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We understand that exploring the world of pre-engineered buildings can raise numerous questions. That’s why we’ve created this guide to provide the necessary information. Whether you’re curious about our construction process, customization options, or anything in between, we’ve got you covered. Feel free to contact us if you need further assistance.
About Hapi Homes & our products
We understand buying a home is one of the most significant decisions a person can make. Hapi Homes was established to make a difference and allow everyone to find a home that meets their budget and style without compromising the quality
Yes, light gauge steel frame (LGSF) houses are designed to meet or exceed the structural durability of traditional homes. Steel provides exceptional strength and resistance against environmental stresses such as wind and earthquakes. Its durability is complemented by its resistance to rot, pests, and mud, ensuring a long lifespan for the structure.
Our homes are built on permanent foundations that adhere to the site-built international residential code (IRC). This advanced technology ensures enhanced precision, consistency, and overall home structure durability. Our airtight build envelope protects against moisture and other elements, minimizing building degradation over time.
As a result, Hapi Homes offers improved energy efficiency. It is also worth noting that our homes undergo rigorous structural integrity testing, when you invest in a Hapi Home, you’re investing in a house built to last.
We make sure the process is as simple and stress-free as possible.
- ⦿ Consultation: Need assistance in choosing the perfect unit? No problem, schedule a consultation where we’ll guide you through the available options, considering your needs, design preferences, and budget.
- If you want a tailor-made design, we can help with this too; you can discuss this planning and design process during your consultation.
- ⦿ Unit selection: Once you’ve found your ideal hapi home, you can collaborate with our architects to choose all your desired finishes, ensuring a personalized touch.
- ⦿ Ready to move forward: We’ll provide you with a comprehensive final quote and design pack with all finishes. Upon acceptance, we’ll prepare the sales contract and invoice. Upon receipt of the deposit, we’ll initiate the production process.
- ⦿ Production and Shipping: In just 30-45 days, depending on your chosen home, your hapi home will be ready for shipping. We take care of transportation via sea freight or road, depending on your destination.
- These straightforward steps are designed to help you quickly enjoy the comfort and joy of your hapi home.
We provide a standard finish, and your hapi home will be in turnkey condition for you to furnish.
More about cold-formed steel structures
Galvanized steel is resistant to cracking, shrinking, splintering, creeping, splitting, warping, swelling, or rotting. It is also impervious to termites and other wood-destroying insects, ensuring long-lasting durability and reliability.
Opting for steel framing enhances your home’s safety and protection for your family. Steel’s robustness and non-combustible nature mitigate risks such as high wind, fire, and lightning damage, ensuring greater peace of mind for homeowners.
Steel framing emerges as the environmentally conscious option for residential framing. Considering that it takes only six scrapped cars, as opposed to 40-50 mature trees, to frame a 2000-square-foot home, the value of steel becomes evident today and for future generations.
With an overall recycling rate of 86%, the steel industry stands as the world’s highest recycling industry, presenting an environmentally responsible alternative for home framing. Steel framing scrap holds significant value as a commodity and should be diverted from landfills.
No, steel’s strength enables you to design homes with larger open spaces. With a steel frame, walls stay straight and true, allowing for finishing with any traditional materials.
Steel’s robust connections and inherent strength offer significant protection against earthquakes and hurricanes. A lighter structure with reinforced connections minimizes damage from seismic forces. Steel’s high ductility renders it the optimal construction material for earthquake-resistant designs.
Indeed, galvanized steel offers superior rust protection. Through sacrificial galvanic action, zinc can “heal” cuts, scratches, and abrasions in the steel. Given the rough treatment construction materials endure, including cutting, drilling, shearing, and fastening, the coating often gets scraped away. Galvanized coating outperforms enamel in effectively covering areas that are cut or scratched.
Indeed, a steel frame offers enhanced safety for occupants, providing a direct path to the ground in case of a lightning strike. This diminishes the risk of explosions or secondary fires.
No, the Healthy House Institute endorses steel framing for chemically sensitive and environmentally conscious homeowners who aim for excellent indoor air quality. Steel frames do not require termite treatment and are devoid of resin adhesives and chemicals typically found in other construction materials.
Accessibility
Absolutely! At Hapi Homes, we prioritize accessibility and understand the importance of accommodating individuals with restricted mobility. Each model is thoughtfully designed with ease of mobility in mind. From the kitchen to the bathroom, hallways to doorways, we ensure ample space to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers. Additionally, we offer the option to build a ramp for easy access to the main entrance of your Hapi Homes. Rest assured, we strive to create homes that cater to the needs of all our customers, including those with restricted mobility. We ask you to highlight any special needs at the planning stage so we can accommodate these fully.
Sustainability
Light gauge steel frame (LGSF) houses offer exceptional sustainability advantages over traditional construction methods, primarily due to the inherent properties of steel and the innovative construction techniques used. Steel is indeed one of the most recycled materials on the planet, with a recycling rate far exceeding that of most construction materials. This means that light gauge steel frames often contain a significant percentage of recycled content, reducing the demand for new raw materials and the environmental impact associated with their extraction and processing.
- Detail the eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies used in construction, such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and high-performance insulation. Explain how these features reduce the environmental footprint and enhance the home’s sustainability.
- A Hapi Home is sustainable due to its construction with materials and incorporation of energy-efficient technologies. Every material is chosen, from recycled steel frames to non-toxic, low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and flooring, for their low environmental impact and durability. Energy-efficient technologies like solar panels and smart home systems reduce energy consumption, making Hapi Homes better for the environment and cost-effective for homeowners.
Our homes are designed to maximize energy efficiency through several key strategies. We use high-performance insulation in walls, roofs, and floors to minimize heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Energy-efficient windows and doors further enhance insulation, while our designs optimize natural light and airflow, reducing the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning. Energy-efficient appliances and led lighting are standard in every Hapi Home, significantly lowering energy use and utility bills.
Absolutely. We offer options to equip your Hapi Home with renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels. Our team can customize the integration of these systems to ensure they complement the design of your home while maximizing energy production, contributing to a greener planet, and reducing your energy costs in the long run.
Water conservation is a crucial aspect of our sustainable design philosophy. Hapi Homes features low-flow fixtures in showers, faucets, and toilets to reduce water usage. Rainwater harvesting systems can be integrated to collect and reuse rainwater for irrigation and non-potable uses, decreasing the demand for municipal water supplies. Drought-resistant landscaping and native plants are encouraged to minimize outdoor water use.
Hapi Homes are built to meet and often exceed the standards of leading green building certifications, such as LEED, BOPAS and passive house. These standards validate our commitment to environmental stewardship, energy efficiency, and sustainable construction practices. By choosing a Hapi Home, you’re investing in a property recognized for its minimal environmental impact and contribution to healthier living.
Living in a Hapi Home reduces your carbon footprint through energy efficiency, reduced water usage, and the potential for generating renewable energy, and even before you move, be assured our construction process and building practices provide for the utmost in sustainability. Our sustainable materials and construction methods also lower CO2 emissions than traditional homes.
Lead time, installation, and construction
The lead time for starting a construction project can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the design and current demand. From when a design is signed off, we can manufacturer and assemble all components within 4 weeks, after this it’s delivery and on-site assembly.
The installation typically involves site preparation, foundation work, security set-up, framing, and installing walls, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, followed by interior and exterior finishes. Each step is closely monitored for quality control and compliance with local building codes.
Your involvement is crucial to the success of the project. We need you to make timely decisions on design choices, finishes, and fixtures. Regular communication with your project manager will be essential to address any questions or adjustments.
Quality assurance is integral to our construction process. We adhere to strict standards and building codes, and our skilled team is experienced and certified. We conduct multiple quality checks at various stages of construction and ensure that all materials and workmanship meet our high standards. We welcome client inspections and address any concerns promptly to ensure your complete satisfaction.
The placement of your Hapi Home depends on local zoning laws and regulations. We recommend consulting with your regional planning and zoning department to ensure your home’s square footage and location comply with all local requirements. This step is crucial for a smooth setup and to avoid any legal issues. We can also help you with this step if you prefer.
Preparing your site for a Hapi Home involves several essential steps tailored to meet local building codes. The process starts with selecting a suitable foundation, considering soil conditions, climate, and the home’s weight. A common choice is the slab-on-grade foundation, particularly in warmer climates where the ground does not freeze. The thickness of the slab is usually 6 inches but may vary based on location and soil conditions. Following our site preparation checklist, your contractor will handle site survey, clearing, soil testing, and establishing secure boundaries. The specific foundation type and site prep details will ultimately depend on your contractor’s advice, your preferences, and the geographical location of your home.
Should you need spare or additional parts for your Hapi Home, ordering them is straightforward. Contact us via email or phone to provide the required parts. Our team is dedicated to assisting you promptly, ensuring your Hapi Home remains in perfect condition.
If you decide to use Hapi Home’s design team, we charge a fee for the design and planning phase, which is deducted from your total fee once you sign the sales contract. We do not charge for the pre-planning stage or any follow-up assistance confirming the final designs and layouts.
Pricing
At Hapi Homes, we believe in transparency when it comes to pricing. Please note that any alterations, customizations, or alternative finishes may affect the final cost. After reviewing your change requirements, we will provide you with a final cost estimate. We strive to ensure you have all the necessary information to make informed decisions about your Hapi Home purchase.
We take care of all the shipping arrangements for you, ensuring a hassle-free process. We understand our clients want a seamless experience, so we handle the shipping to your destination. Shipping up to 300KM from any major port worldwide is included in the price; we can provide information on any additional logistics charges if you contact our support team.
No, we stick to what we’re best at designing and manufacturing beautifully finished homes. Hapi Homes provides access to financing partners who fully understand our process and product. If you’re interested in exploring financing options for your home project, contact our financing partners; they’ll gladly guide you in the right direction.
More on renofi:
- ⦿ Renofi loans are the best of both worlds. Like a construction loan, the homeowner can borrow based on the after-renovation value, thus unlocking significant borrowing power. Still, it’s a home equity loan, so the homeowner doesn’t need to refinance their existing mortgage. No one will give up their 3% rate to go into a 7% mortgage!
- ⦿ Additionally, 100% of the funds are available to the homeowner at closing; there are no draws or inspections like there usually would be with a construction loan. No headaches for you, no delays in getting paid.
- ⦿ Homeowners can borrow up to $500,000, leveraging the future value of their homes post-renovation (up to 90% after-renovation loan-to-value). Future rental income can also be considered.
Here are a couple of helpful quick links:
We also work with Acorn Finance, a marketplace where online consumer lenders pre-qualify customers for personalized loan options in 60 seconds without impacting the homeowner’s credit score. Acorn Finance uses an initial soft credit inquiry to provide access to competitive, fixed-rate loans through a fast and easy online process.
Unlock the potential to compare offers from multiple lenders, ensuring you find a match for your financial need of up to $100,000 in lending.
Here are a couple of helpful quick links:
Estimate page
https://my.acornfinance.com/estimate-payments
https://www.acornfinance.com/pre-qualify/?d=6SFQE&utm_medium=web_pre_qual_link_copy
https://www.acornfinance.com/pre-qualify/?d=6SFQE&utm_medium=web_pre_qual_link_copy
Technical & Structural
Engineers: Opting for cold-formed steel over traditional materials like wood provides engineers with unparalleled clean spans, allowing for larger rooms and open designs. Cold-formed steel panels also offer the advantage of being non-combustible, with a one-hour fire rating.
Contractors: Construction efficiency is significantly improved with cold-formed steel due to reduced on-site steel manipulation like drilling, cutting, or punching. Cold-formed columns and beams are easily movable and installable without heavy machinery. The minimal tool requirement streamlines the construction process. Moreover, the short training time for working with cold-formed steel facilitates quick adaptation, mitigating potential delays in foundation work. Additionally, the extensive pre-cut services minimize the need for complex follow-up trades.
Owners: Utilizing cold-formed steel enhances the marketability of projects by eliminating the need for numerous soffits, resulting in higher ceilings and more modern, spacious rooms attractive to potential tenants or buyers. Furthermore, cold-formed steel is more cost-effective than traditional steel or wood structures. The streamlined construction process reduces material usage and trade requirements, resulting in cost savings. The construction duration will be speeded, meaning you will have an early return on investment.
According to the IBC 2015 and earlier editions, Structural (Light Steel) Framing must adhere to coating standards outlined in AISI S220 and ASTM C955. ProSTUD (nonstructural) Framing must comply with coating requirements specified in AISI S220 and ASTM C645. These standards typically necessitate an ASTM A653-G40 coating or an alternative coating offering comparable corrosion resistance.
The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) issues the Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members, offering engineers and software developers a range of formulas to determine the load-bearing capacity of cold-formed steel framing components. Meanwhile, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) establishes the minimum and standardized material properties required for cold-formed steel framing. Additionally, ASTM furnishes fundamental guidelines or prerequisites for installing cold-formed steel framing elements.
The terms “33ksi” and “50ksi” denote the steel grade or yield strength, which measures material strength rather than stiffness or resistance to deflection. Typically, 50ksi material is preferred for high-load applications such as heavy floors, heavily loaded studs, and load-bearing headers. However, it is seldom necessary for curtain wall applications. In certain markets or specifications, 50ksi material may be mandated for material 16 gauge and thicker.
Given that steel studs or floor joists are integral components of wall or floor/ceiling systems, accredited testing agencies nationwide evaluate the fire resistance of actual wall and floor assemblies. These tests ensure that structural integrity is maintained even under fire conditions.
Lateral bracing is typically necessary in non-composite conditions, significantly above where the gypsum board ends or in walls where the gypsum board is applied to only one side.
Composite limiting height data is relevant for walls where the gypsum board covers both stud flanges for the entire wall height. Non-composite conditions are typical in all structures. When the gypsum board terminates at the ceiling level, but the stud extends to the deck, it constitutes a non-composite condition.
Curtain wall framing typically relies on attaching wall-facing materials to both sides of the studs for bracing. However, it’s essential to consider using these materials for bracing during construction. While sheathing is typically applied to the exterior of the studs, the inside flanges are often left unbraced until the interior is finished. Before interior board installation, high winds may cause stud damage due to the absence of interior bracing.
Steel strapping can be installed horizontally on the interior flanges, with a maximum spacing of six (6) feet in the center, in conjunction with the sheathing. This arrangement effectively braces and protects the stud framing during construction. Alternatively, if mechanical bracing is needed, it can take the form of steel strapping run horizontally on both sides of the studs and attached to each flange. Alternatively, the cold-rolled channel can be run horizontally through the stud punchouts and connected to each stud web. The maximum spacing for mechanical bracing of curtain wall framing is also six (6) feet in the center.
The lateral bracing of the top flange of floor joists is achieved by applying floor sheathing securely to the joists. The structural adequacy of the floor’s diaphragm effect must be assessed to ensure effective lateral bracing of the top flange. Additionally, joist bridging should commence and conclude with two (2) spaces of solid bridging. A repetitive pattern can be employed between these start and end points, consisting of five (5) spaces of strapping on the laterally unbraced flange followed by one space of solid bridging. The placement of joist bridging is as follows:
- ⦿ For spans less than 14 feet, one row at the midpoint is required
- ⦿ Two rows at third points are necessary for spans between 14 and 20 feet.
- ⦿ For spans exceeding 20 feet, one row should be installed every 6 feet.
The national model building codes, such as the IBC and IRC, stipulate minimum required floor live loads (in pounds per square foot, PSF). For instance, residential applications typically require a 40 PSF floor live load, while offices necessitate a 50 PSF floor live load, and light storage areas mandate a 125 PSF floor live load.
In most cases, the top track lacks sufficient bending strength to support offset joists. However, suppose the joists must be offset from the load-bearing studs below. A structurally sound distribution member should be installed between the joists above and the load-bearing studs below. It is recommended to have the project engineer specify the distribution member system.
COMPARISON BETWEEN COLD FORMED STEEL STRUCTURE & HOT ROLLED STEEL STRUCTURE
| SR NO | COMPARISON POINTS | COLD FORMED STEEL | HOT ROLLED STEEL |
| 1 | Manufacturing Process | Cold-Working | Hot-Working |
| 2 | Mechanical Properties | High Strength | High Ductility |
| 3 | Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
| 4 | Dimensional Stability | High | Moderate |
| 5 | Fire Resistance | High | Moderate |
| 6 | Design Flexibility | High | Moderate |
| 7 | Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| 8 | Sustainability: | Recyclable | Recyclable |
Specifications
Hapi Homes are made of light gauge steel frame construction providing high strength and durability while keeping the house lightweight and easy to assemble.
Specifications | UK | USA |
Snow load | 1KN/M2 | 20 PSF |
Wind resistance | 86M/S | 192 MPH |
R-Value 6.73 | (M2.K)/W | R-38 |
Seismic level | 9 | Level 9 |
Hapi homes are designed to seismic resistance level 9; the design category is used in building codes to identify the level of ground motion that must be accounted for in the design of a unit to meet life safety and structural performance objectives.
Hapi homes have an R-value of 6.73 (m2.k)/w, or R-38 in the USA. This measures the thermal resistance of materials such as walls or other insulation. A higher R-value indicates better insulation against heat transfer. We will comply with local requirements.
Absolutely. You can let us know the changes you desire, or even better, have your architect or designer send us the modifications, and we’ll provide you with an updated cost if there are any. We’re here to tailor your Hapi Home to your preferences and needs uniquely.
Foundations
The criteria for designing the foundation of light gauge steel structures from a structural standpoint typically include considerations such as:
- ⦿ Load Distribution: Ensuring the foundation is designed to evenly distribute the loads from the light gauge steel structure to prevent uneven settling and maintain stability.
- ⦿ Soil Analysis: Conduct a thorough analysis of the soil conditions at the construction site to determine the appropriate type of foundation and account for factors such as soil-bearing capacity.
- ⦿ Structural Compatibility: Ensuring that the foundation design is structurally compatible with light gauge steel structures’ specific characteristics and requirements.
- ⦿ Building Codes and Standards: Adhering to relevant building codes and standards to meet safety and regulatory requirements, ensuring the foundation design complies with industry guidelines.
- ⦿ Environmental Factors: Considering ecological conditions, such as seismic activity or high wind loads, and incorporating appropriate measures to enhance the foundation’s resilience.
- ⦿ Material Selection: Choosing suitable construction materials for the foundation that align with the properties of light gauge steel structures and provide the necessary strength and durability.
- ⦿ Foundation Type: Determining the most appropriate type of foundation, which may include options such as slab-on-grade, pier and beam, or strip foundations based on the specific needs of the light gauge steel structure.
- ⦿ Expansion and Contraction: To prevent structural issues over time, it is important to account for potential expansion and contraction of materials due to temperature variations.
- ⦿ Construction Methods: Selecting construction methods that align with the characteristics of light gauge steel, ensuring efficient and effective foundation installation.
- ⦿ Professional Engineering Input: Involving structural engineers with expertise in light gauge steel construction to assess, design, and oversee the foundation, providing specialized insight for optimal performance.
Addressing these criteria can tailor the foundation design to meet the structural requirements of light gauge steel structures, ensuring stability, durability, and compliance with industry standards.
Designing a foundation for Light Gauge Steel Framing (LGSF) structures is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures the proper distribution of loads, preventing uneven settling and potential structural issues. Additionally, a well-designed foundation provides stability and support, enhancing the overall structural integrity of the LGSF building. Moreover, considering the lightweight nature of LGSF, a tailored foundation design accounts for specific load-bearing requirements and helps optimize the building’s performance, durability, and resistance to external forces such as wind and seismic activities. Overall, a meticulously designed foundation is essential for the safe and long-term functionality of LGSF structures.
ANS: Light gauge steel is significantly lighter than concrete, weighing around 5 psf (35 kPa) compared to the 30 to 70 psf (207 to 482 kPa) weight range of concrete. This allows for a potential reduction in the concrete required for foundations. It is crucial to inform your structural or foundation engineer about the specific loads on the concrete to ensure appropriate foundation design.
ANS: The type of footing or foundation commonly employed worldwide for light gauge steel frame structures is often shallow as the overall weight is significantly lower, eliminating the need for deep footings. Shallow foundations, such as slab-on-grade or strip foundations, are typically favored for LGSF structures due to their lightweight nature. These foundations distribute the loads evenly and provide stability without requiring extensive excavation or deep footings. Additionally, variations in local building codes, soil conditions, and specific project requirements may influence the choice of foundation type. Still, shallow foundations remain prevalent in constructing global light gauge steel frame structures.
Alternatively, consideration can be given to pre-cast footings based on budget and requirements.
ANS: Various methods exist for anchoring walls, and the choice depends on design and seismic loads. Anchor bolts and powder-actuated fasteners (PAFs) are the most prevalent. Design equations for anchor bolts are outlined in light gauge specifications and codes.
ANS: Steel frames offer an exclusive blend of strength and lightness, distinguishing them from traditional materials such as wood or concrete. The reduced weight imposes less stress on the foundation, minimizing the risk of cracks or settling over time. Despite its lighter characteristics, steel retains remarkable strength.
Chat with us
Getting started with a Hapi Home couldn’t be any easier. Our range in price and aesthetic, we don’t compromise on quality or design, and our clients love the fact that our homes are ready to ship in less than six weeks.
With concierge-level service from the blueprint to delivery, you have a dedicated Hapi Home expert with you for every part of the process.
