Builder FAQs

The Deltec package includes the structural shell for the home, from the sill plate up. Deltec does not provide the foundation, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, interior insulation, interior finishes, or roof shingles. The Deltec drawings provide room layout information to assist with the construction process.

Signature 360 Collection: The shell package includes factory-installed windows, and factory-installed siding that has been factory-painted with an undercoat--top coat provided on site.

360 Custom Design Studio: Numerous factory-installed windows may be included, consult the Deltec drawings for information specific to the project.

360 Design Studio Deltecs can be built on any type of foundation. Common foundations include slabs, elevated slabs, pilings, crawlspaces, and basements. 360 Signature Collection Deltecs are designed for crawlspaces, slabs, or pilings/piers only.

We provide a benchmark that serves as the building's center. Dimensions are provided from the benchmark center to the edges of the foundation at the corners, as well as indicating the angle between the panel corners.

The Deltec package covers everything structural above the sill plate. The contractor or owner provides the foundation system and sill plate, on which the Deltec floor system rests. For buildings on slab, a pressure-treated sill plate is built into the Deltec wall panels, and no additional sill plate is required.

For buildings on slab, the wall panels are anchored directly to the slab using Deltec-supplied concrete screw anchors. For all other foundations, Deltec supplies truss ties that attach the floor trusses to the contractor-supplied sill plate, as well as nails to attach the extended wall skirt to the truss ribbon boards.

Wall panels are connected together with structural screws provided in the Deltec shell package.

Floor trusses are installed in order around the circle, meeting at the center around the benchmark location and spaced at 2 ft. on center at the outside ends. Ribbon boards are applied at the top and bottom chord locations along the exterior end to ensure stability of the trusses.

We provide all required hardware for the floor system, including truss ties and truss bridging, with the exception of nails for the floor sheathing. We provide information about the nail size and type and the contractor then purchases nails that work with the specific nail guns to be used.

Deltec provides all required hardware for the roof system installation, such as truss ties at the wall, the ring and collar roof system, and the returnable erection jig. As with the floor sheathing, Deltec does not provide roof sheathing nails, but the required size and type are given.

Roof trusses meet at a central steel compression ring. A steel tension collar is installed around the outside of the vertical king posts, at the bottom of the trusses, which ties the roof trusses together and removes any lateral thrust from the system.

The lower layer of floor sheathing is provided by Deltec and precut to follow the angle of the trusses. The upper layer of floor sheathing is provided by the contractor and is laid in full sheets after the installation of the exterior wall panels but prior to construction of the interior walls.

The central steel compression ring will be supported by a temporary erection jig, which also supports the trusses until the steel tension collar and roof sheathing have been installed. The erection jig separates into pieces and can be returned to Deltec for a refund of the deposit.

When large loads are expected, within the 360 Design Studio we recommend the use of our High Dead Load Floor System, which includes trusses designed for up to 30 psf of dead load. Higher dead or live loads in commercial buildings can be accommodated by our Commercial Load Floor System. Talk with your Project Manager for more information.

Wall panels can weigh up to 800 lbs. Because of this and for ease of construction, we recommend having an all-terrain forklift with an extendable boom and/or a crane to assist with panel installation, especially when building on piles or a second story.

Deltec can install windows in wall panels here in our factory. Deltec follows strict requirements for installation of flashing and tape to ensure the tightest installation possible. If Deltec is installing siding, we can also install the window trim in our factory. Doors and windows mulled to doors are to be installed on site.

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work can be installed on-site just like in a conventional building. In 360 Signature collection plans, a basic mechanical and electrical layout is provided to assist with estimating and permitting, and this plan assumes a dropped attic space in certain floorplan locations (such as over hallways) underneath our vaulted truss system to locate mechanical--homes building on crawlspaces are welcome to locate mechanical in that crawlspace instead, and there is one mechanical chase in the center of the floor trusses to assist with locating MEP runs. In custom designed Deltecs from our 360 Design Studio, the location for mechanical will depend upon the floor plan for the individual project, but common locations include a conditioned attic space, crawlspace, basement, or mechanical room. As with conventional construction, floor and roof trusses may not be altered without the express written consent of Deltec Homes.

Finishing a Deltec is no different than finishing a conventional building.

The Deltec system is an open-panel system, meaning that once the structural shell is assembled, it can be inspected in the same manner as if it were entirely site built. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and insulation are all installed on-site as in conventional construction, leading to ease of inspection.