I have a complete set of plans for the construction of a 7000sf steel house on Whidbey. The design uses red iron and Light Gauge Steel material. Given the unique design, I have found that there are few in the area (Seattle) willing to give me a bid and so I’m posting here to see if there are any contractors that might be interested in reviewing the plans, providing an estimate and, ideally, doing the work. Thanks.
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1wing,
What seems to be the trouble finding a contractor? Steel buildings are easy. If residential contractors won't look at it, try light commercial contractors. If I lived near you I would take a look at it.
dl
DL,
I think the reasons are many but some are: this is a hybrid (not like the kits - other than Excalibur (waited 3 months before giving up on getting a quote from them)) red-iron and light gauge, and this seems to limit the playing field; business is booming and no one is inclined to venture a trip up the learning curve, and I've done my homework and with concrete floors and steel structure, I believe a $90/sf cost is doable, but I think this stops many in their tracks. It didn't stop the architect from proceeding with the design which I'm now begining to feel is an albatross.
I too believe that steel is straight forward ("easy" maybe... but the connections are different and varied) and think that this design is the house of the future but getting the wood crowd to come on board won't occur until the market dictates.
Please try Steelhead construction in Arlington. I don't have the phone number, but could get it for you. If you need more info please send me a PM at [email protected].
Any luck winger? I know other steel contractors that would give it a go also.
McMark,
I've been out and about - not checking into the board too often since this weather is conducive to spending all waking hours outside. But, Yes, I've talked to Ron at Steelhead and he says he's very interested in doing residential steel. I've sent him a set of reduced prints to see if he's willing to take on what I've got (it's alot). I'll try to remember to keep you posted on this, I might need further referrals. Thanks.
McMark,
I said that I'd check back with you and give you the latest. Ron is trying to see if there's a way to remove enough of the red iron in the current design so that he feels like he can take this project on. Ron's expertise is similar to most of the contractors that have decided to take a look at the plan - it's all light gauge steel. When anyone sees the red iron framework they get scared and want to get womeone else to do it AND charge enough to make sure that any learning experiences are paid for. I'm approaching this strictly from a budgetary consideration (the primary job of the owner-builder) and am now at 25% of my overall budget for the steel frame. Ron's initial estimate for doing the frame was 54% of the budget. Doing the excavating, plumbing and electrical, I'm allowing $90/sf for the house and $30/sf for the basement on a 7000sf house. Did you know someone else who can fit the bill as described?
winger (if you want the job done right,....)