Step-by-step how-tos for builders and engineers. In this article we walk through what we have learned on real projects, with numbers you can use.
The checklist
Geometry
- All walls are closed polylines with consistent thickness.
- Openings are real voids, not just symbols on a drawing.
- Levels and datums are named and match the structural drawings.
Profiles and gauge
- One profile family per element type (C89, C140, U-track).
- Gauge assigned per wall, not guessed by the detailer.
- Lip and web sizes match the tooling on your machine.
Connections
- Pick a connection rule per junction: L, T and X.
- Confirm screw and bolt hole positions with the fabricator.
- Export a test panel before releasing the whole job.
Cost and time
Steel prices move, but the labour saving is consistent. On a 120 m² single-storey house we usually see:
- Framing time: 3–5 days with a crew of four.
- Waste: under 2% of coil, versus 10–15% for site-cut timber.
- Rework: near zero when the model is clean.
The biggest hidden cost is a late design change. Freeze the model before you form the first panel.
What to do next
Start small: pick one wall type, run it end to end, and measure the time it takes. Once the team trusts the output, scale up to a full house. If you want a second pair of eyes on your model, upload it to LGSF Market and our engineers will review it.
