Light Steel Home Construction Process: From Start to Finish

Overview: How Many Days Does It Take?

Stage	Duration	Who Handles It
Consultation & Project Design	1 – 2 weeks	MefSteel Engineer
Permit Application & Approval	12 – 16 weeks	Municipal process
Soil Survey & Foundation	1 – 2 weeks	MefSteel Team
Steel Frame Production	1 week	MefSteel Factory
On-Site Assembly	1 – 2 weeks	MefSteel Assembly Crew
Roof & Exterior Cladding	2 – 3 weeks	MefSteel Team
Interior Finishing (Turnkey package)	4 – 6 weeks	MefSteel + Subcontractors
Total (Turnkey)	6 – 9 months

Stage 1: First Meeting and Project

Everything starts with a phone call or a site visit. At this stage we clarify the following:

• The plot's location and road access
• Building area (m²) and number of stories
• Which package to choose (shell / advanced shell / turnkey)
• Budget and payment plan
• Desired room layout (architectural ideas, if any)

We carry out a free site survey in Tekirdağ and the surrounding provinces. An estimated budget and timeline are shared at the end of the meeting.

Stage 2: Project Drawings and Permit

Once the architectural plan is approved, the engineering project is prepared. MefSteel prepares the entire permit file, including an engineering report compliant with the 2026 Light Steel Regulation.

Production begins once the municipality grants approval. While the permit process is underway, the soil survey can be carried out in parallel — this shortens the overall timeline.

Stage 3: Soil Survey and Foundation

The soil survey determines the bearing capacity of the ground the structure will sit on. Since light steel structures are roughly 10 times lighter than reinforced concrete, the foundation design usually comes out more economical.

Depending on ground conditions, one of two foundation types is used:

• Raft foundation: Preferred on homogeneous soil. A slab foundation that spreads under the entire building footprint.
• Strip foundation: Used on solid, homogeneous soil — a continuous concrete beam running under the wall lines.

Once the foundation concrete is poured and cured, the anchor bolts are placed. The steel frame is then bolted to these anchors.

Stage 4: Steel Frame Production

This is one of the biggest advantages of light steel construction: the frame is manufactured at the factory and arrives on site as an assembly kit.

What happens at the factory:

• Galvanized steel coil is formed into profiles on a cold roll forming machine, then cut and punched
• Every part is labeled with its project number
• Parts are sorted into panel groups and packaged
• The kit is delivered to the plot/site by truck

For a 150 m² home, production typically takes 5-7 working days. Since production runs in parallel with the foundation work, it adds no extra time to the overall schedule.

Stage 5: On-Site Assembly

Assembling the steel frame on site is the fastest and most striking stage of light steel construction. A plot with an empty foundation in the morning can have a fully framed structure standing by evening.

Assembly sequence:

• The bottom track is bolted to the foundation
• Stud profiles are set in place vertically
• Top track and header connections are completed
• Window and door openings are framed
• Bracing elements and stiffening details are applied
• Roof trusses are installed

For 150 m², assembly typically takes 7-10 working days.

Stage 6: Roof and Exterior Cladding

Once the frame is complete, the structure is made weathertight. This stage covers:

• Roof covering: Trapezoidal sheet, tile or shingle — depending on the project
• Exterior wall cladding: OSB panel, followed by a waterproofing membrane, followed by the finish cladding (render, siding, Cembrit board)
• Window and exterior door installation

Once this stage is complete, the structure is protected against rain and wind and ready for interior work.

Stage 7: Interior Finishing (Turnkey Package)

In the turnkey package, interior finishing covers:

• Interior wall partitions (steel stud + drywall)
• Thermal and acoustic insulation (mineral wool)
• Electrical wiring (cabling and junction boxes)
• Plumbing (drainage and pressurized pipes)
• Drywall closing and plaster finishing
• Flooring (tile, laminate or parquet)
• Painting
• Interior door installation
• Bathroom and kitchen gas/electric connections

Once all of this is finished, you can move your furniture in.

Stage 8: Handover and Beyond

Checks performed at handover:

• All electrical points are tested
• Plumbing is pressure-tested
• Doors and windows are checked for proper opening and closing
• The occupancy permit is obtained (for permitted projects)

MefSteel projects carry a 1-year warranty after handover. For structural issues (steel frame, connections), this period is longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of plot does a light steel home need?

Any plot zoned as "residential" is suitable. Sloped plots also work for light steel — the foundation is designed accordingly. On agricultural land or in protected areas, the permit process works differently, so flag this upfront.

Can construction start in winter?

Yes. After the foundation concrete is poured and the curing period passes, steel assembly continues regardless of season. Only extremely heavy frost periods are avoided for the foundation work.

What's needed before signing the contract?

The land title deed, zoning status document and personal ID are enough. The soil survey is commissioned after the contract is signed — these documents are sufficient for the initial consultation.

Can I have the project done elsewhere and only have you handle assembly?

Yes, our shell construction package covers this. However, the steel frame production and assembly must be done by MefSteel — we don't take on assembly for a frame manufactured by another company.