Posts Tagged ‘Steel Kit Homes Australia’

Kit Homes Going Green

Sunday, June 7th, 2009

In the world of kitchen remodelling ideas there is a new concept, going green.The idea for a kitchen remodel to go green is a newer one and the technology and the products are now available to make your new kitchen remodelling ideas a reality.Green products are available in so many kitchen products from countertops made from recycled products, energy efficient water systems, energy efficient appliances, cupboards and shelving made from 100% recycled materials.
What’s In A New Green Kitchen
Most new green kitchens will be remodelled with recycling ideas in mind.Incorporating a built in recycling centre in the cabinetry to either rollout or open to allow for easy sorting and storage of recycling in the kitchen. 
Another green kitchen remodelling idea would be to incorporate kitchen flooring that is eco-friendly or made of as much post consumer recycled material as possible.Bamboo, cork and eucalyptus wood flooring is becoming the next generation of eco-friendly flooring because it takes half the time to grow the wood to maturity than hardwood.
As an idea and thinking green remodel your kitchen countertop with recycled material or concrete mixed with recycled stones.  Sealing these materials is the only extra step needed to ensure a lifetime of use.
Try and seal any old cabinets that may contain VOC (VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS) resealing these older cabinets will prevent exposure to urea formaldehyde.If possible and you are sourcing new cabinets, look into cabinets using plant stems as binding agents like wheatboard or strawboard.
Another small kitchen remodel idea is using air admittance valves instead of through the roof valves on your plumbing will save you money in extra plumbing and flashing when remodelling your kitchen and saving’s the idea.
The appliances are going to surprise you when you start shopping for green alternatives.The cost is of course higher simply because the mass consumer marketplace hasn’t jumped on board the green alternative bandwagon yet.For example a radiant stove is about 60 percent efficient when cooking on the stovetop, but induction stoves are over 90 percent efficient.However the induction stoves being relatively new are selling at a premium compared to many other conventional stove brands including natural gas.
Green, Not Just Hype
In 2009 we have to realize this green talk is not just marketing initiative.  The idea has to be used in all our thinking.  We need ideas like this in kitchen remodelling, in kit homes building, in car manufacturing, in manufacturing in general and in all things that we do.Every single change we make as consumers is one less impact that we are making on our environment and it is one more message we are sending to all the powers that need to be aware how concerned we are.

Benefits Of Getting Kit Homes Metal Roofing

Monday, June 1st, 2009

If you are looking to redo the roof on your kit homes you should consider using residential metal roofing.  Residential metal roofing may seem complicated, but in reality it is not that much different from normal roofing.  If you are at all confused and not sure why you want to get residential metal roofing, read on and this article will help you.

Why Residential Metal Roofing

Residential metal roofing is quickly becoming on of the most desirable alternatives to traditional shingles.There are many reasons why you would want to get a residential metal roofing system.The first and most obvious is durability.Metal roofing is much stronger and more durable than any shingle roofing out there.  For the most part metal roofs can last over 60 years if they are well maintained.Compare that to the time frame of a normal shingle roof and you can see why people are looking at residential metal roofing as a viable alternative.

Residential metal roofing is also superior to shingle roofing in bad weather including hail, sun exposure, wind and heavy rain.Metal roofing stands up to sun far better then shingles and will not decay over time.Most residential metal roofing is rated to withstand winds of up to 140 miles per hour.In some states metal roofing can qualify you for a discount in kit home owners insurance because it is so resistant to damage.

Metal roofs painted in a light color can also reduce the cooling cost of kit homes in high sun areas by as much as 25 percent.The suns heating rays are reflected away from the home and make it much easier to keep cool.In addition to this the metal roofs can be treated with a special paint that will allow even more heat to go out making for an even cooler house.

Lastly for those of you that are environmentally conscious a metal roof is far more eco friendly then a shingle one.A metal roof needs to be replaced far less frequently and contains a much higher content of recycled products when it is installed.In addition many times the steel roof can be installed right over the shingle one making for an even more eco friendly installation.

As you can see there are many long term benefits to installing a metal roof on your kit home.I would highly suggest before you go through the trouble of installing a shingle roof you take the time to price out a metal one and see if it can compare with the shingle roof.

Kit Home Cabinets, Time For A Change

Monday, June 1st, 2009

Most kitchens are great and the only thing they need to freshen them up or update their look is to remodel the cabinets.We all know how expensive kitchen and bath remodelling can get.  Here are some kitchen cabinet remodelling ideas that will be perfect for your kit homes.
The most important part of remodelling your kitchen cabinets is that ideally the base is in good shape.Not the doors or hinges and handles, but the actual case.If the case is in good shape then you have many simple low cost options that are easy for you to tackle on your own.The doors can be easily removed from your existing kitchen cabinets and the idea is to remodel them by stripping them and refinishing them.You can repaint or stain them and change their colour and freshen them up. 
Buy new hardware and change the look of the handles.Put new hinges and change how they open.If you don’t like the current style of the doors that are on your cabinets you can try modifying them by cutting out the centres and placing glass in them or put on Plexiglas if you feel a bit adventurous.
If the doors seem like something that is too much for you to tackle, you can shop for new or used doors.There are many places that sell used cabinet doors from old renovations and new doors made to order and custom.Other kitchen cabinet remodel ideas involve utilizing cabinets not necessarily for kitchens or cabinets made for other uses.  Large pantry cupboards installed in the kitchen and other long cupboards that can be turned on the horizontal and mounted high along the ceiling can add a unique look and make use of otherwise useless space in kitchens.
Some unique kitchen cabinet remodelling ideas involve some forms of recycling, where items like glass and other objects are added to the cupboards in patterns like tiles making the cupboards beautiful again.Instead of paint some hot glue and patience makes some old cupboards unique and beautiful.
Other ways to remodel kitchen cabinets involve ideas like removing the entire cabinets and resurfacing them with sheets of wood skins and hot glue.You can make your cabinets look like anything you would purchase at a high end store.
Other remodelling kitchen ideas for your cabinets involve techniques like antiquing where stains and oils are used to make the wood look old and antique.
In any case you have many options at your disposal that you can research and try before you spend thousands of dollars on a new set of cabinets.

The Advantages Of Installing Corrugated Metal Roofing for kit homes

Saturday, May 30th, 2009

Completing a kit home that looks good and keeps within your budget can be difficult. Sometimes it can be tempting to save money by buying cheaper building materials. While this works in the short term you can find yourself facing expensive repairs in the future.

The good news about installing corrugated metal roofing is that you can win on both the cost and durability fronts. After installing corrugated metal roofing you can expect to have the same roof in good condition for years and years. It needs very little upkeep over the years.

Lightweight

One of the great things about a corrugated metal roofing sheet is that it is extremely lightweight. This means that installing corrugated metal roofing is easier. The lightweight material means that you need less people when installing corrugated metal roofing.

Besides being easy to work with this kind of building material is also very easy to transport. You can use your own vehicle to transport metal roofing sheets when you are undertaking a do it yourself projects. It’s also easy to work with when you’re on the roof during the installation.

Another advantage of installing corrugated metal roofing is that you can put extra layers of insulation underneath the roofing. This means that less heat will be reflected when you put in extra insulation. Another great thing is that corrugated metal has the strength of double layers of metal roofing for much less.

Sturdy And Economical

While installing corrugated metal roofing on your own is possible it might be better to get a professional in to do it for you. This is because improperly installing can cost you more in the future. When corrugated metal roofing is properly installed it can withstand all kinds of extreme weather.

You can expect it to last you through hurricanes, tornadoes and storms. In fact this kind of roofing is perfect for places that are hit by lightning storms. So make the investment of a professional installation so that you can make sure that your roofing stays in place and you avoid all the unnecessary repairs that come with a badly done installation.

You should also remember that roofing is quite a big undertaking for a kit homes do it yourself project. It can be very time consuming and it is pretty complicated. So make sure you really know what you’re doing before you decide to take this project on. Read up a little on the technique needed when installing corrugated metal roofing successfully.

Powering Up Kit Homes: Metal Roofing Solar Panels

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

When it comes to preserving the Earth’s environment and the limited resources, there are a number of things that individual can do.Some of the commitments that an individual can accomplish are to use less gasoline, purchase a hybrid or electrical car or ride a bicycle.In addition, there are some individuals who will be totally committed to recycling.

Another excellent way of conserving the Earth’s resources is by conserving energy.  One of the powerful ways that a business or kit homes owner can accomplish this is through a two fold process.That twofold process is by installing metal roofing and placing metal roofing solar panels on the roof.

Therefore, it is important to know about metal roofing and the advantages of metal roofing solar panels. 

Metal Roofing

Typically, when a kit home owner has had to replace a roof that has just simply worn out, they have replaced that roof with asphalt shingles or cement tile.However, the reality is that the replacement of a roof can be a costly upkeep for the home.Additionally, with the rising cost of energy and the desire of individuals to do more for the environment, there has been a significant push to address both of these issues. 

Therefore, there are options available for the consumer.One of those options is to install a metal roof.The advantages of replacing a standard roof with a metal roof is that the product and installation is cheaper, saves the consumer on their energy bill, the roof has a longer life expectancy and is virtually maintenance free.

In addition, to maximize the placement of a metal roof, one may wish to install sheet metal roofing solar panels as well.Metal roofing solar panels are photovoltaic cells that are linked together and are designed to capture the energy of the sun.This energy is then converted into electricity to help meet the electrical needs of the kit homes owner.

Advantages

There are many advantages to installing metal roofing solar panels on to sheet metal roofing panels.Some of those reasons are financial in nature while other agreements can cite the preserving of the limited resources of the planet.

Financially speaking, if an individual installs metal roofing solar panels on their sheet metal roof they will pay less for their energy consumption.This is because the panels will capture the Sun’s rays and through photovoltaic technology will convert the Sun’s rays into usable electricity. 

In addition, the technology of today provides metal roofing solar panels that are not cumbersome or are constructed of glass type panels mounted on a huge frame.The metal roofing solar panels of today are thin in nature and can actually be rolled out on to the sheet metal roofing panels.This process also adds to the financial savings of the individual.

Stronger Corrugated Metal Roofing Panels for Kit Homes

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

If a business or Kit homes owner is looking to replace their roof, there are many choices of roofing materials available that the individual can select.  Some of those choices include asphalt shingles, cement tile or metal roofing panels.

In fact, within each of these material categories there are additional choices.  For example, if the owner decides to go with a metal roof they can additionally select corrugated metal roofing panels. 

Therefore, as with any purchase it is important to conduct research on the product.  Subsequently, if thinking about corrugated metal roofing panels it is important to know what are corrugated roofing panels and the advantages of selecting this product.

What Are Corrugated Metal Roofing Panels?

First of all before discussing corrugated metal roofing panels, it is important to know what the metal roofing panels are comprised of.Metal roofing panels are long sheets of metal that can be used as part of a roofing project.  Generally the roofing panels are made from a blend of other metals. Those metals could include zinc, copper and aluminum.Once these metals have been combined together to form the roofing panels they are then coated with 26 gauge steel.

However, corrugated metal roofing panels are manufactured a little differently.   This type of roofing panel is made from a metal known as mild steel.  Mild steel is not an iron galvanized product, but steel that is defined as low carbon steel.  This type of steel is not rock hard like typical steel, but because of the low carbon it is more pliable or can be used in welding projects.

In addition, corrugation is the crimping or folding of the metal roofing panel.  This process makes the corrugated metal roofing panels more durable and strong and yet maintains some flexibility.

Advantages

When an individual decides upon installing metal roofing panels, there are number of associated advantages.  One of the primary advantages has to deal with the individual’s finances.

Specifically, the installation of corrugated metal roofing will provide the building owner a substantial number of years in which they will not have to worry about replacing their roof.  This is because, typically, corrugated metal roofing panels will meet the roofing needs of the building for up to 30 years. 

In addition, another advantage to not only the owner, but globally is that the product places less strain on the environment.  This is because of its durability and therefore decreasing the drain on the Earth’s resources.  In addition, corrugated metal roof panels are made from recycled products.  Typically, 30 percent of the materials used to manufacture corrugated metal roof panels are from previously used materials.

A Texture all Its Own: Standing Seam Metal Cost for kit homes

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

There are many different companies that now offer metal roofing cost estimates including standing seam metal cost estimates.  Metal roofing is a cost efficient way to roof a residential or commercial structure including kit homes.Not only is the cost more efficient on the front end for standing seam metal roofing cost, but metal roofing also saves the consumer money for years to come due to the materials durability, strength and insulating properties.

Properties

Standing seam metal roofing costs are some of the best on the market in roofing material.Standing seam metal roofing material is composed of panels that are positioned side by side and are hooked together with a concealed fastener so that the finished look is like one unbroken panel.  The metal has ridges in it of different sizes and depth so that the rain and snow runs smoothly from the roof, providing additional protection from the weather.

Standing seam metal cost is more expensive from other types of metal roofing material partly because of the design properties it has, giving a modern look to any type of structure.The panels come in different gauges which mean different thicknesses of the metal, with the higher gauges being thinner panels and lower gauges thicker panels.The gauge of the panels also affects the cost of standing metal.Copper standing metal roofing, which has a distinct look to it that some designers like to work with is some of the most expensive of standing seam metal roofing costs, running about eleven hundred dollars per square foot for the materials in addition to the installation costs.

Installation standing seam metal cost estimates run between five hundred to eleven hundred dollars, depending on the size of the project and the customization that is required.Galvanized standing seam metal is standard, giving the standing seam metal the protection of zinc oxide so that corrosion or oxidation from the elements is not an issue, allowing the roof to last up to forty years or more, sometime even under warranty for forty years depending on the company. 

There is also cool metal roofing that helps to save cost by being coated with a heat deflecting metal coating that allows the air conditioning costs to remain lower, thus saving money in the long run even though the cost might be more expensive up front.There are also insulated panels that are filled with a liquid insulating material that hardens within the metal panels forming a solid insulated panel.

Kit Homes Getting All Of The Sheet Metal Roofing Material That You Need

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

When it comes to installing copper sheet metal roofing, or any other type of roofing for that matter, it is important to make sure that you have all of the supplies that you need on hand. There is nothing worse then being right in the middle of such a large job only to find that you need this or that and that you have to stop and drop everything just to head off to the store. Make sure that this does not happen to you and that you have all of the sheet metal roofing materials that you need.

In order to make sure that you are fully organized and well prepared, you are going to want to make a check list of everything that you already have in terms of tools and supplies and what you need to pick up. By being organized you will be sure to be off to a good start and have all of the sheet metal roofing materials that you need on hand to start the job and to completely finish it up. While there may always be something unexpected that comes up that there was no way you could have known about, you still want to make sure that you are as prepared as possible.

Where To Shop

For the basic supplies in terms of sheet metal roofing material, you should be able to get a lot of what you need at your local kit homes improvement store. These stores generally offer their customers a wide range of projects and you can certainly pick things up at a decent enough price. Of course, you may find yourself having to look at more of a specialty business to find the exact sheet metal roofing material that you are in need of. There are even sometimes some great deals found through online classifieds so it would not hurt to check all of that out.

In the end, no matter where you find the sheet metal roofing materials that you need, it is important to make sure that you are shopping smart. You do not want to spend your entire budget on the sheet metal roofing materials all at once because you never know what could come about and you could end up needing more supplies. Without the money to purchase the additional sheet metal roofing material you may be out of luck and left with an unfinished roof. To prevent this from happening to you, you will want to make sure that you are planning ahead.

Kit homes A Guide To Kitchen Remodeling And Design Cost

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

Kitchen remodeling can be quite expensive and time consuming, and a lot depends on the extent of modifications that you plan to make. It requires planning, and you need to make lots of decision. There are many options, and the first decision that you need to make is weather to do-it-yourself, or hire a professional to take up the entire remodeling process.

Estimating Kitchen Remodeling And Design Cost

Kitchen remodeling and design cost is one of the most important aspects of the entire process. Kitchen is one of the most commonly used places in the house, and its décor must be in sync with the fashion and design trends. But most of the people ignore this fact, and kitchen remodeling is usually their last option.

Before taking up the project, calculate the expected kitchen remodeling and design cost. This cost also serves as a basis for creating a plan. Once you start the work, you will realize that kitchen remodeling requires lots of work and expenditure, because there are many hidden expenses that increase the total project cost. If you create a feasible outline that involves costs and timeline, the entire process becomes much more systematic.

While estimating the kitchen remodeling and design cost, it helps to breakdown the total cost. The total cost of the remodeling depends on various factors including current layout and condition, size of the room, requirement of recessed lighting, quality of the products involved, and amount of work required. You can also hire a professional to give the estimate based on your choice and requirements. A certified professional will also be able to suggest some innovative ideas regarding modifications required that fit your style budget.

The total kitchen remodeling and design cost should also depend on the current market value of your house, average market value of other comparable kit homes in your neighborhood, and how long you plan to live there. Just keep in mind that kit home is an investment, and you would like to get the highest possible return on it.

There are few projects that add value to the entire kit home, but some projects eat away the equity and do not provide good returns. However, kitchen remodeling recaptures almost 100% return if you can do it within 15% of the current market value of the house. As a basic rule of thumb, the kitchen remodeling and design cost that includes appliances, cabinets, flooring, countertops, wall covering, trim molding and lighting must not be less than 5% and more than 15% of the steel kit home’s current market value. 50% of the total kitchen remodeling and design cost is allocated to the kitchen cabinets.

It helps to prepare a kitchen remodel budget that includes the cost of each component of the remodeling plan. There is plenty of information available on Internet and in magazines that can help you make informed choices and decisions. When making the budget, make provisions for cost of permit fees, contracting services and labor.

What You Need To Know About Galvanized Corrugated Metal Roofing with kit homes

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

Galvanized corrugated metal roofing sounds scary but it really isn’t and it is a very helpful metal to have around. Galvanized corrugated metal roofing came around after the first roofs made from corrugated metal tended to rust and fall into disrepair. The metal was treated in such a way that it would not rust and became a sturdy roofing material.

It was primarily used on industrial buildings and in the agricultural industry. It was seen as aesthetically unpleasing and so it was not until very recently that corrugated metal roofing material was used for residential kit homes. There have been improvements in the design of the newest galvanized corrugated metal roofing material. You can now have this kind of material on your roof without your house being mistaken for a barn!

Installing Corrugated Metal

The installation of galvanized corrugated metal roofing is pretty basic. Sheets of galvanized corrugated metal roofing is placed over a wooden roof. The way the metal overlaps is determined by the pitch of the roof. Because of the nature of the metal more insulation can be laid down before putting the galvanized corrugated metal roofing.

The insulation that can be fitted in allows for less heat to be lost during winter. You can save on heating bills and if you live in an area with very high temperatures then you can also save on air conditioning. This kind of roofing keeps a kit home cool. This kind of roofing is ideal for a climate with extreme weather. It was used in outbuildings, barns, and other industrial buildings because of its sturdiness.

You can now benefit from the sturdiness of galvanized corrugated metal roofing with new designs that make this kind of roofing suitable for home use. there are even some kit homes that are completely made of this kind of material. It is completely fire resistant and galvanized corrugated metal roofing is also able to contract and expand in the heat without going out of position. 

You can expect this kind of roofing to last for at least 50 years if not more. It will always look good as new because it is able to withstand the ravages of time. It is not prone to corrosion from water molecules in the air or rain. This is great for those of us who don’t have the time or the budget to keep changing our roofs and need something that will last. You can be sure that if it is installed properly it will be in place even after the worst storms.