Steel Frame Kit Homes — Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a light steel prefabricated (kit) house?

A: It is a home whose structure (steel frame) and building envelope (walls, floors, roof) are manufactured in a factory using roll-form machines, then transported as a kit of prefabricated panels and components to the building site, where they are assembled.

Q: How are these houses manufactured?

A: The production begins in factory with computer-controlled roll-form machines. According to project drawings, galvanized steel profiles are shaped, cut, punched, and numbered. These profiles create the structural skeleton. On the site; wall, floor, roof panels are assembled; insulation materials are placed inside; interior and exterior finishes (gypsum board + OSB inside, fibercement + vapour barrier outside)

Q: What materials are used?

A: Core structural material: galvanized steel. Panels incorporate insulation (e.g. mineral wool / rock-wool) for thermal and acoustic insulation. Interior walls: OSB + gypsum board. Exterior facade: humidity barrier + fibercement cladding — a durable, water- and fire-resistant material.

Q: What are the insulation values — how is energy efficiency?

A: Multi-layer wall model achieves a U-value of 0.11 W/m²·K.
As a reference in imperial units: that roughly corresponds to R-50; far above the typical R-20 required in cold or snowy climates.
This means good thermal insulation: reduced heat loss in winter, heat gain in summer — leading to energy savings and comfort.

Q: Are these houses resistant to snow, rain, wind, and storms?

A: Yes. Houses are designed based on regional snow-load calculations and can resist heavy snowfall without collapse risk, thanks to their steel structural system and sloped roof design.
For rain and moisture: fibercement cladding + moisture barrier ensures waterproofing; roof drainage systems and gutters channel water away efficiently.
For wind and storms: before production, regional wind load data are considered in structural calculations; heavier steel reinforcements can be added if needed to ensure stability.

Q: Are they earthquake-resistant?

A: Yes. Before production, the land’s seismic zone data are analyzed; a static structural report is prepared, and the structure is engineered to satisfy local seismic regulations.

Q: How many floors can a steel frame kit home have?

A: In typical “light steel prefab” systems, safe construction up to two stories is standard.
If necessary, “hybrid” or heavier steel systems can allow 3 or 4 floors, depending on the project and structural engineering

Q: How customizable are the homes — floor plans, finishes, etc.?

A: Very customizable. Floor plans from 1+1 up to 5+2 (or more) are possible. Interior partitions, room configurations, windows, doors, even roof and facade finish styles are flexible. Clients can either choose a ready-made model or submit their own architectural plan — Bilka’s team can adapt it (often at no extra cost beyond standard price).

Q: How fast can the home be built / assembled?

A: Because parts are prefabricated, on-site assembly is swift: a single-story house can be completed in 5–10 days, while a two-story house typically takes 10–20 days.
Overall — from static calculations and design to delivery and erection — the whole process (assuming factory workload, shipping, and site readiness) can be as quick as about one month.

Q: How long does a steel frame kit home last? What about maintenance?

A: The steel structure’s lifespan — under normal use — is stated as approximately 50 years. With regular maintenance, this period can be extended.
For maintenance or repairs (e.g. water, electrical, plumbing), wall panels can be removed (if you have the installation plan), work done, and then panels reinstalled — no demolition or major debris required. After finishing (e.g. gypsum + paint), the walls look as before.

Q: How are the homes transported?

A: All components are numbered and packed, loaded into containers or trucks (palletized separately when needed), with fragile items (windows, doors, sanitary fixtures) secured carefully. Bilka can assist with transportation and export documentation if clients need shipping support.

Q: Can I get a custom-designed house rather than a standard model?

A: Yes. Clients can submit their own design; Bilka’s engineering/design team will adapt it into a steel frame kit home. There is no extra charge beyond standard price.

Q: What determines the price of the house?

A: Price depends on: floor height, roof type, snow load & wind load requirements (i.e. regional structural demands), window type & size, material quality, finish options, and customization level.

Q: What finishing and facade options exist?

A: Options include various exterior cladding styles (stone-patterned, wood-textured fibercement, American siding, etc.), roof colors, window/door styles and colors (sliding or hinged), interior paint, flooring (parquet, tiles), and more.