My parents are getting ready to build and this is the design they are choosing. I have no knowledge of steel framed buildings and would like to pass along some information to them regarding things that 'must' do on a steel framed home. http://www.kodiaksteelhomes.com/ thanks

I doubt that one can build with steel for "about the same {price} as wood". Consider concrete walls with steel for the roof.

Really i don't see the steel house where you build this house i want to visit this house if you send me your home address then i will visit your house.

Steel homes require ample insulation beyond the steel studs. Otherwise, the steel will conduct energy much more so than wood studs.

Kodiak uses a slightly modified commerical red iron steel frame system, with infill steel studs. I would look at using SIPS for wall and roof sheathing over the steel frame. Much the same as with a timber frame home.

Wes, Some money could be saved by using IMPs instead of SIPs over the steel frame. If the steel studs are correctly sized and installed, there would be no need for the panels to be structural. Some companies make both SIPs and IMPs.

Alton,
My bad, I tend to use the term "sips" generically. The 'structural' part of SIPS isn't required with a steel (or wood) frame.
I don't know why companies like Kodiak don't offer insulated options in lieu of the standard steel sheetgoods they supply normally.

i know they should build ICF. I am in the process of doing it, but they dont want to.

what does IMP stand for?

and what would be the recommended insulation process on a steel framed house?

IMP is Insulated Metal Panels. Non-structural. Cladding and insulation only. To be used only when structural elements are already in place.

Does IMP for roofing allow a greater span than sheet steel alone (ie, greater spacing on the structural elements)?

jonr,
To answer your question about spans. It depends on the particular IMP being used. Spans depend on both top and bottom sheet profiles, the guage of the metal, and the thickness of the insulation. Most are designed for use on standard steel framed buildings. But I don't know of any company that supplies both IMPs and red iron frames. More investigation is required.

Looks like it does. Ie, foam bonded/laminated to steel has greater strength than the same steel lying loosely on the same foam.

It is more economical to simply use Steel SIPs instead of red iron frame and IMP

Chris, I agree. I have built with red iron and it is expensive.

blavis,
This obviously spawns a lot of other discussion, but to offer some input on your original question: Alton hit the first point dead-on with thermal conduction. I've seen this construction where condensation lines are visible along each exterior stud in the winter. A thermal break is needed. It's often done with an inch or so of rigid insulation between the sheathing and exterior finish, but can also be installed on the inside. In some regions, commercial construction is almost all steel stud framed. They usually have the exterior insulation thermal break.
Another concern is to make sure they secure the sill plates properly. The ones for the shear walls should be a heavier gage, and/ or have the anchor bolts tie directly to the walls.
Make sure that the electrician either uses conduit or puts the grommets on ALL holes he pulls the wire through.
Make sure you have no copper pipes touching studs or you'll get galvanic corrosion.
Make sure they use the proper fasteners (drywall, etc) so you don't get unexpected corrosion.
If they weld any connections, have them paint over the weld with a good rust inhibitor.
Light ga metal framing is cheaper than wood in some regions. Just price around, but consider all of the above into the costs. That's all I can think of off the top of my head. May come up with others later.

A friend here built a steel framed house, and was unhappy with the conduction of noise throoughout the house. I don't know if that is always a characteristic of steel-framed houses, or if it can be avoided.

Yeah it is not only expensive but also noisy. So avoid it as much as you can.

SPF Roofing

Steel framing is widely used in office buildings, but a lot more moisture is generated in a house than an office building (from showers and cooking). Therefore, more care must be used to avoid moisture issues with the steel when used in a home compared to an office. Of course, the same can be said about wood framed buildings that will easily mold and eventually rot if moisture issues are not addressed in the design and operation.

lee; a good example of thermal conductivity of wood framing members

Lee Dodge i agree with you.
blavis If you want to use steel frame.Its very good,Because you make your home for your self.Bur please frame use just for walls,not for roof.You make roof with steel sheet.
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