Either a concrete slab or post and pier.  Details of these footings are delivered on stamped engineering plans, in the form of stamped foundation plans.  In fact, for competitors' building products, a foundation plans are an added expense.  We include this in all of our proposals. 

What comes with your engineering plans?  (Please see a sample set of our engineering plans in .pdf format in the link below.)

            Each building is specifically engineered for purpose and jobsite location weather exposures.  Each set of engineering plans comes as 2 or 3 pages.  The first page contains an overall engineered layout with one bay of cross-bracing, as well as footings for either slab or post in pier foundation type.  The second page contains fastener information for bracket and bolt erection.  Other illustrated details are provided on stamped plans. 

In order to change your plans, once they are in engineering, a change notice must be signed.  The change notice not only confirms you understand the additional cost required for such changes, but also verifies we have changed the building as you requested. 

            Depending on the height restrictions of local jobsite county, the wind exposures may inhibit excessive eave heights.  Currently, the highest allowable height in Hawaii is 22’ due to local exposures and county law.  Please refer to Ohana Steel Buildings for your specific height requirements and jobsite location.             

Ohana Steel Buildings products can free span 60’ without a support at a eave height of 20’ and 80’ free span at an eave height of 10’.  The concept of free span means there are no supports in the center, and the entire roof structure is supported from the external framing. 

            Difficult rooflines with hips and valleys may limit our ability to create a proposal.  However, favorite floor plans can be maintained with a simpler roofline.  We offer different hips and dutch hip rooflines for residential buildings. 

            Certain size large doors for airplane hangars may limit the structure supporting.  There are always solutions available for the use of the hangars and other buildings.  Any shifts in the original requested building will be discussed along with several solutions in the event changes are needed. 

What are these knee braces and why should I be concerned?   

              Knee braces are the supports between columns and rafters.  Depending on the eave height of your building, the knee braces may interfere with your layout or floor plan.  We have the information on the height and location of the knee braces.  Some buildings do not require these braced.  Consult us for more information. 

What if I want to add onto my building later on?

            Our bolt-together framework allows very simple additions to your building – whatever the purpose.  Please consult us for specific additions.

            One you have engineering plans in hand, you will need a county of record engineer to review and sign on your plans prior to submission for your building permits.  We can assist in referring you to an engineer in your area.

Do you use trusses? 

No, we don’t use truss systems.  

We use columns and rafters, resulting in a vaulted open beam ceiling. 

What slope does your buildings come in?

Buildings are typically quoted at 2.55:12, but can also be shifted to steeper 4.85:12 for all buildings, except gambrels.  

            Light gauge steel structures are so light that during maximum wind exposures (a hurricane) the building may lift up.  The bracing and foundation anchoring is essential to ensure the uplift is not high enough to make the building fly away.  While many think the anchor bolts are to secure the building to the foundation, it is to counter the uplift forces.

            Depending on your jobsite location, the exposures by which your building is engineered is altered.  In Hawaii, all buildings are engineered for Exposure C, 105 mph winds, 20 psf snowload and seismic rating depending on the specific job site location.  Jobsites elsewhere will require other specific exposures. 

How do you engineering my building?  

Lighter or heavier gauge steel may be altered to create greater force for your building.  Hurricane or “X-Brace” strapping comes in rolls.  At least one bay will be X braced on the walls and roof, and may alter preferred window placements. 

Upon Contract Signing – You can expect a full copy of all signed contracts.  Your engineering is ordered immediately upon contract signing and the first payment clears.  Following contract signing you will receive a sales package.

When we have your Engineering plans received – You can expect all wet stamped copies of engineering plans, and all supporting calculations.  Please advise us on how many copies of your plans you need. 

Upon your Building Ordering – From the time we receive your second invoice payment, you can expect about 1 week to ensure the building order is correct.  You will receive confirmation of your building order, tentative ship and delivery dates along with an invoice of the balance due. 

Your Building Ship Date – The balance due must be received before building ships from the mainland.  When the building is ready to ship, you will receive confirmation of mainland departure, Honolulu arrival and tentative home island dock arrival. 

If you do have CC&R’s please provide a copy of all applicable pages to ensure our proposal is in conformance of your requirements.  If you do not have CC&R’s, your city and county requirements is the next level limiting our proposals.  An example of such requirements includes ohana sizes based on lot square footage, and total height of structures.