I am a licensed general contractor and have been approached to erect a Deltec Home(actually 2, side by side and attached), one will be on a Superior Wall Foundation System above ground with the Deltec Home set on top of it(56 sq. ft diameter, 22 sides, 2500 sq.feet) the other just a few feet away and approx. 300 sq. ft. set on piers. The two would be connected by a heated breezeway.
I just met with the customer today so before I spend too much time trying to get the job I wondered if anyone here has experience and/or opinions. I’ve read the Deltec construction manual and it’s not rocket science but it seems like there are alot of places for things to go bad wrong.
Is this one of those ideas where it looks great and exciting on paper but is a nightmare and a leaking money boat in practice?
Replies
Well, you sure live in the right place...they're based out of Asheville. Have you seen their model and talked to them in person? A guy who helped with my house had built one and spoke well of it. I've not heard a whole lot of mention of them, but that which I've heard has not been negative.
Same here as far as good to great compliments.
Saw a new one go up in Sylva a few yrs ago..pretty cool.
I'll be in yer woods next weekend , buy ya a beer?
Family moved to Canton..so my wife will be there. I will be shuttleing tween Jackson/ Macon and Buncombe Counties..
I lost yer #...DOH.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
There is no cure for stupid. R. White.
A few Deltec houses were profiled on the DIY network series Assembly Required. No experience with them myself but the showes may be repeated or available on demand.
dog,
I'm working on a Deltec right now. I've put up several. I have a close friend who lives in the model you described.
Deltec is a great concept. I don't believe they have ever lost one to wind, hurricane etc. A few things to consider in pricing. The kits are not inexpensive. Nor should your labor be to build one. Cost plus is an excellent way to start out, but don't sell yourself short. The people who buy them usually can afford to pay you what it's worth! It's been my experience that it takes approximatley 3 times as long to perform any 1 task (after the kit is errected) than it does with conventional construction. Depending on the size of your company and the resources you have available, you may cut this time considerably.
Some Examples:
Siding: Unless you have truck loads of scaffolding you can't cover many sq ft in a single lift. We use pump jacks and take up 3 walls at a time. That's at least 16 set ups on the model you are considering.
Insulation: Floor and ceiling insulation must be installed in wedges 2' at the ends to noting in the middle.
Drywall: Self explanatory!
Mechanicals: Subs charge a great deal more due to the degree of difficulty in placing their systems.
Exterior Trim: pre cut, but you have to make adjustments. Overhangs are often 3 feet and present their own challanges. You will find the same with floor and roof panels. DO NOT ASSUME THAT EVERYTHING IS CARRY OVER AND NAIL IN PLACE.
Layout: Layout of the walls on the foundation, then on the floor system are CRITICAL! Truss layout is critical with respect to "pinwheeling" It happens! On floors I tack all the trusses then when I'm sure it's right, I nail them off.
The roof is the coolest! It bares entirely on the walls with no center support (as you have read it is removed after the compression ring(s) are installed. )
The manuel is really good. and Kevin ____________? at Deltec has more knowledge about the Deltec than anyone I know and is a supper nice guy. He's been involved in over 300 Deltec constructions.
A shooting boom forklift, crane or boom truck are lifesavers, especially if the walls come with windows and Hardi-plank installed. Unloading the van trailers is labor intensive.
k
Thanks K-man! I do enjoy a good challenge.
Can you give us a follow up on your project please?
Did you take the job? If so, was it rough going or OK?
Thanks, paladin_iii