Pre-Nailed Frames
The Project
While this project is not a house it has been included on this website because it offers a creative solution that could be applied to building a home. The project is essentially structural framing for 10m2 buildings which can then be completed by the buyers. Craig Stuart is a licensed builder who builds these according to the New Zealand building code. Knowing that the building is going to be structurally sound, it is then left to individuals to do the rest of the work - wrapping it in cladding, insulating, putting up a roof, and so on. The frames are built in Stuart’s backyard and then packed down for easy transport on a trailer.
The size of these projects are always 10m2 or less because oftentimes it is possible to erect a building that is less than 10m2 on your site without a permit. The small structures are custom built to your requirements and can incorporate, for instance, windows and doors that you might already have. Decking can be built for the structures for an additional fee and currently Stuart will deliver his frames anywhere around Auckland.
The walls and roof of the frames are usually 90x45 H1.2 treated timber and the floor structure is usually 140x45 H3.2 treated timber. The average build time for one of these frames is about a week depending on the details - simpler units can be built a lot faster.
Low Cost
Factors that would help keep costs down when turning these frames into a house include have the owners themselves undertaking the labour to finish the building and using low-cost materials, for instance second hand materials.
Construction of the frames is a one-man operation for the most part, meaning there are no multi-layered expenses to charge a customer as would be the case with a crew of workers involved. This helps Stuart keep costs down.
While not a construction cost, because buildings using these frames would be less than 10m2 they typically won’t require any council permits, which would be a cost saving. Also as mentioned earlier, because the structures are small they can be disassembled and loaded onto a simple trailer, which reduces the cost of moving them.
About Craig Stuart
Craig Stuart is a builder by trade and has been making these tiny home frames for a couple of years while maintaining a career in the construction industry for over 10 years.
Having been an owner of a large construction company, Stuart wanted to spend more quality time at home. This aim kicked off his venture into making these frames in his own backyard, giving him the home-time and independence he sought after. This said he still takes on large projects when the right opportunity arises.
Stuart is always happy to consider custom requests so if you have something that is a bit outside of what he usually provides you should feel free to contact him.
Contact
If you would like to contact Craig or see some of his other projects you can do so via his TradeMe account at trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?member=4101655
