Steve Mason:
Group Home Builder, Chevron Homes Paraparaumu
One year ago, Group Home Builder for Chevron Homes, Steve Mason, was looking for an alternative to timber framing. His quest to find an alternative solution led him to Frametek.
“What we did 12 months ago was look at the alternatives to timber framing, given the fact that the frames & trusses being completed at that stage had a lot of twisting and warping, expansion. A lot of work was being created for us in straightening them, and we chose steel framing as the answer.”
Mason points to three key reasons for choosing steel framing, saying that since the original investigation a year ago, the company has now moved totally to steel frames.
“Number one is it’s lighter. It also negated any further bracing. Not having to allow for additional bracing offers huge cost savings. And, third, steel framing is straighter and doesn’t warp, bend or rot. Carpenters don’t have to spend a lot of time straightening and planning to get things straight because the steel is already straight,” explains Mason.
He adds, “Chevron is looking broadly at how we construct homes to maximise their durability. We want to make sure things last, and that we can avoid leaky homes, and steel-framing fits with that direction.”
Mason anticipates some effort will be required for builders and tradesmen to transition to steel framing, but believes the end product will make it worthwhile.
“Carpenters will have to change mindset from hammer and nails to cutters and drilling, likewise with our subcontractors. There will be some issues to be worked through because it is new, but we’re very impressed with it.”
Mason says Chevron is using steel framing for single-story residential homes, and will expand from there over time. He encourages other home builders to consider steel framing as an viable option.
“Steel framing has been around for years commercially and it’s time the home building industry realises there is an alternative and explores those options,” says Mason.
