General Questions
01 What is a light steel home?
It's a building system in which thin galvanized steel profiles (0.9-2.5mm) are used as the load-bearing frame. Profiles are manufactured from coil using cold-forming machines and assembled on site like an installation kit. In the West it is known as "Light Gauge Steel Framing (LGSF)".
02 What's the difference between light steel and heavy steel?
Heavy steel (HEA, IPE, etc.) is for industrial buildings and large spans. Light steel, on the other hand, is for housing and small commercial buildings. Wall thickness is 0.9-2.5mm and the whole system is much lighter.
03 Up to how many storeys can be built?
Typical applications are 1-3 storeys. 4 storeys requires special engineering design. For taller buildings, a hybrid system with heavy steel or reinforced concrete is recommended.
Price Questions
04 How much does a light steel home cost?
Current 2026 prices (excl. VAT, Tekirdağ region):
• Shell Construction: 8,000 – 12,000 TL/m²
• Advanced Shell: 12,000 – 18,000 TL/m²
• Turnkey: 22,000 – 29,000 TL/m²
Price varies by project size, number of floors, site conditions and location.
• Shell Construction: 8,000 – 12,000 TL/m²
• Advanced Shell: 12,000 – 18,000 TL/m²
• Turnkey: 22,000 – 29,000 TL/m²
Price varies by project size, number of floors, site conditions and location.
05 What is the payment plan like?
Our standard plan follows progress billing: 50% down payment (at contract signing), the remaining 50% in 10-15% instalments according to construction stages. Flexible arrangements are possible for bank loans.
06 Is it cheaper than reinforced concrete?
On a turnkey basis it's similar or slightly more economical. The real savings come from time: reinforced concrete takes 12-18 months, while light steel is delivered in 3-5 months. When you factor in savings on rent and interest, light steel offers a significant advantage.
Earthquake Safety
07 Is it earthquake-resistant?
Yes. Seismic force is proportional to the building's weight. Since light steel construction is about 10 times lighter than reinforced concrete, it receives far less seismic force. Design must comply with TBDY 2018 and the 2026 Regulation.
08 Can it collapse in an earthquake?
A properly designed light steel structure does not collapse suddenly — thanks to its ductility, it deforms slowly and gives warning. Evacuation is possible during that time. Like any poorly detailed structure, a badly built light steel frame carries risk too.
09 Is it fire-resistant?
The steel frame itself doesn't burn, but it loses strength at high temperatures. The solution: the frame is protected with fire-resistant gypsum board. The 2026 Regulation makes fire calculations mandatory. A double layer of fire-rated gypsum board achieves REI 60.
Permits and Legal Status
10 Can you get a building permit?
Yes. Since the 2026 Light Steel Building Regulation is in force, a building permit can be obtained from the municipality with a valid engineering report. MefSteel prepares the permit file for every project.
11 Will I get a title deed?
On a plot zoned as "residential area," once the permit is obtained and the occupancy certificate issued, title deed procedures proceed just as with reinforced concrete. There is no obstacle specific to light steel.
12 Can it be built on agricultural land?
Building permits are not issued on agricultural land — this applies to reinforced concrete too. A different permit process applies to agricultural structures (greenhouses, warehouses).
Lifespan and Maintenance
13 How many years does it last?
A Z275 galvanized steel frame has a lifespan of 50 years or more. In North America and Europe, light steel structures built in the 1970s are still in use today.
14 Does it rust?
No. Z275 coating (275 g/m² zinc on each face) provides 50+ years of corrosion protection under normal building conditions. What matters: holes made by installers must be sealed with galvanizing paint, and the structure must be well ventilated.
15 Does it require maintenance?
The steel frame itself needs no maintenance. An annual check of the roof and exterior cladding is enough. Maintenance costs common with reinforced concrete — crack repair, joint sealing, plaster renewal — are much lower with light steel.
Technical Questions
16 How good is the thermal insulation?
Mineral wool (100-150mm) is filled between the profiles, with a vapor barrier and exterior cladding added. The resulting U-value is ~0.25 W/m²K — meeting TS 825 energy performance requirements without extra measures.
17 Is the sound insulation good?
With mineral wool infill and double-layer gypsum board, an Rw of 45-50 dB sound insulation is achieved. Elastic strips between the profile and the gypsum board prevent vibration transmission.
18 Can it be built in winter?
Yes. Light steel is dry construction — there's no concrete pouring. Whether it snows or rains, assembly continues. Only during the foundation concrete pour is frost risk monitored.
19 Can a room be added later?
Yes. It's much easier than with reinforced concrete. Partition walls can be moved, and an additional room or floor can be connected based on engineering calculations. No demolition or reinforcement is needed.
20 Can a basement be built?
For a basement, a hybrid system is recommended: reinforced concrete for the lower floor, light steel for the floors above. Concrete is the more suitable material for basement walls in constant contact with moisture.
Process Questions
21 How many days to delivery?
A 150 m² single-storey turnkey project: 60-90 days (excluding the permit process). Larger projects and extra floors take longer. Shell construction is completed in 30-45 days.
22 What documents are required?
For the application: land title deed, zoning status certificate and ID. The soil survey is done after the contract is signed. The project and engineering reports are prepared by MefSteel.
23 Can I have only the frame installed?
Yes, our shell construction package covers this. However, manufacturing and installation of the steel frame must be done by MefSteel — we do not install frames manufactured by other companies.
24 Which regions do you serve?
We carry out installations in Tekirdağ, Çorlu, Çerkezköy, Lüleburgaz, Edirne, Kırklareli and the European side of Istanbul. We offer free site surveys in Tekirdağ and nearby provinces.
25 Do you offer a warranty?
Yes. MefSteel projects come with a 1-year delivery warranty. For structural elements (steel frame, connections) this period is longer. A detailed checklist is applied before delivery.
📞 Have a question?
If you didn't find the answer above, call 0553 543 02 12 or fill out the form — we respond within 24 hours.