Building a Home

[p--and--t]

Steel is quicker/cheaper on the labour front. Don't have all the carpenter time in straightening the walls out. Rarely is timber perfectly straight and a lot of time usually goes in to packing/planing before plaster goes on. None

Blocking out for TV's is normal regardless of steel or timber frame.

There is also a difference between structural steel framing (looks like being used here as it supports the roof) and lightweight steel gauge framing (often used in apartment construction where concrete is the structural component).

Just as easy to screw something in to steel as timber, just need the right screws.

I think a lot of people would be surprised at what is (not) behind their walls & ceilings in apartment buildings. I've had a look at ours. the walls are held up by very thin aluminium strips spaced a fair way apart and a few screws. The ceiling is hanging on straps from the floor above and cannot support the weight of a large light fitting or fan. Rubber piping used for water distribution to cut labour costs and reduce weight on the ceiling.

 

[tgh]

It isn't rubber.. it may be hdpe, pvc or even ABS .
Suspended ceilings exist in almost all commercial structures and I am surprised that you think they won't hold up a large light fitting

 

[p--and--t]

It isn't rubber.. it may be hdpe, pvc or even ABS .
Suspended ceilings exist in almost all commercial structures and I am surprised that you think they won't hold up a large light fitting

We have been advised in writing by the Body Corp manager that we can't have a fan incorporating a light fitting because the ceiling will not support it.

 

[samh004]

Perhaps the steel frame manufacturers and the steel suppliers have an incentive to NOT make their frames suitable for tiled roofs. Then they sell you the steel roofing as well.

Certainly, I believe the company that provides our frame also provides the roof. However, I think you can use wooden roof trusses if you absolutely want tile and to mix/match.

Suspended ceilings exist in almost all commercial structures and I am surprised that you think they won't hold up a large light fitting

We have been advised in writing by the Body Corp manager that we can't have a fan incorporating a light fitting because the ceiling will not support it.

I'm not building an apartment, but was advised that I couldn't just remove a batten light holder and swap for a large fan, as there's far more to it than that. Luckily, I like downlights and don't need any fans I appreciate that's not the case for everyone though, but I like being able to stretch upwards and not have my fingertips removed

 

[OZDUCK]

Over here in the West 'Double Brick' is still the dominant building style - apparently about 90% of new home builds. This is helped by a double brick home being about 5% cheaper to build than a 'framed' one. However, there are indications that it might change - but very slowly.

Double brick homes on sandy Perth lots to become an endangered entity

UDIA WA chief executive Tanya Steinbeck said times were changing and much of the "easy" land had been developed in Perth.

www.watoday.com.au

 

[tgh]

advised in writing by the Body Corp manager that we can't have a fan incorporating a light fitting

I am sure you can, but it may need a bit of bracing.
The bodycorp might get antsy if you get a struct engineer to certify the install though.
I find it hard to imagine my decisions being ruled by a committee in turn ruled by minimising insurance premiums

 

[VPS]

If you want I can start a new thread but looking a security system for an apartment - don't want Ring or any of those that upload to someone else's server and more for keeping an eye on things while I am away - any suggestions?

 

[travelislife]

I think a lot of people would be surprised at what is (not) behind their walls & ceilings in apartment buildings. I've had a look at ours. the walls are held up by very thin aluminium strips spaced a fair way apart and a few screws. The ceiling is hanging on straps from the floor above and cannot support the weight of a large light fitting or fan. Rubber piping used for water distribution to cut labour costs and reduce weight on the ceiling.

That's all very typical. Ceilings and majority of walls are generally not structural or load bearing. So no need for them to be 'solid'. Lightweight furring channel and ceiling grid is standard. Also allows for services to be run as easily as possible in what is invariably relatively tight spaces.

In any custom build it is no problem putting appropriate 'blocking' wherever there is to be a large light fitting like a chandelier or TV's, etc. before plaster. A bit harder to add after the fact. But that is no different to a timber framed house.

Rubber piping isn't used necessarily to cut labour costs or reduce weight on ceiling (it actually shouldn't be touching or fixed to the ceiling at all, so have never heard that as a reason to use it). Whilst it is definitely more efficient, it is also much less likely to leak than plumbers doing numerous welded connections. Gas and water is all run in flexi these days.

 

[Austman]

Whilst it is definitely more efficient, it is also much less likely to leak than plumbers doing numerous welded connections.

And virtually eliminates water hammer.

 

[TheRealTMA]

If you want I can start a new thread but looking a security system for an apartment - don't want Ring or any of those that upload to someone else's server and more for keeping an eye on things while I am away - any suggestions?

FWIW: we use an Arlo 5 camera system which uploads to the cloud. Easy remote access while we are away (whenever that was) plus alerts on phone for movement. System is on a NBN router on a UPS so works even during power outages.

 

[VPS]

FWIW: we use an Arlo 5 camera system which uploads to the cloud. Easy remote access while we are away (whenever that was) plus alerts on phone for movement. System is on a NBN router on a UPS so works even during power outages.

Thanks. Do you pay to access?

 

[tgh]

I have an older Arlo system, lot's of shortcomings that may have now have been addressed.
The Camera's are nowhere near sensitive enough for my needs which seek to cover larger areas than the average house block.
I may update/upgrade sometime but will buy a professionally installed setup that gets me the coverage I need

 

[TheRealTMA]

Thanks. Do you pay to access?

No. You get one week free for up to five cameras. The reason I like Arlo is that it’s wireless and rechargeable batter powered so no need for cables and very easy to put up with magnetic attachments so very easy to move around if you need. Look them up for reviews.

 

[TheRealTMA]

I have an older Arlo system, lot's of shortcomings that may have now have been addressed.
The Camera's are nowhere near sensitive enough for my needs which seek to cover larger areas than the average house block.
I may update/upgrade sometime but will buy a professionally installed setup that gets me the coverage I need

Ok. We only need deck, stairs, room and driveway coverage so they are suitable for us. The newer ones now have zoning as I believe. We have one of the original hubs and cameras plus three later ones with two way sound and rechargeable lithium batteries. Suits my needs. YMMV.

 

[tgh]

One really useful change I am making progressively is sensor controlled floodlights.
The camera's will work much better with area lighting and it's nice to walk around the farm and have everything light up as I go

 

[p--and--t]

And virtually eliminates water hammer.

Ironically one of our biggest "noise" bugbears is water hammer, and we don't have any metal water pipes. The washing machine is fitted with anti-hammer devices to no avail.

 

[TheRealTMA]

One really useful change I am making progressively is sensor controlled floodlights.
The camera's will work much better with area lighting and it's nice to walk around the farm and have everything light up as I go

Singled have some interesting floods.

 

[tgh]

GGGGRRRRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

bloody builders… his b-inlaw is a commercial architect and I clearly remember a discussion about fastening pipes to mitigate water hammer
so what happened..?
shut the shower mixer tap and… CLANG…..echoes through the canyons...
bloody builders...
GGGGrrrrrrrr

Of course I could have and, with hindsight , should have sat on their case as they built it…but…….

Oh.. and it's all copper …. to match the rest of the house...

 

[Austman]

Ironically one of our biggest "noise" bugbears is water hammer, and we don't have any metal water pipes.

Goodness. With non metal supply pipes, what's hammering against what?

 

[TheRealTMA]

Goodness. With non metal supply pipes, what's hammering against what?

The taps I expect.