HOW STEEL HOUSE KITS AND BARNDOMINIUM KITS WORK (SEE BELOW VIDEO FOR DETAILED EXPLANATION)
HOW OUR STEEL HOUSE KITS & BARNDOMINIUM KITS WORK – FULL EXPLANATION
Thinking about building a steel house kit or barndominium but wondering exactly what you're getting? In this video, we're walking you through the entire process from start to finish so you understand how our steel house kits work and why more families across America are choosing this faster, stronger, and more affordable way to build.
At Amish Built Cabins, we specialize in professionally installed dried-in steel house shells that give homeowners the flexibility to finish the interior on their own timeline and budget.
STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR FLOOR PLAN
Whether you're looking for:
• A family home
• A barndominium
• A vacation cabin
• An Airbnb investment property
• An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)
• A retirement home
• A garage with living quarters
• A workshop with an apartment
• A completely custom design
We can work from:
✔ One of our existing floor plans
✔ Your plans
✔ Modified versions of our plans
✔ Fully custom designs
From cozy 500-square-foot cabins to multi-thousand-square-foot dream homes, we can accommodate almost any size project.
STEP 2: ENGINEERED TO YOUR LOCAL BUILDING CODES
Once your floor plan is finalized, your steel package is engineered specifically for your project and your location.
ENGINEERED DRAWINGS ARE INCLUDED.
Your package includes professionally prepared engineered stamped plans designed to meet the building requirements for your area.
These drawings are used throughout the permitting process and are designed to satisfy local code requirements based on your project's specifications.
Included:
✔ Engineered stamped drawings
✔ Structural calculations
✔ Steel framing plans
✔ Roof framing plans
✔ Interior framing layouts
✔ Documentation needed for permitting
WE HELP GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE PERMITTING PROCESS
For many homeowners, permits and zoning can be the most intimidating part of building.
That's why we don't just ship you a kit and disappear.
We help hold your hand throughout the process.
We do our best to make things as simple and stress-free as possible by helping you navigate:
✔ Zoning questions
✔ Planning department requirements
✔ Permit submittals
✔ Engineering documentation
✔ Building department requests
✔ Understanding what your county may need
✔ Coordinating the paperwork needed from our side
Every county and municipality is different, but our goal is to make the process as easy as we can and help move your project forward.
STEP 3: ENGINEERED STEEL HOUSE KIT
Your steel package includes:
✔ Structural steel framing
✔ Exterior steel wall framing
✔ Interior steel stud framing
✔ Roof framing system
✔ Engineered stamped plans
✔ Structural components needed for installation
Steel framing offers major advantages because it won't:
• Rot
• Warp
• Twist
• Shrink
• Become food for termites
• Develop many of the issues commonly associated with traditional wood framing.
STEP 4: ZIP SYSTEM WALLS & ROOF
One of the biggest advantages of our homes is our use of ZIP System panels on both the walls and roof.
Traditional construction often requires:
• Structural sheathing
• House wrap
• Roofing felt
• Multiple weatherproofing steps
ZIP System simplifies this process.
ZIP panels combine structural sheathing with an integrated weather-resistant barrier. Once the seams are taped, they help create a tighter, more efficient building envelope.
Benefits include:
✔ Faster installation
✔ Improved air sealing
✔ Reduced drafts
✔ Superior moisture management
✔ Excellent structural performance
✔ Elimination of traditional house wrap
✔ Better weather protection
ZIP tape is applied at all seams to help create a continuous barrier around the home.
FOUNDATION OPTIONS
Our steel house kits can be installed on a variety of foundation systems, including:
Concrete Slabs
One of the most popular and cost-effective options.
Basement Foundations
Want a full basement?
No problem.
Our steel homes can be installed directly on basement foundations.
Block Crawlspaces
A great option that provides elevation and easy access to utilities.
Other Approved Foundation Systems
Depending on local requirements and engineering specifications.
The customer is responsible for having the foundation completed and ready prior to installation.
OPTIONAL STEEL FLOOR SYSTEM
If your home is being installed over a basement or crawlspace, we can provide a steel floor framing package.
ONLY $12 PER SQUARE FOOT
This optional system creates the structural floor platform above your basement or crawlspace.
Many homeowners love this option because it allows the entire structural system to remain steel.
STEP 5: DELIVERY TO YOUR PROPERTY
We proudly ship to customers in 48 states.
After fabrication is complete, we coordinate transportation directly to your building site.
STEP 6: PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION
Our installation crews assemble the steel structure on your prepared foundation.
Included:
✔ Steel frame installation
✔ Roof framing installation
✔ Exterior wall framing
✔ Interior steel stud framing
✔ ZIP wall system installation
✔ ZIP roof system installation
✔ ZIP seam taping
✔ Professional assembly
Once complete, your structure is considered DRIED IN, meaning the shell is protected from the weather and ready for interior completion.
WHAT DOES "DRIED IN" MEAN?
A dried-in shell means the major structural work has been completed and the building envelope has been established.
At this point, your home is ready for:
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• HVAC
• Insulation
• Drywall
• Interior finishes
WINDOWS & EXTERIOR DOORS
Windows and exterior doors are NOT included in our standard pricing.
However:
If you purchase your own windows and exterior doors and have them delivered to the job site before our installation crew arrives, our installers will install them at NO ADDITIONAL LABOR CHARGE.
This gives homeowners flexibility while helping save money.
SIMPLE PRICING
We believe pricing should be straightforward.
$110 PER SQUARE FOOT
This pricing applies to ANY ENCLOSED SPACE, including:
✔ Main living areas
✔ Bedrooms
✔ Bathrooms
✔ Kitchens
✔ Hallways
✔ Bonus rooms
✔ Workshops
✔ Attached garages
✔ Detached garages
✔ Storage rooms
✔ Garage apartments
✔ Any enclosed square footage under roof
The $110 per square foot includes:
✔ Steel house kit
✔ Structural steel framing
✔ Interior steel stud framing
✔ Engineered stamped drawings
✔ ZIP wall system
✔ ZIP roof system
✔ Shipping
✔ Professional installation
✔ Complete dried-in shell
PORCHES, CARPORTS & OVERHANGS
Open spaces are priced separately.
ONLY $20 PER SQUARE FOOT
This includes:
✔ Front porches
✔ Rear porches
✔ Covered patios
✔ Carports
✔ Breezeways
✔ Open overhangs
✔ Covered outdoor living areas
This allows customers to create beautiful outdoor spaces without paying enclosed-space pricing.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
These are NOT turnkey homes.
They are professionally installed dried-in shells.
Items not included include:
• Site preparation
• Excavation
• Concrete foundations
• Insulation
• Drywall
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• HVAC
• Flooring
• Cabinets
• Countertops
• Paint
• Interior trim
• Appliances
• Bathroom fixtures
• Finish carpentry
This allows homeowners to finish the interior themselves or hire local contractors while controlling their budget.
TURNAROUND TIME
One of the biggest advantages of our steel house kits is speed.
Average turnaround time is approximately:
18–20 WEEKS
From the time your order is placed until the time our crews arrive to install your steel house kit.
Actual timelines can vary depending on:
• Engineering approval
• Permit timelines
• Weather conditions
• Production schedules
• Seasonal demand
But in most cases, customers can expect installation to occur within that 18–20 week timeframe.
WHO ARE THESE HOMES PERFECT FOR?
✔ Families
✔ First-time builders
✔ Retirees
✔ Airbnb investors
✔ Vacation homeowners
✔ Rural property owners
✔ ADUs
✔ Barndominiums
✔ DIY finishers
✔ Off-grid enthusiasts
✔ Anyone wanting a durable and affordable way to build.
Because you're receiving a professionally installed shell, many homeowners choose to finish the interior over time instead of financing every finish item upfront.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Our steel house kits combine the strength of steel framing with the performance benefits of ZIP System technology to create a durable, weather-tight, professionally installed dried-in shell that can be customized to fit nearly any lifestyle.
The pricing is simple:
✅ $110 per square foot for ALL enclosed areas, including garages
✅ $20 per square foot for porches, carports, and open overhangs
✅ $12 per square foot for optional steel floor joists over basements and crawlspaces
Included:
✅ Engineered stamped drawings built to the code requirements for your area
✅ Assistance navigating zoning, planning, and permitting
✅ Shipping to 48 states
✅ Professional installation crews
✅ ZIP walls and ZIP roofing systems
✅ Complete dried-in shell construction
Foundation options include:
✅ Slabs
✅ Basements
✅ Block crawlspaces
If you've been dreaming of building a barndominium, steel home, garage apartment, vacation property, or forever home, this may be one of the smartest and most affordable ways to do it.
📞 Call Amish Built Cabins today at 812-595-4033
Affordable. Engineered. Installed. Dried In. Built to Last.
