Inside a Steel Frame Home Kit: Everything You Need To Dry-In Fast (Frame Up Now Walkthrough)
Wondering what’s inside a steel framing kit? Brad Cooper of Frame Up Now unpacks panelized walls, trusses, hardware, floor systems, shear bracing, and the included bill of materials and tutorials that help DIYers and pros move from foundation to dry-in quickly.
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Today we crack open a Frame Up Now cold-formed steel (CFS) kit and show you exactly what’s inside so you can understand how to move from foundation to dry-in quickly and confidently.
I’m joined by Brad Cooper, co-founder of Frame Up Now, the premier provider of panelized CFS systems for ADUs, homes, utility buildings, and more. If you’ve ever wondered what actually arrives on your jobsite and how far it gets you, this walkthrough is for you.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE KIT
• Panelized wall sections
• Roof trusses
• Optional porch packages (posts, trusses as specified)
• Optional elevated floor systems (floor joists or floor trusses)
• All required fasteners and connectors (truss-to-wall, wall-to-floor)
• Hold-downs and specified strapping for shear and load paths
• Clear “assembly map” so you’re not guessing during layout
ELEVATED FLOORS VS. FOUNDATION
• Building over a basement or crawl space? The kit can include the floor system between the foundation and the main level.
• Building on a slab? You still get the complete framing package to begin sheathing and drying-in.
WHY THIS GETS THE JOB DONE FASTER
• Pre-engineered, square, and flat panels cut out measuring and rework.
• Fewer shims, less scribing, and cleaner corners mean your finish trades move faster.
• Galvanized steel won’t warp or twist in wet seasons while you’re staging materials.
SHEAR, BRACING, AND ENGINEERING
• Steel X-bracing and specified strapping stiffen the structure so walls don’t rack.
• Exterior sheathing (plywood/OSB) contributes to shear strength as required by code.
• Plans include an IBC structural stamp covering the steel structure; integrate with locally designed foundations to submit for permits in your jurisdiction.
BILL OF MATERIALS (BOM) TO FINISH OUT
• With Frame Up Now plans, you receive a BOM for the rest of the build: electrical rough-in components, boxes and switches, plumbing rough-in, roofing, siding, and more.
• You choose finishes (fixtures, faucets, hardware) to match your style, then hand the BOM to your local supplier for quotes or delivery.
DIY-FRIENDLY, PRO-APPROVED
• Think “big-kid erector set.” Panels are manageable, square, and repeatable.
• You don’t need to be a framer: measuring, cutting, and layout complexity is largely solved up front.
• Pros gain speed and predictability; owner-builders gain clarity and confidence.
TUTORIALS & SUPPORT
• You’ll receive a step-by-step tutorial with your order.
• Watch real projects come together on Frame Up Now’s YouTube channel for added confidence before you start.
WHY CFS KITS MAKE SENSE
• Faster path to dry-in reduces labor and exposure to weather.
• Flat, true walls speed tile, cabinetry, closets, counters, and backsplash installs.
• Galvanized steel resists warping and seasonal movement that can cause drywall cracks and door/frame issues.
NEXT STEPS
• Explore kits and plans at FrameUpNow.com
• Review assembly guides and how-to videos
• Use the included BOM to budget and line up materials for the finish phases
If you found this helpful, check out my other episodes with Brad on costs, timelines, and long-term ownership of steel-framed buildings. You’ll come away smarter and better equipped to build with confidence. You can view the playlist here:
https://youtu.be/q-ocEqnXVAY
Thanks for watching! I’m Dirt Farmer Jay. If this helped you, give it a thumbs up, subscribe, and share it with a friend who’s planning an ADU or new build.