Build Your Own Steel-Frame Home

Build Your Own Steel-Frame Home BUILDINGS Houses Three people can frame a house in about 5 hrs using basic tools says Dave Rades developer of Kokoon steel-frame homes designed for do-it-yourselfers     Rades says steel is a third lighter than wood yet has 10 times the strength Kokoon panels weigh about 175 lbs so 2 to 3 people can place level and screw the panels together The panels are insulated with soy-based closed cell foam     Rades and his wife started Kokoon Homes in 2007 The company is expanding with dealers throughout the country and has 10 openings for new associates in 2014 with no dealer fee     The materials and concept of the panel kits sets the company apart from others says Amy Griggs director of marketing     “The kits are eco-friendly and customers can build on their own time ” she says Customers like the insulation foam which contains no formaldehyde or VOCs is ultra lightweight with excellent thermal properties and seals with one application Termites and insects don’t like it     Kokoon sprays the foam in various thicknesses to accommodate different climates: up to R-30 for walls and R-40 for roofs     Customers can choose a Kokoon floor plan or send in a floor plan for a cost estimate Most customers build their own deck buy roof trusses locally and purchase the wall and roof panels from Kokoon Some provide their own windows but Kokoon offers pre-installed Low-E energy saving glass double hung windows with wood jams     She adds that all the factory-foamed panel walls for a 2 000-sq ft home fit on a 25-ft long trailer     Costs range according to size insulation R-value and the design Prices start at $15/sq ft     Check out the website for more details or to inquire about becoming a dealer     Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Kokoon Homes 266 Elberton St Toccoa Ga 30577 ph 706 244-0162; www kokoonhomes com

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