build with steel

[slow2run]

All steel homes/cabins  kits from your plans at metalbuildingdepot.com . Can someone tell me what the pro's and con's of steel verses wood construction? :-?

[glenn kangiser]

I worked with a steel housing company for a bit in Chihuahua, Mexico, trying to get them going up here.

The steel studs stay straight -no warping.

Some different tools required.  Steel is harder to work with if you are not used to it -- you can't just drive in a nail (without special equipment) - however you can run a self driller in pretty quick.

Unless you have a heavier red iron frame, some of the parts of a house - trusses - roof joists etc. can get really flimsy.  A company in Fresno area had some fail before they were sheathed.  They are not exactly standard construction so may require engineering and if your code officials are not used to dealing with them you may have a rough time with the building department.  I would suggest you ask them before you spend your money.

[n74tg]

Unless steel costs have come down significantly, steel framing is WAY more expensive than wood; not to mention "thermal bridging" problems of steel (read that as very low insulation R-value).