Richard Jackson
NZ Sales Manager
Richard Jackson heads up sales for Imagine Kit Homes over in NZ. He's the chap to go to for all your building technique and owner builder questions, and he'll happily chat about why steel frames are the way to go.
Articles by Richard Jackson
Owner Builder Reality Check: What to Hammer Yourself and When to Call a Sparky
Thinking about kit home construction? We break down the grit of DIY versus hiring trades so you don't end up with a half-finished shell and a massive headache.
Why Steel Frame Kit Homes Are the Only Real Choice for Fire Prone Australia
Forget the glossy brochures for a second and look at the dirt under your feet. If you are building a kit home in the Australian bush, your frame choice isn't just about straight walls, it's about surviving the summer.
Managing Tradies on a Steel Frame Kit Home Site: A No-Nonsense Guide for Owner Builders
Ditch the management theories and get the real dirt on coordinating subcontractors for your steel kit home project. From slab prep to the final screw, here is how to keep your site running without losing your mind.
Straight Talk on Steel: Why Dimensional Stability Matters for Your Kit Home Build
Timber warps and shrinks, but steel stays straight. We look at why dimensional stability is the secret to a smooth kit home build and a house that doesn't creak in the night.
Mastering the Breeze: Cross-Ventilation Physics for Australian Steel Kit Homes
Forget cranking the AC all summer. We look at the technical side of window placement and thermal physics to keep your owner-built steel frame home naturally cool using nothing but smart design.
Why Steel Frames are the Real Heavy Lifters in Australian Bushfire Zones
Forget the glossy brochures for a second. When you're building in a high BAL zone, your choice of frame isn't just about straight walls, it's about survival and meeting strict Australian Standards.
Why Steel Frames Won't Move While Your Timber House Shrinks
Timber moves, twists, and groans as the seasons change. We look at why building with TRUECORE steel frames provides a level of dimensional stability that saves you from cracked cornices and sticking doors down the track.
Hard Truths for the Australian Owner Builder: Avoiding the Kit Home Time Sinks
Building your own kit home isn't just about swinging a hammer; it's about managing chaos. Learn the real-world pitfalls that stall kit home projects and how to keep your site moving towards lock-up.
Don't Sweat the Summer: Thermal Performance Secrets for Australian Kit Homes
Forget everything you think you know about pink batts. Building a kit home in Australia requires a serious look at thermal breaks and regional climate zones to stay comfortable year-round.
Why Steel Frames are the Only Choice for Australian Kit Homes in Bushfire Zones
Building in the Australian bush isn't just about the view; it's about surviving the summer. Here is why steel frames outlast timber when the BAL ratings get serious.
Owner Builder Reality Check: The No BS Guide to Erecting Your Kit Home
Forget the glossy brochures. Building a kit home as an owner builder is about grit, council paperwork, and knowing exactly when to call in the sparky.
Why Steel Frames are Your Best Defense in the Australian Bush
Building in a bushfire-prone area requires more than just luck. We look at why steel frames, BlueScope TRUECORE specifically, provide the structural integrity and fire resistance needed for tough Australian conditions.
The Owner Builder Reality Check: Why Your Kit Home Project Will Stall (And How to Stop It)
Going owner builder isn't just about swinging a hammer; it's about managing a chaotic schedule. Learn how to avoid the common kit home delays that leave sites sitting empty for months.
Site Prep Secrets: What Happens Before the Truck Pulls Up
Don't let your kit home delivery turn into a muddy nightmare. Learn the gritty details of site benching, drainage, and access requirements that most owner-builders overlook until it is too late.
Don't Let Your Kit Home Sink: The Dirty Truth About Site Drainage
Forget the floor plans for a second. If you don't get your site drainage right before the steel frames arrive, you're building a very expensive swimming pool.
Why Steel Frames are the Only Fair Go for the Australian Environment
Forget the greenwashing fluff. We're looking at why TRUECORE steel is the most sustainable choice for Aussie owner-builders who want a house that doesn't rot, won't burn, and can be recycled forever.
Mastering the Build: A Guide to Talking Shop with Trades and Suppliers
Success as an owner builder hinges on clear communication. Learn how to manage your steel frame kit home project by speaking the language of tradies and suppliers like a pro.
Mastering the Rough-In: Electrical and Plumbing Essentials for Australian Kit Homes
Getting your services right behind the walls is the most critical stage of an owner-builder project. Learn how to manage the electrical and plumbing rough-in for your steel frame kit home without the headaches.
Build for the Future: The Environmental Power of Recyclable Steel Frame Kit Homes
Discover how choosing a steel frame kit home can significantly reduce your environmental footprint. Learn about the sustainable lifecycle of Australian BlueScope steel and why it is the ultimate choice for eco-conscious owner-builders.
Mastering the Build: Project Management Essentials for Australian Kit Home Owners
Stepping into the role of an owner builder is an exciting journey toward home ownership. Learn the essential project management skills needed to successfully coordinate your Australian kit home build from slab to lockup.
Choosing Your Exterior: A Deep Dive into Cladding Options for Australian Kit Homes
Discover the most effective cladding materials for your kit home project. We compare weatherboard, brick veneer, and modern composites to help owner builders achieve the perfect balance of durability and style.
Choosing the Right Cladding for Your Kit Home: From Weatherboard to Brick Veneer
Discover the best cladding options for Australian kit homes. This guide compares weatherboard, brick veneer, and modern finishes while exploring how they integrate with steel frame construction.
Clocking In and Building Up: Time Management for the Working Owner Builder
Balancing a full-time career while managing a kit home build is a marathon, not a sprint. Discover practical strategies for scheduling, trade coordination, and why steel frame construction is the working owner builder's best friend.
Mastering the Build: How to Communicate with Trades and Suppliers Like a Pro
Stepping into the role of an owner-builder is an exciting journey, but success depends on how well you manage your team. Learn the essential communication strategies for dealing with trades and suppliers to keep your Australian kit home project on track.
Built to Last: Why Steel Frame Kit Homes are Australia’s Ultimate Termite Defence
Discover why steel frame construction is the gold standard for Australian kit homes. Learn how TRUECORE steel provides a lifetime of termite protection and structural integrity for owner builders.
A Guide to Wind Ratings for Australian Kit Homes: From N1 to C4 Explained
Understanding wind ratings is essential for any Australian owner-builder. This guide breaks down the technical details of N and C classifications to ensure your kit home is safe, compliant, and built to last.
Clocking On After Hours: Time Management Mastery for Full-Time Owner Builders
Building your own kit home while working a 9-to-5 is a challenge, but with the right strategy, it is entirely possible. Discover how to manage your schedule, coordinate trades, and maintain progress without burning out.
Mastering the Groundwork: A Guide to Preparing Your Site for Kit Home Delivery
Success in building your own kit home starts long before the delivery truck arrives. This guide covers everything Australian owner-builders need to know about site preparation, from soil tests to slab curing.
Clocking On After Clocking Off: Time Management for the Working Owner Builder
Balancing a full-time job while building your own steel frame kit home is a challenge, but with the right systems, it is entirely achievable. Learn how to manage your schedule, coordinate trades, and keep your project moving without burning out.
Mastering the Site: How to Communicate with Trades and Suppliers as a Kit Home Owner Builder
Learn the essential communication skills needed to manage your Australian kit home project. This guide covers how to talk to trades and suppliers effectively while leveraging the precision of steel frame construction.
Foundation Fundamentals: Choosing Between Slabs, Stumps, and Piers for Your Australian Kit Home
Selecting the right foundation is the most critical decision for any owner builder. We dive into the technical pros and cons of concrete slabs, timber stumps, and steel piers for modern steel frame kit homes.
Mastering the Build: How to Stay Organized as an Australian Owner Builder
Taking on an owner builder project is a rewarding journey, but staying organized is the key to success. Learn the essential tips for managing your kit home build, from site readiness to trade coordination.
Decoding Wind Ratings: Building a Storm-Proof Kit Home in Australia
Learn how to navigate Australian wind ratings from N1 to C4. This guide explains how site-specific wind speeds affect your kit home design and why steel framing is a game-changer for durability.
Termite-Proof Peace of Mind: Why Steel Frames are the Ultimate Choice for Australian Kit Homes
Discover why steel frame construction is the gold standard for protecting your Australian kit home from termites and pests. Learn how TRUECORE steel provides a lifetime of structural integrity for owner-builders.
Mastering the Site: How to Communicate with Trades and Suppliers as an Australian Owner-Builder
Success as a kit home owner-builder depends on your ability to lead. Learn how to bridge the communication gap with trades and suppliers to keep your Australian kit home project on track and under control.
Choosing the Right Roofing Materials for Your Climate: A Guide for Australian Kit Home Builders
Selecting the right roofing for your kit home is about more than just aesthetics. Discover how to choose materials that withstand Australia's diverse climates while improving energy efficiency and durability.
Built for the Blow: Why Steel Frame Kit Homes are the Ultimate Choice for Australian Cyclone Zones
Discover how advanced steel engineering protects Australian homes during extreme weather events. Learn why TRUECORE steel frames are the gold standard for owner-builders in high-wind regions.
Building for the Future: Why Recyclable Steel Frames are the Ultimate Green Choice for Kit Homes
Discover the environmental advantages of choosing Australian made steel frames for your kit home project. From 100 percent recyclability to reduced site waste, learn how steel construction supports a sustainable future.
A Guide to Wind Ratings for Australian Kit Homes: From N1 to C4 Explained
Understanding wind ratings is essential for any Australian owner builder. This guide explains the technical classifications from N1 to C4 and how steel frame construction helps your kit home stand up to the elements.
Clocking Off and Building Up: The Owner Builder's Guide to Managing a Kit Home with a Full-Time Job
Balancing a full-time career with an owner-builder project is a marathon, not a sprint. Discover practical time management strategies to build your dream steel frame kit home without burning out.
Built to Brave the Storm: Why Steel Frame Kit Homes are the Ultimate Choice for Cyclone Zones
Discover how advanced steel engineering protects Australian homes in extreme weather. Learn why TRUECORE steel frames are the gold standard for durability and safety in cyclone-prone regions.
A Guide to Wind Ratings for Australian Kit Homes: From N1 to C4 Explained
Understanding wind ratings is essential for building a safe and compliant kit home in Australia. This guide breaks down the technical details of N and C classifications to help owner-builders prepare for a successful project.
DIY vs Hiring Trades: The Owner Builder Guide to Managing Your Kit Home Project
Discover which tasks you can tackle yourself and when it is time to call in the professionals. This guide helps Australian owner-builders navigate the kit home construction process with confidence.
Single Storey vs Elevated Kit Homes: Choosing the Best Foundation for Your Aussie Block
Deciding between a slab on ground or an elevated subfloor is one of the biggest choices for owner builders. Explore which kit home design suits your terrain, lifestyle, and local climate.
Built to Withstand: Why Steel Frames Are the Gold Standard for Kit Homes in Cyclone Zones
Discover how steel frame engineering protects Australian kit homes in extreme weather zones. Learn why BlueScope TRUECORE steel is the ultimate choice for durability and safety during cyclone season.
Mastering the Trade: How to Manage Subcontractors for Your Australian Kit Home Project
Taking on the role of an owner builder is an empowering way to create your dream home, but managing subcontractors is where the real work happens. Learn how to recruit, schedule, and communicate with trades to ensure your kit home build runs smoothly.
Mastering Thermal Efficiency: Insulation Best Practices for Australian Kit Homes
Discover how to optimize your kit home for the Australian climate. From R-values to thermal bridging, this guide covers essential insulation techniques for owner-builders.
Juggling the Hammer and the Clock: Time Management for the Working Owner Builder
Building your own home while working a full-time job is a challenge, but with the right strategy, it's entirely achievable. Learn how to manage your schedule, leverage kit home efficiency, and keep your project on track without burning out.
Sizing Up Your Dream: How to Choose the Perfect Kit Home for Your Land and Lifestyle
Selecting the right kit home size is a balancing act between your block's constraints and your family's future needs. This guide explores how to optimize your floor plan for Australian conditions.
DIY vs Hiring Trades: What Every Kit Home Owner-Builder Should Know
Deciding which tasks to tackle yourself and which to outsource is the biggest challenge for owner-builders. This guide breaks down how to manage your workload while building an Australian kit home.
Navigating Council Inspections for Your Australian Kit Home: A Technical Guide
Master the council inspection process for your kit home project. This guide covers the technical stages, from site preparation and steel frame verification to final certification for Australian owner builders.
Built for the Wide Brown Land: Why BlueScope TRUECORE Steel Outperforms Timber in Australian Kit Homes
Discover why steel frames are the superior choice for Australian owner builders. From termite protection to bushfire resilience, learn how BlueScope TRUECORE steel keeps your home straight, true, and safe for a lifetime.
Mastering the Trade: How to Manage Subcontractors for Your Steel Frame Kit Home
Taking on the role of an owner builder is an empowering way to create your dream home while staying in control. This guide explores how to effectively manage subcontractors and leverage the benefits of steel frame construction.
Sleep Easy: Why Steel Frame Kit Homes are Australia's Ultimate Termite-Proof Solution
Discover why steel frame construction is the gold standard for protecting Australian kit homes from termites. Learn how TRUECORE steel provides a permanent, chemical-free barrier for owner-builders.
Mastering the Breeze: Strategic Window Placement for Natural Cooling in Australian Kit Homes
Learn how to harness the power of cross-ventilation and natural cooling in your Australian kit home. Discover technical building techniques for window placement that reduce energy costs and improve comfort.
Mastering the Build: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Kit Home Assembly Process
Discover the technical journey of building a kit home in Australia. From site preparation to lock-up stage, we break down the assembly process for owner-builders using modern steel frame technology.
DIY vs Hiring Professionals: What Should You Tackle as an Australian Owner Builder?
Navigating a kit home project requires knowing when to pick up the tools and when to call in the experts. This guide explores the owner-builder journey, focusing on steel frame construction and smart DIY strategies.
Harnessing the Sun: Solar Passive Design Principles for Your Australian Kit Home
Learn how to use solar passive design principles to create a kit home that stays cool in summer and warm in winter. This guide covers orientation, thermal mass, and ventilation for Australian owner-builders.
DIY vs Hiring Professionals: What Should You Tackle as an Australian Owner Builder?
Deciding which tasks to handle yourself and which to outsource is the biggest challenge for owner builders. This guide explores how to balance DIY sweat equity with professional expertise when building your Australian kit home.
Built Tough: Engineering Steel Frame Kit Homes for Australia's Cyclone Zones
Discover why steel frame construction is the gold standard for homes in Australia's harshest weather zones. Learn how advanced engineering and BlueScope TRUECORE steel provide ultimate peace of mind against extreme winds.
DIY vs Hiring Professionals: What Should You Tackle as an Australian Owner Builder?
Deciding which tasks to take on yourself and which to leave to the professionals is the most critical decision an owner builder makes. This guide explores the DIY balance for steel frame kit homes, ensuring your project stays on track and up to code.
Smart Customisation: How to Design Your Dream Kit Home Without Breaking the Bank
Discover how to customise your Australian kit home to suit your lifestyle while keeping costs under control. From leveraging BlueScope TRUECORE steel to making smart cladding choices, we show you how to build bespoke on a budget.
Building Your Dream: The Ultimate Guide to Steel Frame Kit Homes in Australia
Discover why steel frame kit homes are becoming the go-to choice for Australian owner-builders. From durability to cost-effectiveness, learn everything you need to know about starting your building journey.
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