Home » Should I build a metal home? Myths debunked

Should I build a metal home? Myths debunked

Sears, Roebuck and Co. transformed the housing market in the late 1800s by producing mail-order homes, and one of their most popular designs was the ‘Modern Home No. 118,‘ a lovely metal-clad dwelling. These catalog-advertised houses were sent in pieces and could be built by the buyers themselves. Imagine receiving all of your house’s parts in the mail! Because of metal construction, this creative strategy made homeownership more accessible to people across the United States, letting them to build their ideal metal homes with their own hands.

Well that was 19th century, but are these metal homes really worth it these days or should you be building a metal home? We will explore it here and I  hope by the end of this article, you will have a clear answer to that.

Understanding the Appeal of Metal Houses

To Build a metal home offers a wide array of benefits, making it an increasingly popular choice among homeowners. Here’s a preview of the advantages of constructing a metal house:

Metal is more durable and stronger than wood.

Metal, without a doubt, is a more durable material than wood. As a result, metal can withstand rain and severe winds better than wood.

Even acid rain, termites, and other unusual factors that are normally harmful to wood will not be a problem for metal buildings.

Because of the durability of metal or steel, metal building houses tend to last longer than other types of housing, making them more environmentally friendly. Because metal is less prone to damage than wood, metal homes are less expensive to insure and usually require less maintenance.

Energy Efficiency

Another significant advantage of metal construction homes is their high energy efficiency. Metal structures can reflect heat, keeping the dwelling cooler in the summer. This can result in decreased cooling bills as well as a more pleasant environment. Furthermore, metal buildings are good at preserving heat during the winter months. This can result in decreased heating expenses and a more comfortable house.

Overall, metal constructions use far less energy than traditional wood-frame dwellings. This is due to metal buildings’ superior ability to reflect and retain heat. As a consequence, you will save money on your monthly energy expenses while also having a more pleasant house.

Note: This is not the case all the time. Energy efficiency of homes is more of a function of insulation used. Better the insulation more are the energy savings. The insulation technologies are more or less similar for all types of constructions. So, if you are thinking to building a metal home only based on the fact they are efficient- don’t.

Versatility in Design

Another significant advantage of metal construction homes is their high energy efficiency. Metal structures can reflect heat, keeping the dwelling cooler in the summer. This can result in decreased cooling bills as well as a more pleasant environment. Furthermore, metal buildings are good at preserving heat during the winter months. This can result in decreased heating expenses and a more comfortable house.

Overall, metal constructions use far less energy than traditional wood-frame dwellings. This is due to metal buildings’ superior ability to reflect and retain heat. As a consequence, you will save money on your monthly energy expenses while also having a more pleasant house. Here are some of the examples of amazing metal homes design.

Fireproof

Steel does not burn as well as wood. As a result, there is no danger of keeping your essentials secure from fires. Fires are widespread in areas where the temperature is extremely hot. Metal construction homes are an excellent choice for creating your dream home while protecting it from fire damage.

Pest-proof

Pests are a common issue with wood structures, but not with steel structures. Steel building owners can keep their dwellings pest-free and tidy without difficulty.

It is recyclable

Steel buildings are 100% recyclable and are regarded as ‘green constructions.’ As a result, there is no harm done to nature.

Preserving Natural Resources

It takes a lot of trees to build a house out of wood. To put it into perspective, every 2,000 square feet of your new home will necessitate the removal of an acre of trees. Metal buildings, on the other hand, do not necessitate the removal of any trees.

Simple to Build a metal home

Construction costs are frequently expressed in terms of labor and materials, but there is another factor that has a significant impact on the environment: running the essential equipment can consume a significant amount of gasoline. Fortunately metal home kits reduce building time and allow equipment to run for considerably shorter periods of time, conserving fuel and lowering pollution.

Metal building homes save you money on labor.

It’s no secret that labor costs consume a significant portion of the money for house construction. Many people, however, are unaware that choosing a metal-construction home might save them money on labor costs.

Steel is approximately 25% lighter than wood, thus installing framing becomes substantially faster when utilizing a lighter material. Because time is money in construction, completing your building sooner or earlier than the scheduled completion date results in significant savings.

Saving money is especially important when using one of the many steel building kits on the market. Most of the structural framing for these prefabricated buildings will be supplied directly to your job site.

According to one source, you may need to spend $19000 more on labor costs for brick and  mortar home as compared to a steel home.

The bad things about metal homes

Corrosion of metal framing

One of the most serious drawbacks of metal construction homes is that they corrode. Corrosion is a particular problem in coastal areas. While rust takes longer to inflict damage than termites and rot, precautions must still be taken.

Using corrosion-resistant steel is one method that homeowners can utilize to keep studs and joists from rusting. However, such steel necessitates an initial investment as well as special periodic maintenance. The good news is that all new steel produced these days is zinc coated which effectively protects it from rust.

Obtaining a building permit for a metal building home can be a tough process.

Before starting any construction project, homeowners must apply for a building permit outlining the extent of the job. Having one approved indicates that the construction you’re creating complies with the community’s safety rules.

Unfortunately, getting approval will most likely be difficult. This is especially true if you live in the United States. This is due to the unusual nature of metal buildings, as many municipal building codes have yet to catch up with metal framing.

As a result, before investing in a steel-framed house, it’s critical to first check your community’s policies.

This is however changing faster, with most states now having metal framing legalized.

We can help you with the permits and also offer support to build a metal home. Contact us here

Steel frame contractors should be used for construction.

As previously said, the nature of metal construction homes is distinct from other structures. As a result, not every contractor is equipped with the specialized knowledge required for the efficient installation of steel frames.

Finding a contractor for your job may also need more effort and time than usual. However, if you conduct a thorough study of their previous projects and credentials, such as a professional license, you will be in excellent hands.

Here you can find top steel contractors in USA.

Comparative cost analysis between metal and traditional houses

Here is a quick comparison of cost associated with  building brick and metal homes. Clearly metal homes is the winner. A big differences comes in installation cost which directly associate with labor hours required. For brick and mortar homes, you significantly need more.

Per sq.ft costsTraditional Homes (brick and mortar)Steel Homes
Material and equipment cost$8$14
Installation$5$40
Foundation (concrete)$7$7

Tips for budgeting and saving on construction costs

  • Change Orders: Making additions and modifications to your design after the order has been placed is a budget buster.  Do not reveal your production plans until you are completely pleased with all of the details.
  • Bill of Lading: Inspect the framing materials when your building kit arrives.  Examine the bill of lading carefully.  Before beginning building, be certain that nothing is broken or missing.
  • Erection Crew: It is inefficient to have too few or too many people on the project.  As a result, you should speak with your steel building company.  They should be able to provide you sound recommendations on the appropriate crew size for your job.
  • What tools do I need to put the steel framing together?  Is it necessary to rent a forklift?  What is a scissor scaffold?  Is that a crane? Again, talk to your steel building firm about the equipment you’ll require.
  • Proper equipment, rigorous training, and extra attention can help to avoid costly job site injuries.
  • Security: Keep your job site safe from theft and vandalism!  If necessary, hire a security agency.

Is cold weather bad for it?

Long-term exposure to harsh winter weather can pose issues with wood-framed homes. Over time, the wood may warp or twist, horizontal beams may droop, and rot may develop.

Steel has none of these issues. Because of its excellent strength and dependability, it is unlikely to decay significantly in a home construction for many, many years.

Because steel does not warp as easily as wood, it is less likely to have draughty window frames and entrances, which helps to keep the heat inside and lowers utility expenditures.

All of this adds up to long-term cost-effective home heating, eliminating the notion that metal-build homes are inherently frigid.

Final Thoughts on building a metal home

Ultimately, the choice to build a metal home is a viable and increasingly popular option, especially considering the long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness. By carefully assessing your requirements, understanding local regulations, and choosing reputable contractors, you can make your dream of owning a metal home a reality, enjoying the advantages of this innovative and resilient housing solution.

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