Buying a home is a major milestone, and when you’re using newer, high tech building techniques, it’s natural to have questions. Here are answers to the questions we hear the most from our Newberry Steel partners.
Many homeowners researching steel homes want to understand cost, durability, customization, and the building process before moving forward. Below are answers to the most common questions we hear.
If you’d like a deeper dive into steel construction, visit our resources page where we share guides, comparisons, and insights about modern homebuilding.
How does the cost of a Steel home compare to traditional wood construction?
Steel homes can have a slightly higher upfront material cost compared to traditional wood construction. However, the long-term value, durability of materials, and reduced ownership cost offers great advantages over time.
Steel framing offers advantages that can reduce ownership costs over time, including:
- lower maintenance requirements
- resistance to termites and rot
- structural durability
- potential insurance benefits in storm-prone regions
If you’re comparing building options, learn more about why people choose steel homes vs. traditional homes.
You can also explore available floor plans and base configurations on our steel homes models page.
Are steel homes a good investment?
We get asked this a lot, anytime someone buys a home they want to know if the money they’re spending is a good investment. Many buyers view steel construction as a long-term investment because steel does not warp, shrink, or deteriorate the way organic materials can.
Steel framing helps preserve the structural integrity of the home over time, which contributes to long-term durability and confidence in the investment.
If you’re exploring home layouts or planning options, you can review our available designs on our steel homes models page.
Can steel homes withstand hurricanes?
As Floridians, we know this is an important question to ask, especially with hurricane season always on horizon. Yes. Steel framing is commonly used in areas like ours where wind resistance is essential.
Newberry Steel homes are designed to meet structural standards used in some of the strictest hurricane zones in the United States. The strength of steel framing helps homes resist the extreme forces created by major storms.
Our steel homes are specifically designed for strength in high-wind environments, and many Newberry Steel homes are built to meet Miami-Dade County hurricane standards, some of the most rigorous in the United States.
“Miami-Dade rated” means key structural components have been tested to withstand extreme wind pressures, high-velocity winds, and flying debris associated with major hurricanes, including Category 5 conditions.
Compared to traditional wood framing, steel offers a higher strength-to-weight ratio. This allows the structure to better resist bending, warping, or structural failure under intense wind loads.
While overall storm performance depends on the full construction system, our steel framing provides a more rigid and durable structural foundation. You can learn more about hurricane-resistant home design here.
Do steel homes perform better in hurricanes than wood homes?
Steel framing provides a higher strength-to-weight ratio than wood does. This means the structural frame can better resist bending or twisting under high wind loads better than traditional wood frame homes.
While the entire construction system contributes to storm performance, steel provides a rigid structural framework that helps maintain the home’s shape during severe weather.
Are steel homes safer during storms?
Steel does not split, crack, or warp the way wood can under pressure or moisture exposure. This structural stability in steel homes can help maintain the integrity of the home during extreme conditions.
Steel is also:
- non-combustible
- termite resistant
- mold resistant
These qualities contribute to the overall durability of the home during those crazy Florida storms! Steel homes are an opportunity to put your best foot forward when bracing for unpredictable weather conditions.
Do steel homes rust?
Steel homes are constructed with galvanized cold-formed steel, which is coated to resist corrosion and rust.
Once construction is complete, the steel framing sits within the finished wall system and is protected from direct exposure to the elements. This allows the framing to maintain strength and durability for decades, while preventing homes from rusting.
Are steel homes customizable?
Absolutely, yes. Newberry Steel homes are designed with semi-custom flexibility available to all of our customers. We want your home to FEEL like your home and understand the importance of offering some options.
Homeowners can personalize layouts, finishes, and design details for their steel homes while still benefiting from the efficiency of a streamlined building system.
To explore available layouts and upcoming home designs, visit our steel homes models collection.
How long does it take to build a steel home?
Construction timelines can vary depending on permitting, site preparation, and the size of the home.
Since the steel framing components are fabricated with precise measurements before arriving on site, the framing stage can typically move promptly once construction begins.
For a complete step-by-step overview of the building journey, visit our how it works page.
What happens after I request a quote?
Sit back, relax, and let us take the next step! After we get request a member of the Newberry Steel team will reach out to you to start the process and find out a few more details including :
- your preferred home model
- project location
- timeline expectations
- customization options
This conversation helps determine the best path forward for your future steel home.
To start the process, you can browse available options on the steel homes models.
Do you build traditional homes as well?
Absolutely! We truly mean it when we say we have a solution for every person, every property, and every vision. If you’re interested in a fully custom home using traditional construction methods, our team also builds through Newberry Homes.
Can you help us find a home or land?
Absolutely, the Newberry family has several different divisions including an incredible team of real estate experts focused on the Daytona Beach, Orlando, Tampa, and surrounding Florida communities.
If you are still searching for the right property, our team at Newberry Homes can assist with finding homes or land that fit your goals.
Many of our Newberry Steel clients begin their home steel journey by purchasing land first and then selecting a home steel design that fits the site.
Are steel homes sustainable?
Absolutely! It’s one of the many reasons we love working with steel homes, steel is one of the most recyclable building materials available. Many steel components contain recycled material and can be recycled again in the future.
Steel construction can also reduce job-site waste because the structural components are manufactured with precise measurements before arriving at the build site. It’s a win-win in our opinion.
Where are you located?
Newberry Steel operates in Central Florida and primarily serves the Greater Orlando and Volusia County areas but can work with anyone in Florida.
What areas do you service?
We currently offer two primary options: our design + build services that are available in Central Florida through our licensed builder network at Newberry Inc.
Steel home shell packages: available across the state of Florida for homeowners working with their own builders.
