Total-cost worksheet: light steel frame vs alternatives
A fill-in worksheet to compare the full cost of light steel frame against wood, masonry or panels: structure, freight, labor, envelope, maintenance and risk, not just the structure line.
The cheapest structure is not always the cheapest building. A fair comparison counts everything that changes between options: foundations, freight, labor, equipment, envelope, finishes, maintenance and the cost of time. Use the worksheet below to put each option in the same columns of your own numbers.
What belongs in the total
- Structure and envelope as quoted, on the same specification.
- Foundations, which differ with the weight of the structure.
- Landed cost: freight, duties, insurance and handling. See delivered cost vs factory price.
- Labor and equipment from the speed and labor method.
- What each system leaves out: insulation, linings, finishes, services.
- Maintenance over a stated horizon.
- Time cost: loan interest, rent or lost revenue per month of delay.
Fill in the worksheet
Complete one worksheet per option, copy them to a document and put them side by side. Keep the source of each figure beside it. Anything you cannot source goes into the risk allowance, not the base price.
Check the comparison
- Are all options priced for the same scope and finish level?
- Is every price on the same delivery basis?
- Is the same maintenance horizon used?
- Are exclusions listed for each quote? See the steel frame home cost breakdown template.
Where Digital Oro fits
Digital Oro International lists a light steel frame in its own material catalog: AS1397 G550 AZ150 light steel, 0.75 or 0.95 mm, zinc-aluminum coated at more than 150 g/m2, offered to Australian or American standards, with wall frames, 89 mm x 41 mm floor joists, roof trusses and insulated or elevated sub-floors. The light steel frame catalog page maps each line, and the full catalog map shows the other nine categories. The catalog gives no prices, minimum orders or lead times, so those must come from Digital Oro International in a quotation. Ask for the mill certificate and your engineer's sign-off before you rely on any specification.
Questions people ask
Why not compare structure price only?
The structure is one part of the cost. Foundations, freight, labor, envelope, finishes, maintenance and delay risk differ between systems and can outweigh a structure price gap.
Which period should I use for maintenance?
Choose a horizon that matches how long you will hold the building, such as 10 or 20 years, and use the same one for every option.
Do I need exact numbers?
No. Use ranges and note the source of each. Mark guesses as guesses.
Does this worksheet give me prices?
No. Every figure comes from your own quotes and local data.
Sources and further reading
Have a project outline or drawings?
Organize your scope, then contact Digital Oro through its official channel. Availability, engineering, pricing and delivery terms need project-specific confirmation.
Text Digital Oro on WhatsApp Explore Digital Oro →+52 1 984 452 3553 · the WhatsApp number Digital Oro lists publicly
Digital Oro International advertises on The Company Chronicle. This guide was written by our editorial team from public sources and general professional practice; it does not describe a guarantee, quote or offer from Digital Oro International. Confirm current terms, prices and availability with the operator before you decide.