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1. WOOD (general)
2. MORE WOOD (flooring, sidings, roofing)
3. KILN DRYING
4. TERMITES (white ants)
5. FOUNDATIONS
6. PREFABRICATION, RE-ASSEMBLY AND RE-ASSEMBLY TIME
7. SHIPPING, PACKING AND CONTAINER SPACE
8. PRICES, COSTS AND TAXES
9. HURRICANES AND EARTHQUAKES
10. STRUCTURAL ISSUES
11. PAYMENT ISSUES
12. INSURANCE (shipping)
13. ARCHITECTURAL ISSUES
14. ELECTRICAL, POTABLE WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM
15. RAINWATER HARVESTING
16. TAILOR OR CUSTOM MADE
17. WOOD FINISHING
18. THATCH
19. DRAWINGS
20. APPLIANCES
21. DOORS AND WINDOWS
22. FUMIGATION
23. WARRANTY
24. CANCELLATION OF THE ORDER
25. PROGRESS REPORTS
CATEGORY 1 WOOD (general)
Q-101. What is the advantage of using Bangkirai hardwood rather than the cheaper Coconut wood
Bangkirai is a Tropical Hardwood. Coconut wood is a semi-hardwood and has a very poor durability record. The bottom third part part of the tree is very dense, but the top third part is very soft. There exist only four wood species in Indonesia that are not susceptible to termite attacks (white ants), these are in order of cost (the highest first): Jati Teak, Ironwood, Merbau, and Bangkirai. Since Bangkirai is the cheapest of the three non-susceptible timbers, but has similar strength, we use this wood for our houses and gazebos. NOTE: Coconut wood is loved by termites. A house built in a termite-infested area may be devoured in a nick of time. Refer also to question Q-403 (click on the number)
Q-102. We were informed that Merbau is also safe from termite attacks. Is this correct?
Partly yes and partly no. The part of Merbau that is not susceptible to termite attacks comes from the heartwood, the inner core of the tree. This is called class I Merbau. The disadvantage is, however, that the price is about 50% higher than the sapwood that surrounds the heartwood (the outer core of the tree).
Reference is also made to Category 4 (termites). Click on
Q-103. What is the "durability " of wood
The answer to the question can be for < here >
Q-104. We have been informed that the Counties in the USA do not recognize some tropical hardwoods. How do you cope with this?
The USA Codes and Requirements for Structures are extremely protective as to their local building materials. Although worldwide any tropical hardwood is recognized and allowed to be used, the USA does not stand out. The latest Codes and requirements (IBC 2018) still do not deal with tropical hardwoods. For many engineers, this is a dilemma in how to approach this problem since most tropical hardwoods are 4 to 5 times stronger than any local North American wood. There is no proper solution for this problem until the Code Councils adopt tropical hardwood as a building material that is allowed to be used in the USA. Our experience is that by convincing the County Authorities that tropical hardwood is on average 4 to 5 times stronger than North American construction wood (by proof and evidence obtained from recognized technical papers) the Counties will allow the use. We have special written permission from the Counties of Hawaii, Maui, and Oahu for the use of Indonesian Bangkirai termite-resistant hardwood.
Q-105. You indicate that both Bangkirai and Ironwood have excellent durability qualities with a lifetime of over 25 years without any protective coating. Will the wood discolor without such a protective coating?
Bangkirai will discolor to a very deep grey, almost black color with occasional light blackish areas. Ironwood will turn into a grayish-brown color
Q-106. How thick are Iron wood shingles
5 mm (3/16")
NOTE: For years Iron wood shingles were not allowed to be exported. However, since mid-2015, Iron wood shingles are again allowed to be exported. You may read < wooden shingles >.
Q-107. I have been informed that Bangkirai is prone to cracking. Is this true?
Yes and no. Bangkirai is a type of hardwood that is so dense that any change in moisture content will affect the internal interlocking of the wood cells. By no means we can change that since it is a natural process. Bangkirai will therefore always show some cracks, however, these are only a fraction of an mm and in some cases can hardly be noticed. These cracks will not in any way influence the structural integrity, as such, these cracks can be ignored. In some cases, however, Bangkirai may show wider cracks which are caused by air drying. It depends on the depth of the crack and whether we will consider changing the part. Normally this is not necessary since the cracks are surface cracks and only a few millimeters deep.
Q-108. How old are the trees used for the Bangkirai timber?
On average 80 to 100 years old.
Q-109. My country only allows wood felled at legal and government-controlled plantations to be imported. How do I know that your wood is legal?
The timber that we buy comes either from the Indonesian island of Kalimantan (Bangkirai) or Irian Jaya (Merbau). Even since we are part of Indonesia ( Bali ) we are not allowed to be supplied with logs. This is the first step of the Indonesian Government to crack down on illegal logging since the logs are checked for legal paperwork at origin. The second step to ensure that we receive legal timber is a thorough check by Government Authorities in the harbor of Surabaya, Bali's gateway. If the paperwork is in order they allow the shipment to leave (mostly by road). For more detailed information on the legality of wood, you may read < V-legal >
Q-110. What is the difference between "heartwood" and "hardwood"?
Heartwood is the core of a tree and the strongest and most dense. Hardwood is the general and collective noun for wood species complying with hardwood qualities
CATEGORY 2 MORE WOOD
Q-201 How safe are Iron wood shingles against leaking?
We use the three-layer system. In addition, a layer of aluminum foil is used on top of the plywood base. Refer also to question Q-205.
You may also read item Q-106 about a total ban on the export of Iron wood shingles
Q-202. Can we order a house without roof decking
Yes. In that case, we will only provide the rafters, purlins, and battens (if required).
Q-203. We have seen prefab houses in which the floors deflected (bent) significantly when walking over. Can you tell us how your floors have been constructed to avoid this?
It is not a matter of construction. It is a matter of the thickness of the floorboards, and the intermediate distances of the supporting beams underneath. We use 22 to 25 mm thick boards while the supporting beams do not have a greater center-to-center distance than 500 mm (1’ – 8”). When complying with this system a person walking over the floor will not notice any effect of deflection.
Q-204. What is the difference between a single siding and a double siding and when to use a single board and when to use a double board?
A single siding has a thickness of one board (at the exterior) A double siding has one board at each side (exterior and interior) which is separated by 60 mm thick slats onto which the boards are fixed. A single board is sufficiently effective for simple cottages in tropical areas where the interior of the house does not require temperatures to be controlled, since it will not contribute much to lowering the temperature inside due to the lack of a cavity. A double board can be insulated via its cavity and is very effective in hot areas and/or areas with significant temperature changes. A double board is also better soundproof compared to a single board, while a double board can hide electrical cables and plumbing lines.
Q-205. Can you provide me with a detailed sketch of the build-up and structure of the Ironwood shingle roof?
Unfortunately not. This is one of our little secrets. Be assured that our Ironwood roof is 100% waterproof, even in high winds. What we can say is that we use the three-layer system. Refer also to questions 201 and 106.
Q-206. I have seen a shingle roof blown away from a prefab structure in a semi-hurricane. How is that possible?
First of all that was not one of our houses. Most probably improper or no hurricane anchors at all were used. A roof is normally not blown away due to wind pressure but due to wind suction. A more likely possibility may be that the roof shingles were not properly attached to the supporting frames which may have caused a failure to one or more shingles blowing away. This creates a local vacuum at the leeward side of the roof, causing more shingles to fail. At the end of the day, the whole roof goes. We have supplied houses to hurricane areas that sustained occurring hurricanes.
Q-207. Can you tell me how your siding boards deal with rainwater?
All exterior siding boards are connected by tongue and groove and have a beveled rainwater run-off seal
CATEGORY 3 KILN DRYING
Q-301. Why is the kiln drying of the boards so important
Oven dry and kiln dry is the same except for the wording. With oven drying the timber is placed in an autoclave and heated by hot air. The wood dries out losing enormous amounts of water which is drained from the autoclave. A volume of 20 m3 of timber may need 6 weeks in the autoclave to dry until 15% water content. Air drying is a process where the wood is left in the open for months if not a year to dry out. This process is preferred above kiln drying since this is a natural process. Read more about < kiln drying >
Q-302. How much water contains a freshly felled tree
The “green” wood of freshly felled trees may have a moisture content anywhere in the range of 30% to over 200%, depending on the species. Read more about < kiln drying >
CATEGORY 4 TERMITES (white ants)
Q-401. What is the advantage of using Bangkirai Hardwood, rather than the cheaper Coconut wood?
Bangkirai is a Tropical Hardwood. Coconut wood is a softwood. There exist only four wood species in Indonesia that are not susceptible to termite attacks (white ants), these are in order of cost (the highest first): Jati Teak, Ironwood, Merbau (class 1), and Bangkirai (heartwood only). Since Bangkirai is the cheapest of the four timbers, but has similar strength, we use this wood for our houses and gazebos if a client wishes to safeguard his house against termite attack. NOTE: Coconut wood is loved by termites. A house built in a termite-infested area may be devoured in a nick of time. More about termites and protective measures < termites >
Q-402. We were informed that Merbau is also safe from termite attacks. Is this correct?
Partly yes and partly no. The part of Merbau that is not susceptible to termite attacks comes from the heartwood, the inner core of the tree. This is called class I Merbau. The disadvantage is, however, that the price is about 50 to 60%% higher than the sapwood that surrounds the heartwood (the outer core of the tree). Refer also to question 403.
Q-403. We heard that on some occasions termites had attacked Bangkirai, while this wood is not susceptible to termite attacks. How is that possible?
Only Bangkirai heartwood (wood from the core of the tree) is 100% termite resistant. To better understand why termites are still able to attack read this < pests, termites, borers >
Q-404. I read on other websites that both Merbau and Bangkiriai are 100% termite resistant however you contest this on your website. Can you please clarify?
A mix of Merbau sapwood and heartwood or Bangkirai sapwood and heartwood is NOT 100% termite resistant due to the existence of sapwood which termites eat. We refer to < termites and hardwood > which will clarify the issue in detail.
Q-405. Can termites eat through concrete and steel?
Yes and No. To know more refer to < termites > in the second paragraph which will clarify the issue in detail.
CATEGORY 5 FOUNDATIONS
Q-501. Is the foundation included in the design?
No, but we are well able to advise you which type of foundation is required. See also questions Q-502 and Q-503
Q-502. We have been informed that it is not allowed in the USA to have a wooden column cast in concrete. How do we fix the wooden columns to the concrete foundation?
You need to use Simpson anchors, which are available all over the USA. We will specify the type that you need. Alternatively, we can supply similar anchors made in Bali.
Q-503. What will be the dimensions for the concrete footings?
We are unable to answer this question since this depends on the strength of the subsoil. A weak subsoil layer requires a wide square footing, while a foundation on top of a firm sand layer may be reduced to only 300 x 300 mm (1 ft x 1 ft), or even smaller. If the subsoil is not rock you may need a local engineer to verify the foundation based on the column reaction forces that we will provide.
CATEGORY 6 PREFABRICATION, RE-ASSEMBLY, AND RE-ASSEMBLY TIME
Q-601. Is it possible for you to re-assemble the house with your crew at our place?
Yes, we have a crew available for outsourcing. You may contact us via our contact form for more information. Read more < outsourcing of crew >
Q-602. How many persons are required to assemble a house?
Such mainly depends on how fast you would like to erect it. In principle, a few persons can do the job, but this may take some months for a large house. You may add people as much as you like until the saturation point is reached (the point where adding persons will slow down the process). It is advised that at least a few persons have some experience with Do It Yourself.
Q-603. How do I assemble a 2-story house
We will inform you via the assembly manual how and where you need to make temporary stability bracings and scaffolding.
Q-604. What will be the lead time for a house
Much depends on whether you order one of our standard designs or whether we need to make a tailor-made design. We are unable to start any prefabrication if we do not have a design available. Prefabrication requires shop drawings (detailed drawings that show how to cut and profile every part). Such drawings can only be prepared after a conceptual and basic design is available. In broad lines, the lead time can be reduced by some 6 to 8 weeks if a standard model is chosen. The transfer shipping time is on average 5 to 6 weeks. Prefabrication time depends on the size of the house.
Q-605. Can you prefabricate a house by our drawings?
Our team of architects and engineers is well able to deal with your requirements. It depends on the magnitude of design work that we need to undertake to enable us to prefabricate the house. In such cases, we strictly apply our company policy for < our services >
Q-606. I am not at all familiar with DIY. As such I need people to help me re-assembling the house. Do you provide a team that can do that?
Yes, we can outsource a full team or a smaller team to assist you that will re-assemble the house for you. Refer to question 601
Q-607. How much will it cost me to have your people re-assembled the house?
Refer to question Q-601
Q-608. What is included in the kit
Refer to < kit >
Q-609. How do I know that I would not be left with a disordered mountain of wood after I have emptied the container?
All matching parts are packed together in separate batches. Example: we will pack all floor boards together in sequential order. For instance, batch 1 will show an indication “Floorboards 1 thru 20“, batch 2 will be indicated with “Floorboards 21 thru 40”, etc. In the same way, the beams and other parts will be packed. The only thing you need to do when emptying the container is store the packs together with their batch name, thus, floor boards together, siding boards together, main ground floor beams together, etc., etc. In addition, you will receive a 3-D re-assembly manual showing all part numbers and where and how to install them. The parts which are needed first are in the front of the container.
Q-610. How do I know where to place the nails for floors and sidings etc?
We do not use one nail. All connections are fixed using threaded steel rods with nuts and washers or screws. The screw holes are indicated. You only need to drill thru these screw holes a few cm into the back supports and fix the screw. The bolts only need to be placed and tightened.
Q-611. Do I need to cover the house during re-assembly against rain and sun?
As long as the flooring and/or siding boards have not yet been installed this is not necessary. If boards have not been treated with a protective coating it is highly recommended that a cover be installed from canvas or otherwise once the boards are installed. The boards have been kiln-dried and thus are extremely sensitive to taking up moisture and water. If the boards have been treated with polyurethane stain, it is not necessary to cover the house.
Q-612. Would it be possible to later dismantle the house and rebuild it elsewhere?
Without any problem, since no nails are used.
CATEGORY 7 SHIPPING, PACKING AND CONTAINER SPACE
Q-701. What is fumigation and why is it required?
Fumigation is the process in which gas is used to kill any living creature that may hide in the goods stuffed in the container. This not only holds for spiders, ants, beetles, mice, rats, etc., but also for mildew, seeding grass (for thatch), borers, and other nuisances. In almost all countries in the world fumigation at the port of embarkation is a prerequisite. Thatch needs to be fumigated two times, viz; one time with Ethylene Oxide and one time with Methyl Bromide. All wood parts need to be fumigated with Methyl Bromide only. See also question 1704.
Q-702. How many containers do I need to ship my unit?
Such differs from unit to unit and depends on the total net volume of wood to be shipped. Shipments can be done with either 20 ft, 40 ft, or 40 ft high cube containers.
A basic volume can only be provided if we know which of our standard houses you are interested in. For custom or tailor-made houses we cannot calculate the basic volume until we have made a conceptual design. In addition, the weight may be governing. Bangkirai wood is very heavy (900 kg/m3), as such you may need to ship in 2 or more containers if the weight is over 23 tons. Our interactive price list provides some estimated cost figures for container shipments.
Q-703. What if some parts are broken or damaged during shipment?
Apart from the fact that we are not responsible for broken parts caused during shipment, we supply many extra beams and boards if some repair work needs to be done at your end.
Q-704. Do I need to insure the shipment, and if so how much will that cost?
You are free to decide whether you want to insure the shipment or not. The costs will be 2% to 3% of the declared value on the Pro Forma invoice.
Q-705. How will the prefab parts be packed?
Much depends on the cargo forwarder. We do not pack, stuff, or ship. The cargo forwarder collects the goods at our yard, transports them by trucks to their facilities, packs them, and stuffs the container. Our responsibility ends at the moment the cargo forwarder loads the goods into their trucks.
Q-706. Can we choose our cargo forwarder, and if so, what will be the procedure?
You may choose your cargo forwarder. Just log on to the internet and search for “ Bali cargo forwarder”
Q-707. Can you provide me with the shipping costs to my destination?
Such is only possible if you use our interactive price list, which has a price list of the 25 most popular shipping destinations included. If a destination is not mentioned we need to contact our cargo forwarder who will be able to provide the actual shipping costs, based on our estimated volume. This may take a few days.
CATEGORY 8 PRICES, COSTS, AND TAXES
Q-801. Are your prices FOB?
No, all our prices are ex. factory. We do not ship by ourselves, instead, we have a long working relationship with a Bali cargo forwarder. We can ask them for a quotation however you can also assign your cargo forwarder. In any case, however, the cargo forwarder needs to collect the goods at our yard. Refer to question Q-706 for insurance.
Q-802. What is the average square feet price of a unit?
Such is not exactly to define. It depends on the type of house and whether this house is a standard type or a custom-made house. It also depends on the choice of materials. In general, you may reckon on USD. 500/m2 (USD. 46/sqft) for our basic build option up to USD. 1,250/m2 (USD. 88/sqft), for our superior build option, ex-factory. In between are the standard and premium build options. Price level: November 2019 and subject to change without prior notice. You may assume that prices will increase by at least 5% per year.
Q-803. Can I pay in another currency rather than USD
Yes, but we will need to receive either USD or Indonesian Rupiah. Your bank needs to convert the USD into Indonesian Rupiah, if you want to pay in that currency, against a pre-set conversion rate provided by us.
Q-804. Do we need to pay export taxes?
No, the export of prefabricated houses is exempted from export tax. You only pay an endorsement fee and V-legal retribution, which is a small fee per container used for reforestation. Refer to < export regulations >.
Q-805. Are your prices negotiable?
No.
Q-806. What is included in the price for the unit
Refer to < kit >
Q-807. How do I obtain the price list
You need to enquire about the price list. Refer to < price list >
CATEGORY 9 HURRICANES AND EARTHQUAKES
Q-901. Is the house designed such that it can withstand hurricane-force winds and/. or earthquakes?
Since our houses are being exported world wide we need to keep the design as simple as possible. A hurricane or earthquake-proof house that is exported to a hurricane or earthquake area will be too expensive for that purpose. However, if a house needs to be built in such a specific area we will adapt and modify the design to comply with the local regulations. We normally apply the IBC 2018 (International Building Code), the IRC 2018 (International Residence Code), and the ASCE/SEI 7-05 for our structural calculations. In most cases, the structure needs to be beefed up hurricane anchors installed, and/or earthquake-safe measures taken. For complicated structures, we use our 3-Dimensional STAAD-III PRO finite element computer program. We have supplied houses to hurricane areas that sustained occurring hurricanes.
Q-902. Have you designed, prefabricated, and supplied houses in a cyclone (hurricane and typhoon) area?
Yes, we did. Refer to < natures fury >
Q-903. Did your houses built in a hurricane area that was hit by a hurricane sustain damages?
The only damage so far was the loss of about 20 roof tiles of the unit built in Sta. Lucia (2009, hurricane Thomas) 
and the collapse of a large gazebo column of a gazebo in the Cayman Islands during Hurricane Ivan in 2004 were caused by flying debris.
CATEGORY 10 STRUCTURAL ISSUES
Q-1001 Do you rubber stamp the drawings for submission to a County in Hawaii?
Yes, we can, but we are not allowed to. Though engineers and architects have a University degree they do not have a PE license (only required for the United States). However, we have a close relationship with an engineering company in the USA, which can assist us and individuals to refine designs for local code compliance and obtain building permits.
Q-1002 What is our guarantee once you have supplied the unit?
We issue an official warranty. Read < warranty >
Q-1003 Is the foundation included in the design?
Refer to questions 502 and 503
Q-1004 We have been informed that the Counties in the USA do not recognize some tropical hardwoods. How do you cope with this?
The USA Codes and Requirements for Structures are extremely protective as to their local building materials. Although worldwide any tropical hardwood is recognized and allowed to be used, the USA does not stand out. The latest Codes and requirements (IBC 2018) still do not deal with tropical hardwood. For many engineers, this is a dilemma in how to approach this problem since most tropical hardwoods are 4 to 5 times stronger than any local North American wood. There is no proper solution for this problem until the Code Councils adopt tropical hardwood as a building material that is allowed to be used in the USA. Our experience is that by convincing the County Authorities that tropical hardwood is on average 4 to 5 times stronger than North American construction wood (by proof and evidence) the Counties will allow the use.
Q-1005 Can you guarantee that my wooden house will still be standing after a hurricane?
No. Nobody can fight the power of nature. We can significantly reduce the risk but we cannot 100% guarantee that a house will not have any damage after a hurricane (Hurricane Katrina may have proven this).
Q-1006 Is it true that after a year or so, connecting bolts may need to be re-tightened?
Yes, depending on the level of humidity in your area. If you live in an area with low humidity and changing temperatures from hot to cold between the seasons it may indeed be necessary that bolts be re-tightened after a certain period. The moisture content of wood changes with changing humidity. This may cause some contraction or expansion which is called the breathing effect. This breathing may loosen the bolts a bit. Though not dangerous it is advised to re-tighten the bolts until the wood finds its equilibrium and will stop affecting the bolted connections.
Q-1007 What are the types of fasteners and fixtures that you use?
We use stainless steel threaded rods, cut to length and tightened with a ring and nut. We use stainless steel grade 304 for the basic build models and stainless steel grade 316 (surgical steel) for the standard, premium, and superior build models.
For screws, we use stainless steel Philips-type screws. We do not use any nails. Learn more about our stainless steel fixtures < stainless steel >
CATEGORY 11 PAYMENT ISSUES
Q-1101 How do I pay
Refer to < payment system >
Q-1102 What will happen if I order a house that I need to pay in USD or Euro and the Indonesian Rupiah gains or depreciates against these currencies?
Refer to < Payment options >
Q-1103 What is the procedure if I cancel an order
Refer to < Project cancellation >
CATEGORY 12 INSURANCE
1201 Will the shipment be insured
The shipment is not insured, but you can add that against a percentage of 2% or 3% of the declared value.
Q-1202 What is the guarantee once you have supplied the unit?
Refer to < warranty >
CATEGORY 13 ARCHITECTURAL ISSUES
Q-1301 What is the advantage of using Bangkirai Hardwood, rather than the cheaper Coconut wood
Bangkirai is a Tropical Hardwood. Coconut wood is a softwood. There exist only three wood species in Indonesia that are not susceptible to termite attacks (white ants), these are in order of cost (the highest first): Jati Teak, Ironwood, and Bangkirai. Since Bangkirai is the cheapest of the three non-susceptible timbers we use this wood for our houses and gazebos. NOTE: Coconut wood is loved by termites. A house built in a termite-infested area may be devoured in a nick of time. Refer also to question 403.
Q-1302 How safe are Ironwood shingle roofs against leaking?
We use the three-layer system. In addition, a layer of aluminum foil is used on top of the plywood base. Refer also to question Q-205.
Q-1303 What is the difference between a single siding and a double siding when to use a single board and when to use a double board?
A single siding has a thickness of one board (exterior). A double siding has one board at each side (exterior and interior) which is separated by 60 mm thick slats onto which the boards are fixed. A single board is sufficiently effective for simple cottages in tropical areas where the interior of the house does not require temperature to be controlled since it will not contribute much to lowering the temperature inside due to the lack of a cavity. A double board can be insulated via its cavity and is very effective in hot areas and/or areas with significant temperature changes. A double board is also better soundproof compared to a single board, while a double board can hide electrical cables and pipelines.
Q-1304 Do you supply windows with insulated glass?
Yes, we have many types available
Q-1305 I would like to catch rainwater from the roof and store this in a cistern. I would like to use Iron wood shingles for the roof. Can I safely drink the water collected from the roof that has come in contact with Ironwood?
Ironwood is a non-poisonous type of wood and does not contain any chemical substance that is harmful to human beings. Since Ironwood is extremely durable no chemical preservatives or water-repellent sealers need to be applied to maintain durability. As such the wood will retain its genuine natural condition. Nonetheless, we advise that a purifier be used to clean the rainwater. We advise you always to check with the Authorities whether using Iron wood shingles is allowed for rainwater-catching roofs.
Q-1306 I would like to tile the bathroom and toilet with ceramic. Is such possible over wood?
Without a problem, provided you apply a specially developed method. We have a technical sheet available describing in detail how to do it. We will issue this sheet once an order has materialized.
CATEGORY 14 ELECTRICAL, POTABLE WATER AND PLUMBING SYSTEM
1401 Is the electrical installation included? What about water and plumbing?
Not included, however, we can design this for you. Be informed that we are not allowed to install the electrical lines, sockets, and switches unless your country's regulations have room for an exemption. You need to engage a licensed local contractor to do this work for you, based on our drawings. The same holds for water and plumbing lines.
Q-1402 What are tap-ins?
Tap-ins are thread ends or pipes extending from the wall to connect water supply mains and /or sewer mains at your end.
CATEGORY 15 RAINWATER HARVESTING
Q-1501. I would like to catch rainwater from the roof and store this in a cistern. I would like to use Iron wood shingles for the roof. Can I safely drink the water collected from the roof that has come in contact with Ironwood?
Ironwood is a non-poisonous type of wood and does not contain any chemical substance that is harmful to humans. Since Ironwood is extremely durable no chemical preservatives or water-repellent sealers need to be applied to maintain durability. As such the wood will retain its genuine natural condition. Nonetheless, we advise that a purifier be used to clean the rainwater. We advise you always to check with the Authorities whether using Iron wood shingles is allowed for rainwater-catching roofs.
Q-1502. What are the benefits of rainwater collection
Refer to < rainwater >
CATEGORY 16 TAILOR OR CUSTOM MADE
Q-1601. Would you be able to fabricate a house by our drawings?
Our team of architects and engineers is well able to deal with your requirements. We do this regularly. Refer to < architectural works >
CATEGORY 17 WOOD FINISHING
Q-1701. Do we need to treat the wood with typical paint that prevents the wood from catching fire?
You may do that, but it will disguise the beauty of the wood. When a wooden building catches fire it will remain intact far longer than a steel building which will collapse soon after the fire is widespread. You may read this here < wooden house and fire >
Q-1702. What is the difference between French polishing and Polyurethane stain?
French polishing is a mix of Shellac and alcohol and cannot be used for external finishing since it does not protect against ultraviolet light and has low resistance against water. Polyurethane stain has an anti-ultra violet filter and is also a heavy-duty coat. Polyurethane stain has excellent resistance against rain, sun, chemicals, scrubbing, solvents, impact, and abrasion. To know know more click < wood protection >.
Q-1703. I live close to the Ocean. I have very bad experiences with corrosion due to constant the salty aerosol How effective is your finishing regarding this?
The use of Acrylic water-based coating solves the problem of salty aerosol attacking the underlying wood. Acrylic needs to be maintained every 3 to 4 years when close to the open ocean. If used in combination with Bangkirai you will largely extend the lifetime of the house for the next 50 years to come, since this type of wood has an extremely good resistance against salt.
Q-1704. Do you use a different type of stain for the exterior walls and the floors?
Not necessary. The floors may need an extra layer of drying Acrylic coating
Q-1705. Can you tell me what type of finishing I should use for my wooden house?
Acrylic or an enamel coating the exterior wall, fast acrylic for the floors, and a choice between French polishing for the interior walls, columns, etc, or Acrylic. French polishing is advised if you would brighten the tone of the wood grain with a beautiful satin finish appearance.
Q-1706. What is Acrylic coating
Acrylic is an all-in wood finish that combines the durability of a satin Acrylic varnish with the warm and rich colors of a stain. A range of popular ready-mixed colors is available including an environmentally friendly version (low VOCs).
Q-1707. Does your standard protective coating system have any lead?
The acrylic coating does not contain any lead and/or mercury and has no photochemically reactive solvents.
Q-1708. What do I need to do to touch up a part or parts of the wood that may have become damaged during re-assembly?
We will provide a free-of-charge tin of Acryllic and some Shellac flakes to mix with alcohol to touch up the French polishing (if applicable).
Q-1709. Can I do a French polishing treatment by myself?
Yes, indeed. For proper instructions consult the internet.
Q-1710. Can I later change the type of finishing with Acrylic after I applied French polishing?
No, not.
CATEGORY 18: THATCH
Q-1801. Why is Hawaii thatch prohibited from being imported?
Each County in Hawaii has imposed strict regulations as to the import of thatch (dried alang-alang or any other type of grass). The main reason is that the authorities want to avoid at each price that any foreign creature from entering the islands as well as to avoid mildew and other pests chance to growing. Even though proper fumigation will kill all the insects and pests, any thatch that is to be imported will immediately be destroyed whereas the costs will be borne by the owner. However, in some cases, a County will issue a special license to import thatch. Such license can only be obtained for developing projects that benefit the islands (for example: Kauai may issue a license for thatched roofs for resort projects).
Q-1802. How long will my thatch roof last?
Such mainly depends on the environment. Thatch loves hot sunny weather and sometimes a rain shower to keep it moist. In hot arid areas it is advised to regularly spray the roof with water to avoid the thatch deteriorating too fast resulting the thatch to dusting and powdering. If not watered such roofs may not last longer than 5 years. In tropical areas with high humidity and regular showers, the thatch feels best and may last 7 to 8 years. In areas with constant high winds, like trade winds, it is not advised to use thatch. Disadvantage or thatch: Ir will attract birds and rats to make nests, hence it needs regular maintenance.
Q-1803. How is it possible that one roof with thatch is leaking while another roof with a similar thatch does not?
This has to do with the number of layers of thatch per meter run. On average the distance between thatch panels is 6 to 8 cm. Depending on the pitch of the roof this may be sufficient, however, when the roof pitch is less than 30 deg. thatch panels need to be installed as tightly as possible against each other. This will result in a much thicker thatch covering and thus far better waterproof.
Q-1804. Why must thatch be fumigated before shipment?
Thatch is a natural material (dried Kunai grass) that contains a lot of insects, dirt, small debris, mildew, seeds, etc. Thatch loaded into a container will contain some or all of these pests. Countries want to avoid each price that such pests have a chance to develop or grow, creating a nuisance and/or havoc on their territory. Before shipment, the container is therefore fumigated. Refer to question 701.
CATEGORY 19: DRAWINGS
Q-1901. Can you send me a set of detailed drawings of type “XX” shown on your website?
No, we don’t do that. You can make a screen print of the drawings shown on the model drawing pages or you may inquire via our contact form for the rough conceptual design drawings.
Q-1902. Can you provide me a detailed sketch of the build-up and structure of the Ironwood shingle roof?
Unfortunately not. This is one of our little secrets. Be assured that our Ironwood roof is 100% waterproof, even in high winds. What we can say is that we use the three-layer system. Refer also to question 201.
CATEGORY 20 APPLIANCES
Q-2001. Would it be possible to supply the bathroom and kitchen appliances?
Yes, but we need to buy these appliances from local sources. These may either be locally made or imported.
Q-2002. Would it be possible for you to fabricate all the cabinets that we need?
Yes,
CATEGORY 21 DOORS AND WINDOWS
Q-2121. Do you supply windows with insulated glass?
Yes, we have many types available, but we only fabricate doors and windows as part of one of our prefabricated wooden houses. We do not fabricate doors and windows separately for a single order.
Q-2122. Are the doors and windows included in the price?
Doors and windows are included in the price as long as these are based on our standard system and standard glass types and thicknesses.
Q-2123. What are the types of doors and windows that you supply with the house?
We can supply all kinds of doors, such as panel doors, sliding doors, folding doors (bifold, end fold, or center fold), louver doors with or without adjustable louvers, French doors, pocket doors, double swing doors, etc. As for windows we can produce fixed windows, sliding windows, louver windows with or without adjustable louvers, awning windows, French windows, etc. Have a look < here >
CATEGORY 22 FUMIGATION
Q-2221. What is fumigation and why is it required?
Fumigation is the process in which gas is used to kill any living creature that may hide in the container. This not only holds for spiders, ants, beetles, mice, rats, etc., but also for mildew, seeding grass (for thatch), borers, and other nuisances. In almost all countries in the world fumigation at the port of embarkation is a prerequisite. Thatch needs to be fumigated two times, viz; one time with Ethylene Oxide and one time with Methyl Bromide. All wood parts need to be fumigated with Methyl Bromide only.
Q-2222. Why must thatch be fumigated?
Thatch is a natural material (dried Kunai brass) that contains a lot of insects, dirt, small debris, mildew, seeds, etc. Thatch loaded into a container will contain some or all of these pests. Countries want to avoid each price that such pests have a chance to develop or grow, creating a nuisance and/or havoc on their territory. Before shipment, the container is therefore fumigated.
Q-2223. What is an ETO certificate?
This is a Certificate that many countries require to be submitted with a shipment containing thatch. This Certificate provides proof and evidence that the thatch has been fumigated with both Ethylene Oxide and Methyl Bromide. An ETO certificate is different compared to a Phytosanitary certificate. Read < more >
CATEGORY 23 WARRANTY
Q-2301. Do you issue a warranty?
Unlike other companies, we issue a written guarantee. We will issue this warranty after an order has materialized. Read < warranty >
CATEGORY 24 CANCELLATION OF THE ORDER
Q-2401. What will be the procedure if I need to cancel the order due to unforeseen circumstances.
Refer to < cancellation of the order >
CATEGORY 25 PROGRESS REPORTS
Q-2501. Do you issue regular progress reports
Refer to < progress payments >
