US Frame Factory is a one stop shop for metal stud framing kits, prefabricated panels, and trusses for commercial and residential projects. Check out our Steel Frame Residential Home Cost Calculator for a quick estimate.
US Frame Factory’s steel framing kits provide contractors and home owners a high quality and durable alternative to wood and stick framing. With computer-aided design, we manufacture custom, easy-to-assemble, panelized wall kits for homes, ADUs, Tiny Homes, Studios, and other applications. As a Louisiana based company, we understand the issues that builders and home owners face such as high humidity, hurricane winds, rot and termites. We seek to help residents of the Gulf Coast, South Texas, and Louisiana combat these issues by using galvanized, rust resistant steel and engineering buildings to withstand large wind loads.
Replacing traditional wooden frames with steel creates a sturdy, accurate, stable, and long-lasting building. Steel frames are significantly more versatile than typical lumber in terms of size and design. Some advantages include
Save money and time on labor with kits erected in a day.
CAD and machine production to 1/16″ tolerance
Fire, mold and rot resistant
No onsite waste and all factory waste is recycled
Straighter beams that never warp
Engineering to withstand hurricane winds
An assembled affordable housing kit in Lafayette, Louisiana.
The manufacturing process begins by importing computer-aided-drawing (CAD) design files into a automated steel roll former. The roll former shapes and cuts steel coils into the stud and track. As the material rolls through the machine, service holes and indentations are punched. Studs slot into place with track to create wall panels and trusses.
We will look at your existing architectural drawings and give you a broad price range. Then for a small fee, we can draft them on AGACAD Revit software. Once a 3D model is made, we will give accurate price estimates and draft shop drawings for production. Cost is based on the amount of material/labor and is competitive with traditional construction.
Check out our Steel Frame Residential Home Cost Calculator for a quick estimate. Steel frame housing kits range between $15-$30 per sq ft. There are many variables such as roof style, desired wind-loads, cost of steel at the time, and number of stories. While more costly than wood initially you will make up for it in lower insurance rates and maintenance.
We will stack your panels efficiently up to 15 levels and ship them to your location.
Onsite assembly is easy with minimal connections. Larger projects can be erected with just a Telescopic handler. With smaller projects, no heavy machinery is required. Most panels can be carried by two people. Kits can be assembled with simply just a drill and screws. Check out our guide for installing metal stud wall panels.
Seeking an affordable custom home alternative to expensive conventional construction? Prefabricated steel frame kit houses, like barndominiums, offer dramatic value. Blending steel’s strength with highly customizable floorplans, these kits ship with every beam, panel, and hardware item needed to erect solid structures. BuildMax specifically designs quality barndo kits optimizing performance and livability. But what’s the bottom line expense constructing a steel kit home? the pricing in this article are only estimates and shouldn’t be used as a solid price as material prices are always fluctuating wildly.
The engineered steel framework with included roofing and exterior wall panels comprises a major kit cost component. Sourcing quality steel gauges and durable finishings is paramount. BuildMax only utilizes premium materials that balance lasting integrity with attractive aesthetics. Beyond the shell, factors like concrete work, utilities, finishes, and labor influence the overall budget.
BuildMax prefabricated barndo’s start around $59,000 for smaller 24’X44′ designs but the company’s Deluxe series maximizes value. These kits feature resilient 16-20 gauge steel framing, 29 gauge wall and roof sheeting. Locking in pricing and delivery timing upfront helps limit overages too.
Beyond the barndo kit itself, you will need to budget for site excavating, concrete, utilities, insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinets/vanities and finish work. While specialized subcontractors cost more per hour, their expertise gets the project done faster. Permits, fees and contingencies can add another 12%. In total turnkey builds here in Kentucky average $113 per sq. ft. for an Owner Builder and $125-$150 per sq. ft. when using a General Contractor. Of course prices will vary based on the area you live and the supply of contractors.
Here’s the breakdown on my house
Below is a detailed cost breakdown to build a 1575 square foot steel frame house kit I recently built as an Owner Builder:
Steel Frame Kit – $59,000
A standard 1575 sq ft steel shell kit for the frame, walls, and roof using:
– 16-20 gauge galvanized steel stud framing
– Steel wall girts and roof purlins
– Pre-cut frame connectors and hardware
– Standard 40 yr limited paint warranty
–Check out our Catalog
Concrete Foundation – $11,000
– Concrete footings and 4 inch thick slab
– Passive radon venting
– Termite barrier
– Vapor moisture barrier
– Rebar slab reinforcement grid
– Excavation, gravel backfill
Framing/Building – $13,000
Labor costs for jobsite delivery coordination, steel shell assembly, and anchoring to foundation specs.
Interior Finishes – $8,400
Drywall installation, taping/mudding, flooring,
$3,000
Insulation
$31,000
cabinetry/quartz countertops, copper sink and faucets, interior doors, flooring, custom shower, finish carpentry and millwork.
$10,100
Electrical rough-in and finish lighting fixtures,
$12,500
Plumbing rough-in bathroom fixtures, tankless hot water heater appliances, water softener.
$7600
HVAC mini-splits
$3,000
Interior paint
$5,700
Stainless appliances
Permits & Fees – $2000
Building permits, inspections, site surveys, utility hookups/connections
$3500
Garage Doors
$4500
Exterior Deck
$1700
Gutters
$3,500
Stair treads
Total Budget: $179,000
The prefabricated structural steel shell delivers exceptional value, strength, and durability over wood framing.
For the best blend of adaptable living space and lasting value using steel kit construction, BuildMax barndominiums deliver. The turnkey kits coupled with Floorplan Customizer flexibility and Owner-Centric support at every step makes the process smooth from concept through to keys. Contact BuildMax and start building your dream steel kit house without delay!