Building the Dream Home, Affordable DIY Steel Frame Homes

This book is all about how steel frame homes are both affordable and available. These homes of 1200 square feet or less, often referred to as ADUs in America, are of much higher quality than timber framed homes. They can be built by a DIYer, or as a hybrid build with Trade Contractors or built by a General Contractor. Regardless of your choice a FrameUpNow cold framed steel home can be built for 1/2 the cost of a traditional timber framed home. Read this book for a complete education on the modern method of building with cold formed steel also know as light gauge steel. Every FrameUpNow home has a complete Bill of Materials that we refer to as a Materials Shopping List. This book offers the Home Depot Materials Shopping List as a download so you may budget your ADU.

BUILDING THE DREAM AFFORDABLE DIY STEEL FRAME HOMES

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. ISBN: 979-8-35094-670-

Contents Chapter 1: Meet the Team Behind Frame Up Now .............................................................. 1

Chapter 2: An Introduction to Affordable Steel-frame Homes .......................................... 5

Chapter 3: Flowcodes, Abbreviations and Construction Terms........................................ 9

Chapter 4: Steel-frame ADUs – The Ultimate in Adaptable, Affordable Housing........13

Chapter 5: How Steel-frame ADUs Have Become a Game-changer for the Elderly .....19

Chapter 6: Building Affordable ADUs – A Family Affair ................................................ 23

Chapter 7: ADUs – Ideal for Investing, Downsizing or for When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned ..................................................................................................................................... 27

Chapter 8: Steel-Frame Homes and the DIY Self-build Revolution................................. 31

Chapter 9: Two Essential Requirements for a Home Built to Last.................................. 35

Chapter 10: Your Quick Guide to Constructing a Steel Skeleton ..................................... 41

Chapter 11: FRAMECAD and FrameUpNow – the Ideal Combination .........................45

Chapter 12: How to Become a Steel Frame Manufacturer and Collaborator..................53

Chapter 13: For Those Who Are Superstitious, There Is No Chapter 13!........................ 59

Chapter 14: The Materials Shopping List............................................................................. 61

Chapter 15: The FrameUpNow Collections......................................................................... 69

The Versatile FrameUpNow Skeleton ............................................................................ 126 Contact Us .............................................................................................................................. 161

ADU State-by-State Resource List....................................................................................... 162

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FrameUpNow – a PRADU 4 U

FrameUpNow Light Gauge Steel skeletons, or frames, can be produced from and for any ADU and PRADU plans you discover. Research the plans available in the area of your residence or interest. The process is simple: 1. Find a plan that fits your requirements and is available as an A ccessory D welling U nit – ADU or P ermit R eady A ccessory D welling U nit – PRADU . 2. Acquire the plan from the sponsoring jurisdiction. Many jurisdictions will provide the plan at no cost to you. 3. Send us the plan. 4. We will engineer a metal skeleton, superior to a traditional wood frame. Your steel plan will be structurally engineered and carry an IBC stamp, honored in any jurisdiction anywhere in the world. 5. Place an order for the skeleton, and we will ship it to you ready to erect. Your ADU frame can be erected in just three days. 6. It is that easy! Your skeleton will be impervious to weather, fire -resistant, and not susceptible to mold. You could own this Temecula one-bed, one-bath, 625-square-foot home complete with foundation, skeleton and every finishing touch for just under $79,000.

Design Path Studio is a prolific designer of ADUs and many are registered and available at Cities and Counties as PRADUs. They have produced hundreds of wonderful designs.

BUILDING THE DREAM AFFORDABLE DIY STEEL FRAME HOMES

CHAPTER 1: MEET THE TEAM BEHIND FRAME UP NOW

Rodger Ford & Brad Cooper: The Founders

You may have heard the expression, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” and when it comes to those responsible for the FrameUpNow concept, the phrase could not be more appropriate. Including our founders, we have a group of highly successful individuals from various professional spheres, each bringing a unique set of skills to the table, yet all sharing a common belief: A total commitment to cold-formed steel (CFS) frame construction for affordable residential housing, not just in the United States where the company is based, but anywhere in the world. When every member of this high-powered team recognises the potential in a unique form of construction, you know you are onto something special. Let’s learn a little more about the men behind the FrameUpNow concept.

Rodger Ford A remarkable entrepreneur who is as enthusiastic about life as he enters his ninth decade as he was in his third, Rodger Ford revels in identifying and developing new concepts and ideas across multiple industries. In his lifetime, he has achieved more than some would in three lifetimes, and in as diverse a set of industries as you could imagine. Rodger founded AlphaGraphics, Printshops of the Future, in 1970. By 1988, he had expanded that business to 400 locations across 20 countries. Not content with one successful venture, he also co-founded PetsHotel, which revolutionized the pet boarding industry through the provision of an upmarket sanctuary for cats and dogs. So successful was the concept that in 2000, the company was acquired by PetsMart. Today, there is a PetsHotel in most PetsMart outlets. It might surprise you to discover that some of Rodger’s most significant and beneficial work took place in the realm of medicine, where he was the CEO of SynCardia between 2005 and 2011. There Rodger changed the operating philosophy of the company from that of a “science project” to a bioscience pioneer. The result saw the achievement of ground-breaking milestones in the realm of artificial heart technology. Rodger spotted the potential for cold-formed steel frame construction in 2022. His approach to the business is that of an out-of-the-box thinker, a visionary, and a man with tremendous entrepreneurial spirit and knowledge of how to effectively and efficiently bring concepts to market. Brad Cooper There is little about residential construction that Brad Cooper doesn’t know. Having been involved in the construction industry for 22 years, Brad is the owner of MC2 Homes based in Benson, Arizona. His specialty is the

construction of custom-designed properties where, as he puts it, “Each design has a meaning and a purpose.” Brad was quick to identify the many advantages of CFS frame construction and now considers it a necessity in the homes he builds. He spotted the potential for CFS frame construction from a practical point of view and with a constructor’s eye for the whole process. While understanding how the system can be used to help construct affordable housing, he also recognised the potential for the construction of larger properties that he could offer at a more competitive price. CFS frames provide significant improvement, coupled with considerable savings in construction time and labor costs.

Bewketu Arifu – HouseDocs

Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in November 1988, Bewketu Arifu’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming the CEO of HouseDocs is a testament to his resilience, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit. Arifu grew up loved by a family that valued both justice and care—qualities he inherited from his father, a lawyer, and his mother, a nurse. After losing both parents, his pursuit of success became a driving force not just for personal growth but also for supporting his family.

Arifu joined the prestigious Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction & City Development (EiABC) at Addis Ababa University. He excelled as a top student in his field and gained proficiency in Autodesk Revit. By his third year, he had already begun teaching Revit to real estate and

private architectural firms in Addis Ababa. His reputation spread rapidly, and he continued this work until his graduation. Post-university, Arifu founded Glimpse ArchViz and VFX Studio, where he and his team worked on architectural drafting and visualization projects. Eventually, he connected with Rodger Ford. His outstanding work earned his place as an external designer for FrameUpNow. This relationship blossomed into a collaborative partnership, and HouseDocs was born. Today, HouseDocs stands as a leading provider of Building Information Modeling (BIM) services, with a team of 23 professionals including architects, engineers, and designers. Under Arifu’s leadership, HouseDocs specializes in producing full documentation packages—architectural, structural, mechanical (HVAC), electrical, and plumbing—tailored to meet the needs of an ever- evolving construction industry. With these complementary skillsets brought to the table, each invaluable, it is not surprising that since its 2022 inception, FrameUpNow has expanded its global footprint at breakneck pace

CHAPTER 2: AN INTRODUCTION TO AFFORDABLE STEEL-FRAME HOMES

For generations, timber/wood has been the traditional material used in the construction of buildings, especially residential dwellings. Wood is a relatively lightweight, durable, and adaptable material. It is also available worldwide, even in deforested regions. Fir, pine, and spruce are the most common forms of softwood timber used for joists, trusses, beams, and posts, and most commonly for entire timber frames, primarily because softwoods are some of the most abundant, fast-growing forms of wood available. A pine tree can be felled twenty years after planting, making it ideal as a sustainable material. However, timber does have disadvantages. You can buy it only in pre- determined lengths, and it takes time and a skilled carpenter to convert those lengths into all the necessary pieces that go into making up the frame, the structure of a building. Timber is also notorious for warping; a challenge that means the material has to season and dry out before it can be used. It can expand if it becomes damp, and it burns all too well if there is an accidental fire in the property. Once in place, the timber frame of a property has to be further adapted. Holes must be drilled to accommodate electrical cables, plumbing for sanitary installations, and ductwork for certain types of central heating—a time- consuming process. Building a timber frame for a property is labour-intensive and time-consuming, and therefore relatively costly.

More recently, the development of cold formed steel (CFS) has led to something of a revolution in the sphere of construction, both commercial and residential. It has proven to be an even more flexible material than wood in terms of construction design. CFS used for the structure of a property (often called the skeleton) does not bend or warp in heat or cold. All elements of a steel-framed property are precision-manufactured and arrive ready to use. This means that it is the ideal material for those who have competent DIY skills but may lack extensive carpentry experience. CFS has opened up the possibility of building your own home to many thousands of people across the globe. It is appreciably easier and faster to assemble the structure of property with a steel skeleton or frame, meaning that considerable cost savings can be made in terms of time and also by eliminating the need to hire skilled craftsmen. The construction plans and diagrams for steel skeletons provided by FrameUpNow are clearly presented so that home builders do not need years of experience in the construction industry.

For the installation of all wiring and plumbing pipework, the relevant holes have been predrilled in all the steel sections, saving considerable time. Further, the steel will not burn in a fire. Nor is it susceptible to damage from insects, such as termites, borers, or carpenter ants, making it the ideal construction material for many a less-hospitable environment. Armed with the above information, it should not come as a surprise to learn that dwellings with a steel skeleton using CFS are increasingly popular for the construction of low-cost, affordable housing. As you read on through this book, you will gain a clearer understanding of why.

CHAPTER 3: FLOWCODES, ABBREVIATIONS AND CONSTRUCTION TERMS

Flowcodes Steel-frame houses are revolutionizing the affordable residential building landscape, and Flowcodes are revolutionizing QR code technology. In this book we use Flowcodes, which are similar in purpose to QR codes, to direct you to additional information. Simply scan the Flowcode with your smartphone camera, and your smartphone will display the additional information we want you to see. Flowcodes are more reliable and responsive than traditional QR codes, giving you faster, more direct connections to information. We use Flowcodes particularly for the examples of our property designs and construction details, giving you easy access to useful, up-to-date information without having to read through pages of information that may not be relevant. Abbreviations and Terms For many of you, steel-frame properties may be a new concept, and with that comes new terminology. In addition, because steel-frame properties can be built by someone with competent do-it-yourself skills, there may well be a number of construction-related terms you find unfamiliar. While FrameUpNow is a North American company, its 25 designs for steel skeletons for residential properties are available worldwide. Consequently, this book tries to use generally accepted construction terms that are recognised globally.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with certain construction terms, this summary of terms and abbreviations used should prove useful.

Abbreviations • CFS – Cold-formed steel. Structural skeletons are made from cold, structural-quality sheet steel formed into C-sections and other shapes by roll-forming the steel through a series of dies. • ADU – Accessory dwelling unit. An accessory dwelling unit, in general terms, is a secondary form of residential accommodation either attached to a main residence or built on the same lot as the principal dwelling. ADUs are sometimes referred to as “affordable housing” or “low-cost housing.” • DIY – Do It Yourself. DIY is a shorthand term used to describe various tasks associated with property maintenance and improvement. Someone who is good at DIY should be perfectly capable of building a steel-frame property. • IBC – International Building Code. This is a globally accepted standard that ensures quality, safety and sustainability requirements of a construction project are strictly followed. Terms • Frame – The internal structure of a property, which is attached to the foundation, and to which the walls and roof are attached. Properties with a wooden frame are referred to as timber-frame structures. • Skeleton – The internal structure of a property, which is attached to the foundation, and to which the walls and roof are attached. The structure of a steel-frame property is more commonly referred to as a skeleton; this term is specifically used for steel frames.

• Bill of Materials (BOM), also referred to as a Materials Shopping List – The list of all materials and parts necessary to complete a home. The materials shopping list allows the budgeting of home finishings prior to making an investment in the foundation or skeleton. • Affordable housing – This is a term with a different meaning than “cheap” housing or property. Affordable housing (also known as low-cost housing) is a property constructed using lower costs than traditional properties, consequently making them more affordable to purchasers. Certain affordable or low-cost housing developments are built specifically to make inroads into the housing crisis and to provide dwellings suitable for short- and medium-term rental. • Low-cost dwelling – An alternative term for affordable housing. • Residential property – Also referred to as a residential dwelling. The word “residential” is used to distinguish this type of property as one specifically for living in. Other property types include commercial, such as shops and offices, and industrial (e.g., factories, steelworks). • Foundation – Generally made of concrete, the foundation of a property is the ultra-stable platform on which the main structure is built. Foundations are designed and constructed so they do not move in any direction during the life of the property built on them. • Trusses – Typically triangular, trusses support the roof of a property, where they provide strength and stability. The stronger the truss, the heavier the material the roof can be covered in. A steel truss is a web- like design that uses tension and compression to create strong, light components that can span a long distance. The sides are in compression and the bottom is in tension to resist being pulled apart. For CFS steel-frame properties from FrameUpNow, the roof trusses will arrive pre-assembled to considerably reduce construction time.

• Beams – A beam usually runs the length of the structure and is in one section. A roof beam is a load-bearing length of wood or steel that is integral to the strength of the building. It supports the floor or roof above while adding strength and stability to the walls. Additionally, beams support joists, trusses and other roofing elements. • Joists – These are lengths of wood or steel that run perpendicular to and are supported by beams that run across open space. While beams support joists, joists support flooring laid on top of, or ceilings attached underneath them. • Wall panels – In terms of CFS wall panels for steel-frame properties, a wall panel is part of the external structure of the property on which the roof rests. A standard oblong, single-story dwelling would have four wall panels. Similar to steel roof trusses, wall panels for FrameUpNow steel-frame properties arrive on site pre-assembled to substantially reduce construction time.

CHAPTER 4: STEEL-FRAME ADUS – THE ULTIMATE IN ADAPTABLE, AFFORDABLE HOUSING Is There a Difference Between ADUs and Affordable Housing? An accessory dwelling unit (ADU), in general terms, is a secondary form of residential accommodation, either connected to an existing property or built on the same lot as a principal dwelling. Because the design of ADUs can vary considerably, this is the perfect scenario for FrameUpNow’s cold-formed steel (CFS) system of construction, whether for one of their pre-designed units or one made to measure. In many countries, “affordable housing” refers to housing units owned by housing cooperatives and associations that, in turn, rent out these properties at affordable rates. However, throughout this book, where we refer to affordable housing, we are simply referring to a housing unit that is affordable to build for private/personal occupation. FrameUpNow properties are described as “affordable” because the metal frames substantially reduce the speed and cost of construction, making them more cost-effective to build.

If you’ll excuse the pun, affordability is the foundation of CFS ADUs. Flexibility of design is another major plus point. Bearing in mind these two major factors, the following are ten of the most common situations we have identified at FrameUpNow where this type of construction is perfectly suited. 1. A Growing Family. In the world of residential property, it is a frequently quoted “fact” that the three most important factors when buying a property are location, location, location! And when you have found the perfect location for your home, it seems unfair to have to leave because you have outgrown the space. Thanks to ADUs, you don’t have to. Not only is the cost of construction of, say, two additional bedrooms and a shower room more affordable with CFS steel-frame construction, but much of the cost will be covered by the savings on realtor’s fees if you had instead sold your home and bought a new one. 2. The Rising Cost of Property . For those who are looking to get onto the property ladder, or who want to move to a larger property, the cost can be prohibitive. However, where the lot or plot is large enough, multiple ADUs can be built within the grounds of an existing building. This is often the case where children have left college and are employed full-time, but who can only afford to rent. Why pay rent when the cost of a loan to build an ADU next to your parents’ home will likely be so much less? 3. Multiple Family Units . In many societies, the family unit is what everyone lives for. Fifty years ago in many Western societies, it was rare for a family household to include grandparents and grown grandchildren who were already carving out their own careers. Today, not only will you find three generations of adults under one roof, but you will often find great-grandchildren as well. Many traditional homes lack the space needed for multiple families, but the

addition of one or two ADUs on the grounds of the existing home can solve all accommodation problems, whether these units are attached to the main property or detached and self-contained. 4. Divorce . It is an unfortunate fact of life that divorce often brings a dramatic change in lifestyle, including the home you live in. This period can be especially difficult for women who have young children, for whom they may be the principal caretakers. However, building an ADU on the grounds of a parent’s home can provide divorced spouses with affordable accommodation of a good standard, as well as a child support network right next door! 5. Unemployment or a Change in Employment . Losing a job can cause a financial crisis. If you have a substantial mortgage to pay, your home could also be at risk. However, if you have owned your home long enough, you could sell it (while retaining sufficient land to build an ADU) and put the net proceeds after paying off the mortgage toward the cost of your ADU. The same can apply if you want to change careers or retire but feel tied to your current job because you have a large mortgage. Building and then living in an ADU for a few years could give you the financial freedom to pursue a whole new career. 6. Caring for Elderly Parents. One of the biggest challenges families face when caring for elderly parents is a desire to maintain their independence. In addition, older people may have downsized earlier in life and their current home would be impractical for two families or a carer to live in. An ADU, whether an independent structure or attached to the principal dwelling, could be a complete game- changer. Adding a self-contained ADU for a caretaker would allow elderly parents to retain their independence, yet also have help on hand whenever needed.

7. Lack of Affordable Housing . Some cities face such a shortage of buildable land and a high demand for property that for a first purchase, the cost of anything other than a broom closet is out of reach. It is not so much that grown children don’t want to leave home; they just can’t afford a place of their own. Depending on your circumstances, you might be able to construct an ADU where they can live while they save for a deposit on a place of their own. Alternatively, young buyers could perhaps afford a loan to build an ADU, even though they could never have afforded a plot of land as well. 8. Investment. If you live in an area where there is good rental demand, particularly where the value of residential property is high, why not build an ADU on your own land? Many planning restrictions are being lifted owing to a lack of residential homes in large cities. Investing in an ADU could give you an excellent return on your investment. As it would be a brand-new property, maintenance costs to you as a landlord would be negligible. 9. A DIY Home-build Project . There has been a dramatic increase in the number of people who decide to build their own home, and this can be put down to one very clear reason: YouTube. That may surprise you, but when it comes to building your own home, you can find a YouTube video (and often many of them) for every aspect of property construction and maintenance, from laying foundations to changing a light bulb. The greatest problem facing DIY home builders has been the timber frame, which required exceptional carpentry skills. With the simplicity of a FrameUpNow CFS steel frame, not only is it easier to build your own home, but it is now more affordable as well.

10. DIY Community Self-build Projects. Across the globe, you can find small pockets of several houses built by a group of tradesmen who have shared their skills, in a form of bartering, to build a family compound they would not have otherwise been able to afford. Put together a plumber, electrician, carpenter, drywaller, construction specialist, and roofer, and you might be amazed by what they can achieve. With the introduction of CFS steel frames, these projects have been speeded up considerably while costs have again been lowered. Members of these community groups all still work full time, but spend their evenings, weekends and holidays working on each other’s properties until they have all been completed. There is one more thing we should add, which we feel is very important. In many major urban areas, homelessness is a problem. Whether individuals are left unhoused through divorce, unemployment, or simply being unable to break the cycle of needing a permanent address to get work, more ADUs could provide a safe haven for more people. Whether you class it as philanthropy, social responsibility, or sensible investing, the more ADUs that can be added to the urban landscape, the greater the chance of reducing the problem of homelessness. As you can see, the opportunities for affordable steel-framed houses are endless, and these opportunities all share a common bond—making property ownership flexible and affordable to as many people as possible.

CHAPTER 5: HOW STEEL-FRAME ADUS HAVE BECOME A GAME-CHANGER FOR THE ELDERLY

For many who enter their golden years, retaining independence is often seen as a benchmark for a good life. However, with the rapid growth in house prices, many first-time buyers are having to turn to their parents for financial aid to help them get a foot on the property ladder. The passing of time brings a whole new set of challenges to meet and hurdles to overcome. Thanks to FrameUpNow and FRAMECAD, steel-frame affordable housing provides multiple solutions, many not previously thought of or possible, for the majority of these problems and challenges.

Let us look at five of the most common situations faced by the elderly where an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, would work well and allow them to avoid relocating if the plot their home occupies is large enough.

1. Becoming infirm – It is wrong to assume that once your health begins to deteriorate, the only option available is to move into a nursing facility or assisted housing where help is available 24/7. Why not build an ADU for a live-in carer? It could be a totally independent unit or it could be attached to your home with an interconnecting door. Not only will you add value to your home, but you will also save a fortune in nursing facility/care home fees. 2. Bringing your family closer to you – Of course, you could achieve two goals with one project. If you are struggling to look after yourself and your home, perhaps because it is now too big for you to maintain, why not build an independent ADU? Then, if your son or daughter has a family, they could move into the main house and look after you while you keep your independence in your own, smaller property. A good attorney or accountant can advise you, but where estate planning is concerned you may choose to sell the main house to your son or daughter at a reduced price (to cover the cost of your ADU) or gift the property to them as part of your legacy. 3. Boosting your pension fund – It could be that most of your wealth is tied up in your home, quite a common situation. You could consider building an affordable home on the plot and then renting out the main house to generate a monthly income. Alternatively, if you have modest savings, an affordable steel-framed home built within the boundary of your property could be rented out to generate additional income. The property would be even more affordable to build as you will only have to pay for the structure—you already own the land it will be built on! 4. Helping out your family financially – In many countries, the value of property has risen so much in the past twenty years that getting on the property ladder can be difficult if not impossible. Because members of the younger generation have so many options available

where work is concerned, many choose to live in a town or city a long way from home, or sometimes even abroad. Local planning laws may allow you to build an independent ADU on the existing plot of your home, create an independent entrance, and then sell off the main home. The proceeds would comfortably pay for your ADU and allow you to help your children buy rather than rent a property. 5. Staying with your family – It may be traditional where you live that the extended family lives together all under the same roof. That may have worked out well when it was two parents and two young children. But once those children marry and start their own families, space will be at a premium. Then, when their children become young adults, you may be forced to consider the costly option of moving to a larger property or they may have to consider living elsewhere. However, with the low cost of construction, you could easily expand the square footage of the existing property with steel-framed extensions to provide additional bedrooms and living space. If you work out the costs involved, you will find this is one of the most financially viable options. And what are two things all of the above scenarios have in common? First, each option adds capital value to the principal residence. This makes perfect sense if you have children you wish to leave a legacy to. Second, no relocation is required. No changing towns, no saying goodbye to neighbours, no massive upheaval at a time in life when you least need it. An ADU makes perfect sense in so many ways.

CHAPTER 6: BUILDING AFFORDABLE ADUS – A FAMILY AFFAIR

So far, we have discussed the multiple benefits of building an ADU when you become less able to look after yourself but are still keen to retain your independence. All those options apply when you already own a property. However, there are numerous other scenarios where, as a homeowner, building an ADU or affordable housing unit on your property would still make a lot of sense. If you are wondering how ADUs can provide so many solutions to myriad challenges and problems, the answer, to a degree, lies in the description. Steel- frame homes have already found a niche in today’s property market, not just in the U.S., the U.K. or Europe, but across the globe, because they provide a cost- effective solution to many of today’s housing problems. Now, if a property is affordable to build and that affordability includes the price of the lot the property sits on, imagine just how much more affordable a steel-framed home would be when you already own the land! So what scenarios are we talking about here? Helping your children gain independence – In many countries, the average age for children leaving home and buying their own property is now well over 30. The sole reason for this is the rising price of residential property in areas where there are good work opportunities. Many mature children, looking to gain their independence, run the risk of falling into a common trap. If they can’t buy their own home and get on the property ladder, then their only option is to rent a residence. However, with the rising value of residential property, rents have also risen. Renting a property is now so costly that it can

be impossible to also save for a deposit and buy a property later on. What is paid in rent just becomes lost money. As a parent, you have two options if you want to help out your children and allow them to become more independent. If your savings permit, you could build an ADU on your current property and let your son or daughter live there while they save up enough money for a place of their own. You could alternatively downsize your own property and build an ADU on the grounds. Once your child saves enough to buy their own property, you can let out the ADU and boost your retirement fund. In the ideal scenario, once your children become financially stable with a secure job, they could well decide to buy the ADU from you and get on the property ladder that way. If they do save up enough to buy their own property elsewhere, you will be able to boost your income by letting out the ADU and earning a return on the capital you invested. Children’s divorce – There is the scenario where, unfortunately, one of your children gets divorced. One of the biggest challenges facing divorced couples is that one or both have to find somewhere else to live. If there are children involved, in the majority of situations, one parent becomes the primary caregiver and requires more living space. In a perfect world, that would mean continuing to live in the family home, especially as it would minimize disruption for young children at an emotionally challenging time. Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world. The problem is, life begins to look somewhat unfair when you realise that property values are such that the value of a three-bedroom family home is likely about twice the price of a one-bedroom apartment, which creates problems where the children are concerned. If the only feasible option is to sell the family home, then what can be done about finding new homes for both parties and the children? After all, as an

adult, returning home to live with your parents may be seen as a last resort—as if somehow, having left home, returning carries a sense of failure. For the parent who will be the primary caregiver to the children, remaining in the family home may not be possible if they lack the ability to take over the existing mortgage, even with financial aid from their ex-partner. Similarly, even for the partner who is not the primary caregiver, providing financial support can make paying a hefty mortgage on a new property for themselves particularly challenging. However, ADUs could be a game changer for one if not both parties involved, especially if grandparents can provide space on the plot of their own home to build an ADU. ADUs are called affordable homes for a reason. When speed of construction is combined with affordability, they can be the perfect solution to housing problems following a breakup.

CHAPTER 7: ADUS – IDEAL FOR INVESTING, DOWNSIZING OR FOR WHEN LIFE DOESN’T GO AS PLANNED

There are no hard and fast rules that say who can live in an affordable property, or why. Consequently, in this book we have mentioned only the most likely scenarios, where affordable housing can provide a viable option for some of the residential hurdles encountered in life. To a degree, the adaptability and versatility of steel-frame ADUs make them the Swiss Army knives of the domestic construction world. This section of the book will deal with two key areas where affordable housing can play an important role, though from very different perspectives—changing financial circumstances and investing for the future.

Investing in an ADU Traditionally, property has always been seen as a good long-term investment. The trouble is, for many today, cost puts even the least expensive property out of reach where investing is concerned. When it comes to steel-frame low-cost housing, the cost of construction may be lower than traditional methods, but that doesn’t mean the rental income will also be less. Ordinarily you might look for a 6-9% return on capital invested when setting the rent on a traditional property. If you can charge the same rent for a property that costs less to build, then a steel-frame affordable home is an even better investment. One word perfectly sums up steel-frame homes purchased through FrameUpNow, and that is “versatility.” Beyond the twenty-five designs we offer, homebuilders still have the option to create purpose-built ADUs to meet local market demand. With a homelessness crisis in many cities worldwide, there is huge demand for the most elementary forms of accommodation—such as a bed-sitting room with an integrated kitchenette and a separate shower/toilet/bathroom. Whether as individual “pods” or structures with multiple units, an investment in low- rent affordable homes could not only generate regular income with high demand, but also contribute to a solution for the homeless. It should be noted that many unhoused people are not unemployed, nor do they have mental health problems; they simply live in places where rents have skyrocketed and they are unable to afford even a one-bedroom flat or a room to rent in an HMO (house of multiple occupancy). Beyond being able to build properties designed to meet the demands of a local rental market, there is another big plus when it comes to building and renting out an ADU—brand-new properties require next to no maintenance. In other words, you won’t be spending half your rental income fixing things!

Downsizing to an ADU Often, when retiring, many parents find their current home too large. It was perfect for bringing up a family, but if everyone has left home, why spend so much maintaining a property that is not fully occupied? Instead, why not sell your home and buy a new, smaller one? Or better still, build your own steel- framed home to your specifications and build a second ADU with the remainder of the proceeds from the family home to bring in extra income? The advantage of investing in an ADU is that you not only get a return on capital through rent, which is appreciably more than you would get if the money were earning interest in a savings account, but you should also get an increase in the value of your ADU over time as the property increases in value in the long term. A change in financial circumstances It is an unfortunate fact that today we no longer live in a world where a job is for life, as it was back in our grandparents’ day. What happens if you lose your job and can’t pay the mortgage, or any other loan secured on your home? Well, thanks to FrameUpNow and affordable steel-frame homes, the situation needn’t be as dire as it might seem at first. If you have lived in your property for many years, chances are that selling it could release a good chunk of capital that would enable you to pay off any loan and temporarily downsize by building a steel-frame home, helping to keep your foot on the property ladder and avoid throwing money down the drain by paying rent. By keeping your money invested in property, when your financial situation improves you have the option of moving home again—or, as is becoming a popular option, designing and adding a new steel-frame extension to increase the size of your existing steel-frame home.

CHAPTER 8: STEEL-FRAME HOMES AND THE DIY SELF-BUILD REVOLUTION

With the introduction of steel-frame affordable housing, more and more people today are choosing to build their own home. By that, we mean adopting a hands-on approach to the construction process as opposed to supervising a team of construction professionals. There have always been a minority of people who choose to build their own home, but usually those few already had advanced DIY skills and a lot of knowledge—perhaps having worked at one time or another in the construction industry.

Why self-build is becoming such a popular option

However, the landscape has changed from thirty years ago. There are four principal reasons for this revolution in the self-build community: Rising property prices First, property prices have risen to the extent where, for many, it is just too expensive to buy a property that meets all their needs. This has inspired many individuals to explore the possibility of building their own residence as a less costly alternative. There is a reason ADUs are also referred to as affordable housing … they allow more and more people to become homeowners who, under most circumstances, could only afford to waste money on rent. The arrival of steel-frame skeletons Second, there is the arrival of the steel-frame home. Thanks to developing technology and massive progress made in terms of production technology, it is now possible to buy a steel frame, or skeleton as it is known, for any number of pre-designed residential properties. For example, at FrameUpNow we have

more than 200 designs for “ready-to-order” frames. Previously, one of the biggest hurdles to building your own property was having the necessary carpentry and brick- or block-laying skills, together with knowledge and experience, to build the frame of the property, that part to which everything else is attached—e.g., the roof, the walls, internal partitions, flooring. Today, these steel skeletons come ready for assembly, accompanied by clear drawings and precise instructions, enabling anyone with competent DIY skills to assemble them. Better still, with the creation of a global network of manufacturing outlets where the parts for the frame are produced, you can order your frame through FrameUpNow, based in the United States, and have it manufactured just a few miles down the road, whether you live in the Americas, Europe, Africa, or Asia. This dramatically reduces shipment costs. At FrameUpNow, we are genuinely doing all we can to make steel-frame

properties as affordable as possible. Affordable and effective power tools

Third, we have the dramatic improvements in and lower cost of power tools. Not so long ago, many building tasks were carried out manually – by that we mean jobs like sawing, sanding, nailing, drilling, or mixing concrete. Today, there is a power tool for virtually every manual task. Not only does this reduce the skill level required, but it also speeds up the construction process dramatically. With more and more people becoming DIY enthusiasts, the price of many power tools has fallen, making them far more affordable. If you don’t have a DIY superstore near you, there are plenty of online options for home delivery. How-to videos and the internet

Fourth, no longer do we need specialized knowledge or have to speak to friends who are in the construction business to learn about building a property. Today, you can visit YouTube, type in “How to…,” and you will have a fantastic

choice of videos to watch. Whether plumbing or wiring a house, fitting a bath or sink, tiling walls or floors, decorating, insulating, drywalling or plaster boarding, you will have many, many videos to choose from. The list is endless, and these videos will also go into the more intricate details, such as “How to fit a tap,” “How to fit a door hinge,” or “How to mix concrete.” YouTube has an active DIY community where you can interact with creators, ask questions, and share your own experiences. You can leave comments, join discussions, and even connect with like-minded DIY enthusiasts. If you encounter a problem, there will always be someone around to give you advice.

Beyond YouTube, having access to the internet and using a search engine such as Google will provide you with answers to many other construction process queries. For example, you can look for “What ratio of sand and cement do I need to make mortar?” Or, if you wish to be as environmentally conscious as possible with your construction, you can search for “Eco-friendly insulation.” There really isn’t much you can’t learn about building a property on the internet these days. What we would advise, though, is to be thorough in your research and cross-check the information you get: information provided is often opinion-based, as opposed to verified facts.

See for yourself

We have only scratched the surface with regard to what is involved with a self-build project. However, we thought you might like to see how a FrameUpNow steel skeleton is erected. Use the Flowcode here to take a closer look.

CHAPTER 9: TWO ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A HOME BUILT TO LAST

For many of you who are reading this book, by the time you have finished, you may well be ready to embark on a venture you might not have dared imagine ten years ago – building your own home. While this book is also for the guidance of those who already work in the construction industry, we wanted to include those of you who have sound DIY skills. The CFS frame, or skeleton, for ADUs or affordable housing is easy to erect, and thanks to the plethora of online videos, there is nothing in the realm of property construction, from laying foundations to plumbing, that doesn’t have a selection of how-to videos to watch in every language imaginable! You don’t need specialized knowledge, just a basic skillset and access to the internet, to be able to build your own steel- frame home! In reality, there is something of a revolution occurring in the global construction industry, with steel-frame skeletons enabling more and more of you to build your own home at a price appreciably more affordable than buying a traditionally built property from a developer – one of the main reasons steel-frame properties are becoming so popular. So what are the two essential requirements of a home built to last? In simple terms, a solid frame or skeleton (what you build) and a firm foundation (what you build upon). The frame or skeleton To avoid any confusion, properties with a main structure made of wood are referred to as timber-frame properties. When cold-formed steel (CFS) is used, the CFS frame in a property is referred to as a skeleton. Both structures fulfil

the same purpose—they provide a solid structure around which you build the walls and roof and fit out the interior.

Multiple advantages of a CFS skeleton Timber is prone to bending and warping under extreme conditions, such as high or low temperatures, excessive moisture, or high winds. CFS does not suffer from any of these drawbacks. Timber is subject to attack from dry and wet rot, woodworm, termites, borers, carpenter ants, and other insects. CFS is impervious to all such attacks and infestations. Timber is flammable, and in a fire is likely to aid in the total destruction of a property. CFS is non-combustible and can help to retard the spread of a domestic fire. As a result, insurance companies’ rate CFS-framed properties lower than timber-framed ones, thus lowering your insurance premiums.

International acceptance Part of the reason for the global spread of FRAMECAD steel-frame housing is the international standards which it meets. The CFS skeletons we provide at FrameUpNow are designed to International Building Code (IBC) Standards. The IBC is responsible, globally, for ensuring that the quality, safety, and sustainability requirements of a construction project are strictly adhered to. All 60 FrameUpNow steel-frame skeleton designs meet the IBC standard and are delivered with an IBC stamp of approval. The foundation If the foundation of a building is not rock-solid, then it doesn’t matter how stable the skeleton or frame of a property is: The property won’t last and may be unsafe to live in. It is no coincidence that in life we refer to so many things requiring solid foundations, though in most instances we are speaking figuratively, not literally. Anything built on a solid foundation will last much longer. A property’s foundation performs two functions. It ensures that the property does not sink into the ground when built—you would be surprised by just how much a house weighs! Second, it helps to evenly distribute the property’s weight across the ground, optimizing stability.

Hire a professional for this stage of construction There is no “one size fits all” type of foundation. Foundations for a property built on rock differ from those built on clay or

sandy soil. For this reason, we strongly recommend employing the services of an architect or structural engineer to carry out tests on the land your property

will be built on. They will also check for groundwater levels and seismic activity and provide you with detailed drawings (i.e., plans) of the most appropriate foundations for the property you wish to build. Once you are in receipt of these plans, you should then hire a contractor to lay the foundation. They will have comprehensive knowledge relating to site preparation, formwork, concrete mixing, pouring, finishing, and curing.

Get official paperwork to guarantee the work There are two reasons we recommend you employ professionals to build the foundation of your property. First, you will have peace of mind that your property has been built on “solid ground” while also giving you the right to legal recourse (i.e., insurance) if anything goes wrong. Second, and more important, you are protecting the value of your investment. There may come a time when you need to sell your steel-frame property. Depending on where you live, the value of the property can be affected if there is no paperwork to prove that the property has been built to the standards required by local building regulations/authorities. In many instances, banks or building societies will not lend money to the purchaser of a property if it lacks

the required paperwork and plans to prove that everything meets all official requirements. It is also worth noting that that if you do decide to build the property yourself and intend to do your own wiring and plumbing, it will also pay to have a registered electrician and registered plumber check and sign off on all your work to show that it has all been installed to the correct specifications. Note also that in many countries, it is against the law to install plumbing and fires/furnaces/boilers that involve gas unless you are fully trained and qualified. In other words, in several instances, while the costs of building a steel-framed property are lower than a traditionally built one, there are certain corners you cannot afford to cut or you could end up affecting your property’s value or even its future saleability. What is included in foundation plans? Without plans, the contractor you employ to lay the foundation will have no idea what is required of them. Foundation plans may vary, depending on where you live, but can include any or all of the following: • Foundation Layout • Footings

• Foundation Walls • Columns and Piers • Foundation Materials • Floor Elevation Drainage Details • Site Information

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