Tips for Success When Building a Kit Home

Owner builder erecting steel wall frameSteel frame kit homes are the perfect option for many prospective homeowners who are looking for affordable, yet attractive homes for their families. One of the benefits of kit homes in NSW, Queensland and Victoria is that the kits are designed to allow homeowners to build their own residences.

If you're considering purchasing a kit home or already have bought one and are preparing to build, it's important that you keep the following tips in mind to ensure your success.

1. Required trainings are valuable. While owner-builders understand that they must attend certain trainings prior to building steel frame kit homes, some feel that they are just satisfying a government requirement when attending these classes or completing them online. The truth is that the content of these trainings is invaluable for prospective builders, so it's important that you retain as much of the information presented as possible. Take notes and ask questions about things that you're unsure about to ensure the success of your project. View PAAL's Free Owner Builder Course

2. Building codes are not to be ignored. Prior to building your home, it's important that you educate yourself on all of your local building codes. This can help you avoid dangerous and costly mistakes during construction.

3. Neatness counts. Building a kit home is a lengthy process, and you won't be using all of your materials at once. This makes it important that you keep all of your unused supplies well protected. Store them off the ground on wood supports and place a tarp over them to shield them from the elements.

4. Instructions are indispensable. The building manual is designed to make building a kit home as easy, simple, and safe as possible. You simply can't underestimate the importance of following the steps in the manual exactly as written. Before starting a step, read it twice and have someone else read it as well. Make sure that you fully understand what it entails. Complete that step completely without doing anything extra to work ahead. This will help reduce the likelihood of mistakes.

Shoalhaven kit home facadeAlthough there is a lot of work and planning involved, being an owner-builder is very rewarding. When you live in a kit home that you’ve created yourself, you'll feel a sense of pride every day in what you've accomplished. During the building process, don't be afraid to reach out to your kit home provider as well as to other owner-builders for help. There's a lot to be learned from others who have completed a kit home building project successfully.

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