So the enterprising duo decided to be the general contractors of their home. They literally constructed the structure themselves with design help from Steel Frame Homes Inc. and Total American Inc., Duluth, GA, who provided the steel framing for the project. We read an article in the newspaper about steel-frame homes and inspected one that was in progress. Gil said to draw the floor plan that we wanted and the company would give me a quote. We met with the company and, with the help of the computer, we designed the entire house in a couple of days.
Many questions arise in such a process.
As a contractor, having provided design help, we were in the position to be a consultant on hand 24 hours, whenever needed. We also could advise on where and how, when material is required, as well as engineering assistance if problems arise with the framing package we provide. Feeling that the wood building materials available were of poor quality, the couple decided to use steel framing. Also the open floor plan did not easily lend itself to wood. Another benefit, according to Ken, is no interior bearing walls.