Construction - Frames and Trusses
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Frames
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Setting up the Frames
We had some fairly complex walls which included curves and half walls. We decided to construct the frames on site rather than buy prefab frames. While there was very little difference in cost, doing it this way meant we could work out some of the kinks that had been introduced when the architect tried to interpret our original plan.
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If you have anything other than a simple slab shape we would suggest getting the frames made up on site. Our carpenters charged $6m2 to make them and another $6m2 to stand them.
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Getting a Sense of the Actual Size
It was only at this stage that we really started to get some sense of size (HUGE!!). It didn't look that big on paper!!
Trusses
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The Trusses Arriving
Thankfully we had no problems turning the semi around this time.
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Putting it all Together
The carpenters start on the jigsaw puzzle.
Tips and Tricks
- Price the difference between prefabricated frames and building them on site and then weigh up the risk that the prefab frames may need alteration anyway. Houses with a complex shape should be made on site.
- Get a good carpenter. The quality and accuracy of the work at this stage makes or breaks the house.
- Get prefab roof trusses. These are just too complex to figure out and it's hard enough putting the jigsaw together without having to build them as well. You probably couldn't find a carpenter nowadays that could make them on site anyway!
- Ensure that all trusses are square to the frame. If girders are skewed even slightly (10-20mm) it will throw out your fascia and guttering levels and consequently your roof tiles/iron.
- Check your wind rating with the council and tie down your frames accordingly.