34 | CH Engineering T T Karen Phelps Going with steel ‘the way of the future’ The speed of construction is another big factor with steel-framed buildings being completed up to 33% faster than traditional timber constructions. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Waikato-based family business CH Engineering has established a reputation as the region’s leading producer of light gauge steel (LGS) framing, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional timber construction. The advantages of steel over timber are compelling, says company director Jamie Hodgson. “There is almost zero wastage of steel when producing steel framing and any leftover pieces can be recycled so steel has a very light carbon footprint,” he explains. The company’s growth mirrors a global trend towards steel-framed housing. While timber has long been the standard in New Zealand residential construction, steel framing has already captured significant market share in other parts of the world. In Hawaii, 40% of new homes utilise steel framing, while Japan constructs 150,000 steel-framed homes annually. One of the most striking benefits is the material’s weight, says Jamie. Steel framing weighs approximately one-third of comparable timber framing, making it significantly easier and safer to work with on construction sites. This lighter weight also translates to reduced transportation costs and faster assembly times. The speed of construction is another big factor with steel-framed buildings being completed up to 33% faster than traditional timber constructions. “Going steel reduces work and waste on site, with pre-punched holes for pipes and wiring,” says Jamie. “The precision-engineered components arrive on site pre-labelled and cut to length, operating almost like a sophisticated building kit.” Beyond the practical construction advantages, steel framing offers long-term benefits for homeowners. The material is completely pest-proof and, unlike timber, steel doesn’t absorb water, preventing issues with warping, rotting, or expansion that can lead to structural problems over time. The company has also addressed common misconceptions about steel framing, particularly regarding cost. “The final constructed cost will be the same or less for a house of comparable size and quality,” says Jamie, highlighting that while framing typically represents only 10% of total building costs, steel’s efficiency in construction and reduced maintenance requirements offer significant long-term savings. CH Engineering provides support throughout the entire building process, from initial plans to final construction. Builders new to steel framing receive guidance on the minimal tools required for installation, which typically include aviation snips, a cordless impact driver, and either a hole saw or stud punch – with no welding equipment necessary. Through its divisions CH Homes and CH Industries, the company has expanded its offerings to include complete new-build services, steel purlins for ceilings and roofs, portable cabins, garden sheds and pre-hung doors. As licensed building practitioners, the company can manage projects from initial concept to completed build. The company’s steel framing solutions are being adopted for predominantly residential, but also commercial projects throughout the Waikato region. CH Engineering’s commitment to quality is evident in its 50-year warranty, backed by its use of high-quality galvanised steel and well-tested fasteners utilising FRAMECAD technology. Jamie is proud that what began in 2011 as a one-man operation in a garage has grown into a comprehensive steel framing enterprise, drawing on his 15 years of design engineering experience. The family-owned business includes Jamie’s wife Susannah, who serves as accounts manager, and son Mitchell, who handles sales and marketing for the pre-hung doors, purlins and ceiling battens. Jamie says the success of CH Engineering in the Waikato market demonstrates the growing acceptance of steel as a viable, sustainable building material for residential construction. “With the steel industry continuously improving its environmental footprint by reducing waste, energy requirements, and CO2 emissions, CH Engineering’s focus on steel framing aligns perfectly with New Zealand’s move toward more sustainable building practices. “As the country continues to address its housing challenges, we hope that steel might become the most popular building material of the future.” Contact: TanaTohiariki 027 274 6482 dq.ss.ltd@gmail.com DQ&SS Ltd • Residential house painters • Exterior & interior painting • Fencepainting • Minorplastering • Wateblasting • WINZQuotes Supporting CHEngineering DQ&SSLtd
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