Feb 14 2013
The economic recovery doesn't seem to be as vibrant as experts had predicted it would be. In fact, an unexpected contraction in the U.S. economy's fourth quarter of 2012 may be hinting at sluggishness - a trend that David Harsanyi of Real Clear Politics sees continuing.
"Supplies of [new and existing] homes costing less than $100,000 are tight in much of the country," said Lawrence Yun , National Association of Realtors chief economist. "First-time buyers have fewer options." However, there's likely a silver lining in BudgetHomeKits.com.
This online-based company offers do-it-yourself steel home exteriors. Such kits have become very popular with owner/builders because of the ease of build and the money that can be saved. Budget claims to offer the only truly DIY home shell that's comprehensive and built entirely with steel.
"There's no question; steel is stronger," said Dan Burkhalter , senior project coordinator for BudgetHomeKits.com. "It's straighter, resistant to fire, bugs, warping, rotting, and just about every other concern you'd have with wood framing.
"Contractors have been building with steel for a long time. This is just the first time, that I know of, that someone's offered an all-steel home shell you can assemble on your own, with no contractor required. It's energy efficient, green friendly, low maintenance - the list goes on."
That sounds counter-intuitive. It's steel. Wouldn't you need cranes or something to lift it up or attach it?
"With other kits you would," Burkhalter said. "That's why those kits really aren't DIY. But when you build with our design, you don't need heavy, powered equipment. It's not old-fashioned, bulky I-beam. It's all ready-to-assemble, top-of-the-line, galvanized American steel. Everything can be lifted manually by two or three capable adults."
Though the trend of building homes with steel framing has gained lots of popularity in just the past few years, this technique has actually been experimented with for decades.
"We've field-tested all of our designs, which we've been developing for 25 years," Burkhalter said. "It's just in the last few years that our company has taken them online and made them available nationwide."
"I have to credit our business model for the savings that our customers realize," he said. "We see ourselves as the 'Amazon.com of DIY steel homes.' We operate online, we sell in bulk, and we keep our overhead costs very low. You know all those marketing materials, online advertisements, and mail-outs you get from others? You can expect the cost of all that to be rolled into their home prices. But not with us."
Housing markets differ from state to state. But Budget says they'll ship to just about anywhere in the U.S.
To give you a head start with assembly, that same Budget-certified crew can even stay on site to erect much of the frame for you, at an extra cost of course. But whether you have construction experience or are a building novice, Burkhalter said that their 10-Phase Assembly Guide, which comes with each kit, will illustrate how to put your home together.
"And because of the instant sweat equity you'll have when you walk inside your finished home," Burkhalter said, "this is an opportunity that builders of any experience level should look into."
Source: http://www.budgethomekits.com/