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Managing the Project
Overview
Like any new construction, building a Kodiak Steel Homes® kit will involve a number of trades. In addition to the materials we provide, your home will need plumbing, wiring, lighting, flooring, heating and air (HVAC), cabinets, and other essential elements. A few very handy people may decide to do parts of this work themselves, but most will need help for some or all of the construction.
Two-story models require larger equipment and greater expertise to build safely
A Hillcrest still under construction
The Hillcrest above when finished
with steel roof over brick
Note how piers are used to raise
this Augusta above the porch
A Southridge with steel siding in
cream and almond steel roof
Interior framing for a Crestwood
with plumbing and wiring run
through the steel studs
General Contractor
You will probably need a building permit and may have to pass one or more inspections during construction. You may need other approvals like occupancy permits before you can move in. You also might have to meet the requirements of a planning commission, property owners' association, or other regulatory bodies.
Selecting a GC
In most respects, building a Kodiak Steel Homes kit is pretty much the same as with any house. The difference — the steel framing and perhaps roofing and siding — is why you are buying one. Contractors who have specialized exclusively in residential construction may have had little experience with steel. However, those who also do commercial projects will probably be very familiar with the kind of construction required for a Kodiak Steel Homes framing system, and these veterans would be an ideal choice. Even GCs who have not managed steel framing only need to hire an experienced steel erection crew in place of framing carpenters.
Steel Framing
Because the Kodiak Steel Homes framing system is based on a common approach to commercial construction, you will find a large pool of experienced steel erectors capable of assembling it in almost any part of the country. When approaching steel erectors (or contractors), it is extremely important to make it clear that your Kodiak Steel Homes kit is a "bolt-together red-iron system." If you simply say you are building a "steel framed house," they may think you are referring to a light-gauge steel stud system, and you will probably get a "no thank you." Once you have chosen the Kodiak Steel Homes model you want to build, the best thing to do is get a set of presentation drawings from us and show these to any builders you talk with. These drawings will show potential contractors and erectors exactly what is required and should allow them to give you a firm estimate.
Acting As Your Own GC
Managing a construction project is a complex task, but many of our customers do take it on successfully. However, one of the things you should know going into it is that construction is rarely a smooth process. You are taking raw and partially prepared materials and turning them into a finished product. Along the way, you are likely to run into some problems. For example, we supply pre-engineered framing materials that are designed to be ready to assemble. We fabricate these materials in state-of-the-art facilitities to close tolerances. About 98% of the time, we achieve perfection, but we are not running an assembly line, making the exact same parts on the same tooling over and over. We have to reset our tooling for every home, and occasionally we may make a mistake. Most of the time these errors can be corrected relatively easily in the field, and we provide ample technical support should this be necessary. For a major problem, we would supply replacement parts as quickly as possible, but minor alterations like burning a few holes or cutting off a plate and rewelding it are considered part of the normal construction process. A professional contractor will be prepared to make these alterations and move on (never make any alterations to your framing without approval from Kodiak Steel Homes), and if you are going to act as GC you will need to as well. We take great pride in our work and our products, and we are committed to fair dealings with our customers. We will deal straight with you, and we will help you complete the home you want for yourself and your family.
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