BUILD IT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Also check out our GENERAL FAQ.
Is am-cor inc. a builder? Does am-cor inc. put up structures?
No. am-cor inc. is a manufacturer of disaster resistant unified steel and cement building kits; we do not site assemble structures. You will need a builder to erect the am-cor™ PAK. However, we work closely with builders, as on-site crew instruction by an am-cor™ field representative during panel placement and amcorite™ application is provided as part of the am-cor™ PANEL and SHELL PAK.
How can I become a builder?
Licensed builders may be certified by am-cor inc. on completion of an am-cor™ PAK. Crew instruction and knowledge of the am-cor™ building system is provided by an on-site FIELD REPRESENTATIVE. Once a builder is certified, am-cor inc. will refer local clients.
How do I get started?
First, send us your plan for a PAK price quote and proposal; on your acceptance, am-cor inc. will forward an agreement regarding the goods and services provided in the PAK you choose. Generally, it takes two weeks to provide the required engineering and foundation drawings, and an additional two weeks to prefabricate your PAK. Site delivery and crew instruction will be coordinated with your construction schedule.
How do I order?
Please see GETTING STARTED! am-cor inc. will send a proposal along with our price quote for your project; please allow two weeks for estimating.
What do I get in a PAK? What do I need to provide?
Please see our PAK INFO and GETTING STARTED pages for details.
What is the difference between a PANEL PAK and a SHELL PAK?
am-cor™ offers building shells in two forms. 1) PANEL PAKS are prefabricated panels, which are assembled in the factory. 2) SHELL PAKS of pre cut components, which are assembled into panels on site. Both are erected on site and coated with amcorite™ special cement structural skin. Generally, PANEL PAKS are recommended for applications where the cost of shipping is not a factor, such as most of the U.S. eastern seaboard. SHELL PAKS are recommended for overseas projects because nested precut components ship more efficiently. More information can be found here.
How do I pay for my PAK?
The am-cor inc. proposal indicates staged payments coordinated with production:
How do I prepare for my PAK?
am-cor inc. will send sealed foundation and structural frame drawings for inclusion or amendment to your building permit application, and will coordinate approval of the unified steel and cement frame with your local code authority. When the permit is issued, prepare the site an pour footings according to the approved am-cor™ structural set.
It is a good idea to place material and prefabrication orders at the same time, so that sitework can proceed while the building is being prefabricated.
How do I receive my PAK?
am-cor inc. will coordinate with you for shipment in the best way to your site, including international complexities. We will indicate site access and offload conditions required for receiving the PAK.
Will I have trouble with local codes and permits?
Hopefully not; however, we will provide steel frame & foundation drawings for local approval, and will coordinate approbation with the local authority.
What if something goes wrong?
Crew instruction is not a substitute for construction supervision, and is not a course in general construction or framing techniques. Normal framing and stucco application skills are required for PAK site assembly and amcorite™ coating. The am-cor™ field representative will indicate solutions to framing or coating problems on site, but am-cor inc. is not responsible for general project or construction management, or problems that arise from the lack thereof.
Can I make changes/redesign after ordering my PAK?
Changing am-cor™ steel frames is easier that modifying comparable wood frames or masonry. Frame members may be removed and replaced without damage to the overall framework. Structural changes are not recommended without review by a licensed engineer or by am-cor inc., and we are not responsible for any resulting complications.
Does a roof come with my PAK?
The roof frame is included in the PAK, but you can add the roofing itself separately or as an OPTION.
Do doors and windows come with my PAK?
External doors and windows are available only as an OPTION, although you can supply your own if you wish. Internal doors and windows are not part of a PAK or OPTIONS. Note that the shell cannot be finished before doors and windows are installed, so this is a crucial step to building an am-cor™ shell.
What kind of doors, windows, and roofs, are offered.? Are they hurricane resistant?
Opening OPTIONS offered are low e insulating glass in a fiberglass (as opposed to vinyl) sash. Fiberglass is much stronger than vinyl and has an indefinite life span. am-cor™ security shutters may be provided to protect glazed areas and doors. Roofing OPTIONS included hurricane resistant enamel steel roofing tiles, and tornado resistant ceramcorite™ integral ceramic coating. Please see our OPTIONS for more information.
GENERAL
Is am-cor inc. a builder? Does am-cor inc. put up structures?
No. am-cor inc. is a manufacturer of disaster resistant unified steel and cement building kits; we do not site assemble structures. You will need a builder to erect the am-cor™ PAK. However, we work closely with builders, as on-site crew instruction by an am-cor™ field representative during panel placement and amcorite™ application is provided as part of the am-cor™ PANEL and SHELL PAK.
How can I become a builder?
Licensed builders may be certified by am-cor inc. on completion of an am-cor™ PAK. Crew instruction and knowledge of the am-cor™ building system is provided by an on-site FIELD REPRESENTATIVE. Once a builder is certified, am-cor inc. will refer local clients.
PAK
How do I get started?
First, send us your plan for a PAK price quote and proposal; on your acceptance, am-cor inc. will forward an agreement regarding the goods and services provided in the PAK you choose. Generally, it takes two weeks to provide the required engineering and foundation drawings, and an additional two weeks to prefabricate your PAK. Site delivery and crew instruction will be coordinated with your construction schedule.
How do I order?
Please see GETTING STARTED! am-cor inc. will send a proposal along with our price quote for your project; please allow two weeks for estimating.
What do I get in a PAK? What do I need to provide?
Please see our PAK INFO and GETTING STARTED pages for details.
What is the difference between a PANEL PAK and a SHELL PAK?
am-cor™ offers building shells in two forms. 1) PANEL PAKS are prefabricated panels, which are assembled in the factory. 2) SHELL PAKS of pre cut components, which are assembled into panels on site. Both are erected on site and coated with amcorite™ special cement structural skin. Generally, PANEL PAKS are recommended for applications where the cost of shipping is not a factor, such as most of the U.S. eastern seaboard. SHELL PAKS are recommended for overseas projects because nested precut components ship more efficiently. More information can be found here.
How do I pay for my PAK?
The am-cor inc. proposal indicates staged payments coordinated with production:
- Design & Engineering Deposit
- Material Purchases
- PAK Delivery
- FIELD MANUAL & Crew Instruction by FIELD REPRESENTATIVE
How do I prepare for my PAK?
am-cor inc. will send sealed foundation and structural frame drawings for inclusion or amendment to your building permit application, and will coordinate approval of the unified steel and cement frame with your local code authority. When the permit is issued, prepare the site an pour footings according to the approved am-cor™ structural set.
It is a good idea to place material and prefabrication orders at the same time, so that sitework can proceed while the building is being prefabricated.
How do I receive my PAK?
am-cor inc. will coordinate with you for shipment in the best way to your site, including international complexities. We will indicate site access and offload conditions required for receiving the PAK.
Will I have trouble with local codes and permits?
Hopefully not; however, we will provide steel frame & foundation drawings for local approval, and will coordinate approbation with the local authority.
What if something goes wrong?
Crew instruction is not a substitute for construction supervision, and is not a course in general construction or framing techniques. Normal framing and stucco application skills are required for PAK site assembly and amcorite™ coating. The am-cor™ field representative will indicate solutions to framing or coating problems on site, but am-cor inc. is not responsible for general project or construction management, or problems that arise from the lack thereof.
Can I make changes/redesign after ordering my PAK?
Changing am-cor™ steel frames is easier that modifying comparable wood frames or masonry. Frame members may be removed and replaced without damage to the overall framework. Structural changes are not recommended without review by a licensed engineer or by am-cor inc., and we are not responsible for any resulting complications.
OPTIONS
Does a roof come with my PAK?
The roof frame is included in the PAK, but you can add the roofing itself separately or as an OPTION.
Do doors and windows come with my PAK?
External doors and windows are available only as an OPTION, although you can supply your own if you wish. Internal doors and windows are not part of a PAK or OPTIONS. Note that the shell cannot be finished before doors and windows are installed, so this is a crucial step to building an am-cor™ shell.
What kind of doors, windows, and roofs, are offered.? Are they hurricane resistant?
Opening OPTIONS offered are low e insulating glass in a fiberglass (as opposed to vinyl) sash. Fiberglass is much stronger than vinyl and has an indefinite life span. am-cor™ security shutters may be provided to protect glazed areas and doors. Roofing OPTIONS included hurricane resistant enamel steel roofing tiles, and tornado resistant ceramcorite™ integral ceramic coating. Please see our OPTIONS for more information.