allow it to snap back into place – leaving a nice clear and straight line of chalk on the concrete. This needs to be done for all external wall frames and it is important to ensure that all lines are at 90 degrees (a right angle) to each other. Taking delivery of the steel frame – all the wall frames, beams, trusses and joists will arrive on the back of a lorry. As you unload them, check that everything is in the right order. In theory, the last thing to come off the lorry should be the first piece you will use when you start the construction process. In simple terms, you want all the pieces stacked sequentially to match the order of installation. Get on the phone and invite a load of (capable) friends round to a frame construction party. Four or five people will be enough depending on the overall size of the frame, and this is a great way to make building your new home even more memorable and enjoyable.
Installing wall panels – If you’ve got your snaplines right, installing and connecting all the wall panels together could not be easier or more straightforward.
Cross bracing – cross bracing is installed to provide extra stability to keep the panels square to each other, and to stop them from racking.
Installing the trusses – once your wall panels are in place, you are now ready to install the roof trusses. Depending on their size, you may be able to manually lift them into place, but for larger and heavier trusses, mechanical machinery will be needed. Time for an impromptu barbecue and a celebratory drink of something fizzy! Once you have watched the videos that show how simple and rapid it is to erect a steel skeleton, you should feel confident that you definitely have the DIY skills to build your own home.
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