Reasons to use steel in construction
Steel has revolutionized the construction industry and brought about a new era. Steel allowed us to build higher than ever before and created the time of the skyscraper. Today, architects have so much freedom to create unbound, liberated structures thanks to the properties of steel. Keep reading to see what the main reasons to use steel in constructions are.
Strength and malleability
Steel is exceptionally strong, but also easy to work with at the same time. Engineers can create wonderful shapes from steel, keeping its tensile and ductile strength and the ability to bear a load. Architectural freedom has reached new heights with the introduction of steel, and this amazing material keeps thrilling us.
Quickness and resourcefulness
Steel is very easy and fast to assemble and work with, in all seasons. You can manufacture it before assembly, so you do not have to worry about the weather conditions. Also, the time to assemble steel-framed buildings is much shorter than the time to build traditional brick and mortar buildings. Steel also makes it easier to set up foundations, because it demands much fewer points of contact with the ground.
Easy to access, recyclable and very adaptable
Steel-framed buildings are very easy to adapt and alter. They have much less load-bearing columns and offer much more open space. So, if the tenant wants to create new rooms, he has only to divide the space using drywall. Steel frames also accommodate wiring, computer networking cables and other utilities much easier. Finally, steel is endlessly recyclable. No matter how many times you recycle steel, you can always expect the same properties. This makes it perfect to preserve natural raw resources and keep the planet cleaner. Nothing is wasted with steel.
What are modular homes?
14/12/2017 by Jenson Forbes • Home, Tips • Tags: Modular Home, Tips •
Not every home has to be constructed on-site. Instead of building a house from the foundation up, brick by brick or board by board, modern technology offers a different way. Modular homes are specific in that way that they are constructed indoors. They begin their life in a factory of pieces, where the products, the parts of the new building are created. Often people would call these types of homes factory-built or prefab homes.
One thing to point out is that modular and manufactured homes are not the same thing. A manufactured home is not built upon permanent foundations. Because of this, they are also called mobile homes. These houses can be picked up and taken to another location.
How are modular homes different from regular houses?
The main advantage modular homes have over traditional houses built on-site is that they are very quick to construct. It takes only a few weeks to assemble a modular house and move in. The reason behind this is that the weather cannot affect the construction process, there are established manufacturing guidelines and rules and so on.
Another important thing to point out is that there is a popular misconception concerning modular homes. People often think that modular houses are all alike. In reality, there are little limitations when it comes to the design of these buildings. You can let your imagination run free and construct the Mediterranean, a Scandinavian or a Colonial house.
Assembling a modular home
Modular homes come to the construction sites in pieces called sections. They are brought to the site using trucks and the assembled using cranes and other machinery. You can think of it like putting children’s’ play blocks together. Manufacturers can personalize houses in many ways, from floors to roof tiles. This way, the customers get a fully customized house.
Price of modular homes
Another myth involving these houses is that they are more expensive than traditionally constructed houses. In fact, they are cheaper because builders use less time to construct them and inspectors also use less time because all the parts are inspected in the factory.
Of course, if you throw in a lot of customized solutions, the more expensive your home will be. If you add a lot of additional features, from electrical to plumbing work, you will have to dish out more cash. However, a typical modular house is, on average, cheaper than a regular house.