Home > Lofthouse > FAQ
- What is included with a Lofthouse kit?
- The kit includes all of the materials required to create a weather-tight shell on your foundation. Hardware, fasteners, framing, sheathing, exterior doors and windows, floors, roofing, flashing, drip edge and trim. All materials are hand selected, carefully cut to precise dimensions, labeled, and packaged in easily identifiable bundles that two people can carry. An illustrated Construction Manual describes each step, from the construction of a pier foundation to the installation of the roof, all in simple, easy-to-understand language. Options include stairs, larger studs, larger rafters, and a roof vent system.
- What materials are used?
- A variety of materials are used to complete the shell; these are listed in the Lofthouse Specifications page.
- What kind of foundation is required?
- The foundation can consist of a series of concrete piers or a continuous concrete wall with a crawl space or full basement. A pier foundation has a minimal impact on the site and usually does not require the use of heavy equipment: hand tools can be used to dig holes and constuct the concrete piers. A Lofthouse 16 (16'x16') requires six piers, a Lofthouse 20 (20'x24') requires eight. A plan for the type of foundation you select is provided with the Construction Manual. See Lofthouse Specifications.
- How long will it take to assemble?
- A typical Lofthouse 20 can be assembled by two people in about fourteen days. Many factors can affect the time required to assemble a kit, including the size of the kit, modifications, the number of people working, site conditions, and the weather.
- Will Lofthouse meet building codes?
- Lofthouses were designed in 1977 in accordance with nation-wide model building codes for all locations within the United States except those with excessive wind or snow loads. See Lofthouse Specifications for design loads and code compliance. Most towns require building permits. This should be ascertained by the owner before construction begins. If required by local officials, structural drawings bearing a structural engineer's signature and stamp are available. There is a modest fee for these drawings.
- What is the lead time?
- Call or e-mail us for current lead times. Generally late spring and early summer are the most popular times to build, and because we produce kits one at a time our production schedule for these dates is usually filled early. Check the News page or contact us for specific information regarding lead time. Go to the Request Information page for our address and phone number.
- Are other plans available?
- The modular design of the Lofthouse allows for an almost infinite variety of floorplans. Using Lofthouse, Lean-to, Extension, Porch and Deck modules you can create your own floorplan to meet your needs or work from standard kits. Some examples are shown on the Lofthouse Floorplans page. Many others are possible. See Designing Your Lofthouse for more information.
- How much does a Lofthouse cost and how do I order one?
- The specific combination of modules and their configuration all affect the price of Lofthouse kits. See Lofthouse Prices and Designing Your Lofthouse for more information.
- How is the kit shipped? What about unloading?
- The kit is shipped by truck. Smaller buildings with sites located in New England are shipped in a large straight truck. Larger buildings and those going to sites outside New England are shipped by tractor-trailer. Overseas shipments are by container. Generally, we use one of a few private carriers that we have worked with for many years. They guarantee competitive prices and the assurance of a safe, on-time delivery. In all cases, the kits are priced FOB (freight on board) Tilton, NH. This means that shipping costs are in addition to the price of the kit. An estimate of the shipping cost can be given on request. A firm shipping quote and date are provided when an order is placed. See Lofthouse Prices. When the truck arrives at your site, you are responsible for unloading it. Four adults should be ready to unload the kit. We recommend that you prepare the site well in advance of delivery, with materials upon which to stack the kit and tarps to protect it during assembly. With a little preparation and a willingness to work, most kits can be unloaded and stacked in two hours. Since the truck is enclosed, a forklift can not be used for unloading.
- Is financing available?
- Shelter-Kit does not offer financing for our kits. For pricing information see Lofthouse Prices. For the payment schedule see How to Order.
- I have lots of trees for lumber but don't feel comfortable designing a house. Can I buy just the Construction Manuals or plans?
- No. Construction Manuals are only available as part of the kit. They describe in detail the assembly of the individual parts that have been manufactured for your specific building. Construction plans are not available.
- Is there a Shelter-Kit crew available to assemble the kit?
- No. These kits are designed and the instructions are written for the amateur builder who wants to be involved in the design and construction of his or her own building. While some of the kits have been assembled by professionals, those arrangements have been made by our customers.
- What is the difference between a Lofthouse and a Barn-House?
- This is explained on the Lofthouse/Barn-House Comparison Chart.
- I have read everything on your web site and have more questions. What do I do next?
- Go to the Request Information page to find out how to ask us your question via email, fax, phone, mail.