Steel-framed home built in Hunter termite country
Termites cause problems for many homeowners in the Upper Hunter, which was one reason why Steven and Michelle Clydsdale chose a steel-framed house from Paal Kit Homes when they built.
The couple and their three boys from Aberdeen, near Scone, also appreciated the easy-construct nature of steel.
“I used to be a metal worker years ago but I had never built a home before,” says Steven. “And I have to say, the steel framing went up beautifully, absolutely no problem. I was impressed with the precision and the quality of the Paal kit.”
For the exterior cladding, Steven and Michelle chose CSR Cemintel weatherboard which is also renowned for defying termites, as well as being fire resistant and having good insulation properties.
The couple built Paal’s Camden, a spacious classic design that situates the master suite and children’s rooms at opposite ends of the house, with the living space in between. Steven was doing shift work at the time, so he and Michelle appreciated the peace and quiet of the arrangement.
“The floor plan is very family-friendly,” he says. “We can see it working as the boys get older and want a bit more privacy too.”
The family made some modifications to the standard floor plan, adding an alfresco entertaining space, a garage and an extra verandah.
“We were at the Paal display centre in Sydney discussing the changes we’d like to make, and within half an hour they had a new plan in front of us. This was the start of our experience with Paal and we were not disappointed,” says Steven.
“The knowledgeable Paal team were helpful every step of the way – from assisting us to prepare and lodge paperwork for council approval through to the actual build. If we needed something extra, it would arrive onsite within a couple of days.
“This meant that the actual process of building was pretty straightforward.
“Of course, there were also cost benefits to building this way. But for us, it was simple to do and Paal was very supportive. We certainly don’t regret our decision,” he says.