How Long has Octa-Structure been in business?
For over 20 years OCTA-STRUCTURE has built a variety of buildings, such as coastal homes, mountain homes, retreats, offices, hotels, apartments, condominiums, churches and schools. Our engineering and design has proven to be superior in strength, versatility and energy efficiency.
Why use an Octagon for the building shape?
An Octagon provides superior in strength, versatility and energy efficiency.The OCTA-STRUCTURE is designed to meet or exceed hurricane wind forces of 130 mph, the most stringent building codes in the world, and are superior in resisting earthquake loads.
QUOTE, George E. Walrond, P.E.:"Comparing the OCTA-STRUCTURE to conventional buildings, OCTA-STRUCTURE proves the best in square footage, structural strength, energy efficiency and cost.".
How can this design save me money?
An OCTA-STRUCTURE has significantly more interior space for your money than a conventional building. The simple illustration below shows that an OCTA-STRUCTURE with the same exterior wall footage as a conventional building will contain MORE interior square footage.
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What do you mean by panelized construction?
In our several acre plant, we build the wall and roof components of the OCTA-STRUCTURE. These components are called panels. The panels are then shipped to your building site for erection.
Why is panelized construction better ?
This construction is done in a climate controlled building with "jigs". Jigs are a construction method of insuring every piece of wood is precisely cut. A Jig is a premeasured mold that holds the wood for a predetermined cut. Unlike conventional "stick building" every piece of wood does not have to be measured and then cut on makeshift sawhorses. Unlike the conventional "stick building" the wood is not shipped to your building site and left out in the weather. It is shipped to our climate controlled building. This reduces theft and reduces destruction due to weather. A conventional "stick building" buys and ships only the wood needed for a particular building. Sub-standard wood is often accepted due to the expense of reordering and reshipping to the building site. At OCTA-STRUCTURE we buy wood, shipped to our factory, for several OCTA-STRUCTURES at a time. We have plenty of replacement wood if we find a bad piece. OCTA-STRUCTURE insures that bad wood is culled out.
The use of panelized construction means:
• We have no down time for labor due to weather
• Our manufacturing is precise rather than piece meal at the construction site.
• Our construction is not harmed by weather
• Our construction is higher quality than conventional "stick building".
• Our investment in panelized construction lowers our cost which allows us to keep our prices to you lower than conventional stick built buildings.
Are there other unique features to an Octa-Structure?
VERSATILITY ! Even though cost is a primary consideration to customers, other factors allow us great versatility to achieve customer satisfaction. A patent pending compression ring that allows every OCTA-STRUCTURE to have a clear span cathedral roof system without support posts, columns or load bearing interior walls. The clear span roof system allows you to design the interior of your OCTA-STRUCTURE to your specific needs. Our in-house computer aided drafting department produces custom professional floor plans quickly and efficiently, without the overhead of an architect. The OCTA-STRUCTURE with unlimited interior floor planning is for all seasons, all settings and all types of building sites.
What do you mean by "Clear Span" roof system?
This is a construction term meaning there are no load bearing walls, poles, or other support structures in the interior of the OCTA-STRUCTURE. All interior space is available for your design and use.
What is the cost of an Octa-Structure?
Pricing is discussed in detail in the "Pricing" section of our web page. You will find an OCTA-STRUCTURE that meets your budget. There is a standard price based on the size of OCTA-STRUCTURE you wish to build. Some of the pricing varies based on customer desires. For example, an 8 foot wide skylight option is less expensive than the 15 foot wide skylight option.
How long does it take to build the Octa-Structure?
Many people find it hard to believe that it takes only 5 days. When we show up on your building site the structure will be erected in about 2 days. The final dry in will be completed on days 3,4, and 5. Remember, the bulk of the construction work is performed in our factory prior to us being onsite. This improves quality and saves you money.
What options can I put into an Octa-Structure?
The most popular option is a Octagon skylight system. In appearance it resembles the "Widows Watch" of coastal architecture. There are pictures of this option in the interior picture gallery. Another option is 2x6 inch wall studs. This increases the insulation factor from R11 to R19. Colder regions of the United States prefer this option. Another option is 10 foot high walls. Combined with the natural cathedral ceiling of the Octa-Structure, the 10 foot high walls allow room for constructing an interior loft. Some customers just like the look of 10 foot high walls.
Do you provide a turn key building?
Typically, we build customers a "dried in" building. This is a building with roof, walls, windows & doors. All protected from the weather but no interior finishing work. Some customers then get a local contractor to finish the interior. Some customers do this work themselves when they have time or money. We will accommodate the customer in most any fashion, providing foundation plans, dry in construction, interior plans, and consulting with local contractors. Refer to the pricing section for the standard component features.
Why not include plumbing and electrical in the factory building process?
These items do not transport well. During transport plumbing joints and electrical connections can shake loose.
Do you have standard floor plans?
Yes, there are many floor plans in our web page.
Do I have to use one of the standard floor plans?
No. Some customers want to design their own interiors. We can assist in finalizing their custom floor plan with our in-house computer aided drafting system.
Do you charge for the floor plans?
We do not charge for the standard floor plans. We do charge a nominal fee for custom floor plans. These charges are documented in the pricing section of our web page.
What is the largest Octa-Structure you build?
1,980 square feet is the largest unit we build. To get more square footage, two Octa-Structures can attach much like wings in a conventional building. Some customers have built two Octa-Structures connected by foyers or sunrooms.
Do you have standard plans with connecting OCTA-STRUCTURES?
Yes, they can be connected in any size from our largest to our smallest and in any combination.
What is the smallest Octa-Structure you build?
507 square feet is the smallest unit we build. They are built very often for apartments, mother-in-law suites and weekend getaways.
Are all OCTA-STRUCTURES the same?
No they are not. We provide for many options such as skylights, window sizes, door types and more. Remember, with no load bearing walls you create the interior any way you want.
What does the ceiling look like?
A nice feature of the OCTA-STRUCTURE design is it provides cathedral ceilings at no extra cost.
Can I put in a typical flat ceiling?
Yes, you are not restricted in the interior design of an OCTA-STRUCTURE. Many people have put in a combination of a flat ceiling with the cathedral ceiling. This creates a very dramatic interior effect. Our interior picture gallery has some examples of this interior technique.
How can I see a finished OCTA-STRUCTURE?
We have three different sized finished models at our sales office in Panama City, Florida. Based on your location we can probably put you in touch with one of our customers.
I have a building lot that has a restricted view of the water, does OCTA-STRUCTURE have a solution?
Yes, we can build two and three story OCTA-STRUCTURES. We also have a piling system to raise the floor to second story height.
Can you describe the purchasing to building sequence of events?
The first thing a customer does is determine the size and floor plan of the Octa-Structure they want. The customer accomplishes this task by
• Looking at the floor plans at our website
• Looking at the pricing structure at our website
• Comparing their needs to their budget
• Conversations with our representatives on our toll free number
The second sequence is to lock in your design and price with one of our representatives. This involves finalizing your decision on windows, doors, floor size, and floor plan. A deposit is placed, a contract is signed, a timetable is put into motion.
The third sequence is to complete your foundation, while we are constructing your wall and roof panels in our factory.
The fourth sequence is to ship the wall and roof panels to your building site.
The fifth sequence is to arrive onsite for approximately 5 days to erect your OCTA-STRUCTURE.
Since cathedral ceilings come with the OCTA-STRUCTURE design, can I put in a loft?
Yes you can. Many people put in a loft for a spare bedroom or study.
I have read the Computer Aided Drafting page, why are there are many copies of floor plans provided?
Many sub-contractors require a floor plan to work with, such as plumbers, electricians and interior framers.
What is the roof pitch of an Octa-Structure ?
The pitch is 5-12. This means the roof rises 5 inches vertically for every 12 inches horizontally.
Does Octa-Structure provide a completed roof ?
No. We leave the Octa-Structure with 30 lb. roofing felt installed. The customer will get bids from roofing sub-contractors to finalize the roof. Some customers want a shingle roof and some customers want a metal roof. It is more cost effective for the customer to have this work done locally.
Because of local building codes I have to build my house on pilings, does Octa-Structure set pilings ?
No. We can provide plans to your general contractor. The general contractor will set the pilings first floor system. Then Octa-Structure comes and erects the wall and roof panels on this floor system.
Can you talk about first floor systems ?
The first floor is prepared by the customer. For example, a concrete slab, the first floor of a two story Octa-Structure, the first floor of an Octa-Structure on pilings, or the first floor of an Octa-Structure over a concrete basement. We will assist the customer, general contractor or sub-contractor in this endeavor with foundation plans, floor plans and phone consulting.
Can you talk about second story floor systems?
The second story floor system is included in the price of a two story Octa-Structure. The Octa-Structure installation price includes the second floor of a two-story Octa-Structure. This floor is built by traditional construction methods and allows room for plumbing and electrical wiring underneath the floor.
I'm going to build my Octa-Structure on a concrete slab, does Octa-Structure pour the concrete?
No. We provide plans to the concrete sub-contractor. After the concrete is poured, Octa-Structure comes and erects the wall and roof panels on this floor system.
I want build an Octa-Structure with a basement. Is this possible?
Yes. Your local contractor will build your basement and floor structure. Octa-Structure will build and install the roof and wall panels.
I'm going to build an Octa-Structure into the side of a hill. The walls will be poured out of concrete. Can I buy just the roof panels and skylight option ? Will this work? Will you install it ?
Yes, yes and yes. When you finalize your plans, call the 1-800-448-4062 Octa-Structure number to get a price for the roof panels, skylight and installation.
I'm confused about windows and doors. Can you explain it a different way?
Sure. There are three components to understand windows and doors.
• One, door and window framing. This is the "hole" the doors and windows are mounted in. In the pricing section we provide information on this cost. Because this is a variable by customer (number of doors, number of windows, size of doors, size of windows) we price this framing separately from the component package. This framing does not include the actual window or door.
• Two, windows. We sell and install windows. We sell only the high quality, gas filled, double pane, vinyl, guaranteed windows. If you buy the windows from us the installation is included. You do not have to buy the windows from us. Some customers buy them locally and install them themselves.
• Three, doors. We do not sell doors. They don't ship well. We have found it much more advantageous for the customer to buy their doors locally. However, when your Octa-Structure is being erected we can install them for you.
Where can I learn about the types and sizes of windows you sell and install ?
Basically there are three types of manufactured windows standard, nail-fin, and J-channel. A standard window would be used for an Octa-Structure shipped with the T-111 pine siding. A nail-fin window would be used for an Octa-Structure without the T-111 siding for a brick exterior. A J-channel window would be used for an Octa-Structure without the T-111 pine siding for a vinyl siding exterior. Types and sizes of these windows can be seen at the Shwinco Industries web page www.shwinco.com .
Can you tell me more about the types of Octa-Structure styles (pilings, hills, ect.) ?
The Octa-Structure is suited for any of the styles pictured below.
