in your kit home. Many people are tempted to save money by choosing a smaller home kit. Be sure you can visualise the house with all your belongings, pets, and other people inside during the rainy season. A larger kit can be worth the extra cost.
If you’re looking for a size-specific design to get started with, you can check our our available steel frame kit home designs and find the perfect one for you.
Environmental Requirements
Different areas have specific environmental conditions when building steel frame structures. Look into this early in the project to avoid problems down the line.
Timeframe
Many steel frame kit homes can be built relatively quickly. However, if you add features and customisations, remember that these will extend your build-time and may require specialised assistance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Kit Home
- Underestimating the Cost- Looking at just the price of a home kit can give you an unrealistic finished price. It is easy to overlook the costs that go beyond the materials needed to build the kit. Remember to consider necessities like toilets, showers, and appliances. Additionally, add in the price of optional improvements like built-in bookcases or a fireplace.
- Thinking No Expert Help is Necessary- While steel frame kit homes appear to be DIY projects, you need to be open to the idea that you may need help from professionals.
- Hiring Inexperienced Help- Before hiring a contractor to work on your house, check references and look for reviews. Also, double-check whether the contractor has experience with your type of kit.
- Choosing the Wrong Location- It is common for people to become excited at the prospect of the home. They do not consider the amount of land needed to build their house.
- Believing Your Kit Home Will be Perfect Right Out of the Box- Your home will require some adjustments, but this is a normal part of the shipping process.
- Not Hiring a Home Inspection- A good inspector can spot issues and potential defects that need to be addressed. Additionally, they can tell if everything is up to code.
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Self-Building
- Thinking you can do it all. It is tempting, especially if you are somewhat handy, to want to take care of all phases of your home construction. However, this can be a recipe for disaster. Even the most experienced construction site managers find the job challenging. So, for the sake of the project, bring in professional help.
- Trying to cut corners- Remember, this is not just some construction project. This is your new home. So, while it is wise to pay attention to your budget, do not sacrifice quality or safety to save a few dollars.
- Being too laid back- It is wise not to be overly involved and heavy-handed with your construction team. However, there is nothing wrong with visiting the construction site and asking questions. This is your project; familiarise yourself with the plans and the workflow.
- Rushing your research- It is natural to want to hurry and get straight into the building process. But, it is vital to take your time to verify contractors and ensure your team is up to the task at hand.
Building your own home is an exciting proposition. It is also a gigantic undertaking, especially if you lack practical experience. While there may be a number of phases you are familiar with, few people are equipped to take on the whole build without professionals to help.
To learn more about kit homes, please feel free to contact us at Steel Frames, WA. Our team of professionals have years of experience and are ready to help you create your dream home.
