Building a house in Trinidad

[abbow]

3 Box of Standing Seam brackets (locks) - (400 in each box)
Call Anand - 728-8015

[QuietGiant]

Anyone here tried building a house out of steel? Kinda like a wide square/rectangular shed with partitions (steel/gypsum/pvc etc.) separating the rooms. Starts off with a metal frame with metal sheets bolted on, metal roof, 2 bedrooms on each side with the middle open, middle being a kitchen to the back and living room to the front. On a very tight budget so i'm trying to work this out, anyone have experience with this?

[wickedtuna]

^^ get ah 20' container

[QuietGiant]

^^ get ah 20' container

Already considered that option and looked around, too expensive.

[pugboy]

dont containers go for around $10k for a used one ?

I saw a person build a nice house with 3 40ft containers,
they put the containers shaped like a U
so big open living area in the middle, kitchen on one side

[carluva]

Structural steel will be much more expensive. And with what you have described, that will send cost up even more. For a proper construction, you will have to do a food foundation and pedestals for the steel with the correct anchor bolts. To join spans, you will need the hsfg bolts. All in all, cost will add up and become much more than two containers.

If you on a budget, why not check out the thermal impact houses by TIAHCO, or the Plycem houses by AP Scott?

[Rory Phoulorie]

Why not investigate the feasibility of importing a hardwood timber home kit from Guyana? Everything is already pre-cut, you just have to assemble. Just ensure that you use hurricane straps to connect the timber members.

[adnj]

I saw this being built. I don't remember the cost but it was less expensive to build than the neighborhood average.

dont containers go for around $10k for a used one ?

I saw a person build a nice house with 3 40ft containers,
they put the containers shaped like a U
so big open living area in the middle, kitchen on one side

[QuietGiant]

Structural steel will be much more expensive. And with what you have described, that will send cost up even more. For a proper construction, you will have to do a food foundation and pedestals for the steel with the correct anchor bolts. To join spans, you will need the hsfg bolts. All in all, cost will add up and become much more than two containers.

If you on a budget, why not check out the thermal impact houses by TIAHCO, or the Plycem houses by AP Scott?

I've seen those pre-fabricated houses around here, trying to get a link to get one of those because i just want something simple to live in, basic box house nothing too fancy. Really hoping to spend around $150, 000. so i considering all options - container, steel, prefab or bricks - whichever one i getting the cheapest.

[QuietGiant]

dont containers go for around $10k for a used one ?

I saw a person build a nice house with 3 40ft containers,
they put the containers shaped like a U
so big open living area in the middle, kitchen on one side

To tell you the truth, plenty people saying they know places i could get them cheap and referring me to them but when i call i getting completely different [much higher] prices. Where can i get them for around that price?

That was my original plan, 2 containers on each side as a room and bathroom each, with the middle open for kitchen & living room. The front and back will be regular bricks and a door. If i can get two 40ft containers for a good price i can start as soon as possible.

[adnj]

Depending on the finishes, you may be able to build an 800 sq ft house with basic finishes or some things that are unfinished in the $150 to $200 per sq ft range.

You can do container, wood or block or a combination. You'll need architectural plans first, though.

[pugboy]

This was the house I saw in fishing pond,
the third container is to the back perpendicular to the other two
and roof is built off the two side ones.
Need sturdy footings though and best to cast a floor for the big middle area.

It's owned by the people who sell honey under the "herbwai" brand.
they are off the grid, using solar and lpg generator power.

[ProtonPowder]

Depending on the finishes, you may be able to build an 800 sq ft house with basic finishes or some things that are unfinished in the $150 to $200 per sq ft range.

You can do container, wood or block or a combination. You'll need architectural plans first, though.

Very interesting. Is that range possible for an unrendered red brick house, louvers and timber framed galvanise? Assuming you build the foundation properly with a 6-10ft pile.

[adnj]

Depending on the finishes, you may be able to build an 800 sq ft house with basic finishes or some things that are unfinished in the $150 to $200 per sq ft range.

You can do container, wood or block or a combination. You'll need architectural plans first, though.

Very interesting. Is that range possible for an unrendered red brick house, louvers and timber framed galvanise? Assuming you build the foundation properly with a 6-10ft pile.

Those are the basic structural estimate numbers - walls, floors and a ceiling and minimal services (one toilet, one shower). No foundation or earth works. This is closer to a shed than a mansion.

You may be able to move some cash around to cover the foundation which may not be terribly significant on a 20x40 house.

For a typical 1200 sq ft house with medium finishes, expect to pay $600 to $700 per sq ft exclusive of property or landscaping.

[Rory Phoulorie]

Very interesting. Is that range possible for an unrendered red brick house, louvers and timber framed galvanise? Assuming you build the foundation properly with a 6-10ft pile.

Why do you need to pile the foundation? Where is the house being constructed?

[PariaMan]

Build a basic house , move in and finish properly after ,year to year you could improve it

I did that and it worked very good for me

[*KRONIK*]

Build a basic house , move in and finish properly after ,year to year you could improve it

I did that and it worked very good for me

Agreed

[jhonnieblue]

Anyone has a good contact for labour? Want to build a concrete area to site a 1000 gallon water tank. Would also need a plumber

[adnj]

Where on the island?

Anyone has a good contact for labour? Want to build a concrete area to site a 1000 gallon water tank. Would also need a plumber

[jhonnieblue]

Where on the island?

Anyone has a good contact for labour? Want to build a concrete area to site a 1000 gallon water tank. Would also need a plumber

Freeport area

[ProtonPowder]

Very interesting. Is that range possible for an unrendered red brick house, louvers and timber framed galvanise? Assuming you build the foundation properly with a 6-10ft pile.

Why do you need to pile the foundation? Where is the house being constructed?

Was hypothetical, wanted to know what in theory is the cost of the cheapest 'stable' structure.

[telfer]

Looking for a good good good contractor no headache people please
Any recommendations

[SNIPER 3000]

Very interesting. Is that range possible for an unrendered red brick house, louvers and timber framed galvanise? Assuming you build the foundation properly with a 6-10ft pile.

Why do you need to pile the foundation? Where is the house being constructed?

Rory, I myself assumed that all structures needed to be piled avg 10 to 15ft. Is there cases why it should not be done? how is the structure anchored?
Thanks,

[Rory Phoulorie]

You would only install piles where a spread footing or mat foundation (referred to as shallow foundations), cannot support the anticipated loads.

Another instance with respect to where you may use piles is in expansive soils where the uplift pressure from the soil (in the wet season) exceeds the downward pressure on the foundation from the structure. The net uplift pressure will raise the structure up. You can identify potentially expansive soils in the dry season by deep and wide cracks in the surface. You tend to get expansive soils in south Trinidad. Your piles need to be designed to resist the uplift pressure from the soil, or you would get the same issue as with the shallow foundations.

You should consult the Small Building Code (TTS 599) for guidance on the design of the foundations for your house.

[src1983]

Hey fellas,

Critique my plan, and if possible average cost to build



Thanks

[fokhan_96]

Parts of cental also has those clayey soils.
I did a total of 16 footings each being 4.5ft square each resting on 1ft diameter piles 15ft deep.

[fokhan_96]

Refer to diagram

[lalloboy101]

Refer to diagramScreenshot_20181213-080744_Adobe%20Acrobat.jpeg

I tend to space the links closer to supports at 4" (typ 1/4 span) and 6 to 8" mid span
4"thk slab seems a bit thin, min should be 5" with a layer of T10's at 10"crs B/W
bar laps should be dia bar x 42
hardcore should be compacted in layers of 6 to 8" to achieve min. 95% proctor density
pile cap seems a bit big unless you have some heavy loading, 3' sq would have sufficed
cover for sub structure should be 3" min and superstructure 1.5 to 2"

Just off the top of my head looking at your diagram

[hong kong phooey]

Hey fellas,

Critique my plan, and if possible average cost to build



Thanks

i noticed you have your walk in closet for the master bedroom inside the bathroom. If you accustomed taking hot steamy showers i would suggest putting a door in between the the closet and the bedroom or make an opening from the closet to the bedroom instead. i suggest this due to moisture and mould formation in your clothes unless u plan on putting in a good extractor fan.

I also have an open concept, one thing to consider with the open concept is Air condition , the air condition cools the entire space

[hong kong phooey]

Hey fellas,

Critique my plan, and if possible average cost to build



Thanks

i noticed you have your walk in closet for the master bedroom inside the bathroom. If you accustomed taking hot steamy showers i would suggest putting a door in between the the closet and the bedroom or make an opening from the closet to the bedroom instead. i suggest this due to moisture and mould formation in your clothes unless u plan on putting in a good extractor fan.

I also have an open concept, one thing to consider with the open concept is Air condition , the air condition cools the entire space