How Developers and Contractors are Rethinking Multifamily Construction
Steel framing is becoming an increasingly popular choice for multifamily construction in Florida because it offers greater durability, faster installation and lower lifecycle costs than traditional wood framing. For developers and contractors facing rising insurance premiums, hurricane risks, labor shortages and maintenance costs, cold-formed steel framing provides a resilient building solution that supports long-term project performance.
Those are the challenges Jason Schaller and his team at Vitruvian Steel have experienced firsthand. As owner-developers who build and hold their own multifamily properties, their decision to adopt steel framing wasn't based on theory, it came from years of managing the realities of Florida construction.
Building for Long-Term Performance
For Jason, steel framing is more than a construction method, it's a long-term investment strategy.
After dealing with moisture, wood rot, termites, hurricane damage and ongoing repair costs across multiple properties, his team began looking for a better way to build. That search led them to cold-formed steel (CFS) framing and FRAMECAD technology.
Rather than focusing solely on the lowest upfront construction cost, Vitruvian Steel designs buildings around total lifecycle performance. The goal is simple - create stronger buildings that require less maintenance, generate fewer warranty issues and deliver better long-term returns for owners.
Why Developers Are Considering Steel Framing
One of the biggest advantages Jason highlights is construction speed.
Steel wall panels and roof trusses are precision-manufactured off-site before being delivered ready for installation. This reduces onsite waste, improves build accuracy and allows contractors to complete each stage of construction more efficiently.
On his projects today, his team consistently progresses from one completed floor to the next at a pace that would have been difficult to achieve using traditional wood framing. For multifamily developers, shorter construction schedules reduce financing costs, minimize project risk, and accelerate time to occupancy.
 |
 |
Changing Perceptions Across the Construction Industry
Jason believes one of the biggest barriers to wider adoption isn't the performance of steel framing, it's awareness.
Many developers, architects and contractors simply haven't seen how modern CFS framing systems are manufactured and assembled. Once they visit a production facility or active construction site, they often discover that today's steel framing solutions are faster, more precise and more efficient than they expected.
As insurance costs continue to rise and building codes evolve, more construction professionals are beginning to compare steel framing with traditional wood framing when planning multifamily projects.
Building Better Housing
For Vitruvian Steel, the mission extends beyond improving construction efficiency.
The company believes steel framing can help deliver durable, well-designed multifamily housing that is both durable and more affordable to own over its lifetime. By combining non-combustible construction, precision manufacturing and thoughtful design, they're helping create buildings that perform better for owners while providing long-lasting homes for residents.
The conversation around multifamily construction is changing. For many developers and contractors, steel framing is no longer a niche alternative, it's becoming a strategic choice for managing cost, risk and long-term asset performance.
Watch the Full Podcast Episode
In the full podcast episode, Jason shares his experience transitioning from traditional construction methods to steel framing, discusses the challenges of building multifamily projects in Florida and explains why he believes the industry is at a turning point.
Watch the full episode to hear Jason's insights and see how Vitruvian Steel is helping reshape multifamily construction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Steel Framing for Multifamily Construction
Why are developers choosing steel framing for multifamily construction?
Many developers are choosing steel framing because it offers greater durability, faster construction, reduced maintenance and improved resistance to moisture, termites, hurricanes, and fire. These benefits can lower lifecycle costs and improve long-term building performance.
Is steel framing better than wood framing in Florida?
For many multifamily projects, steel framing offers significant advantages in Florida's climate. Unlike wood, steel is not susceptible to termites or rot and performs well in high-wind and high-moisture environments. The best choice depends on the project's design, budget and performance requirements.
How does steel framing reduce construction time?
Steel framing systems are manufactured with precision off-site and delivered ready for installation. This can reduce onsite labor, minimize material waste, improve build accuracy and shorten overall construction schedules.
What are the long-term benefits of cold-formed steel framing?
Cold-formed steel framing can reduce maintenance costs, improve structural durability, support non-combustible construction and provide more predictable long-term building performance. For owners who retain their properties, these benefits can improve lifecycle value.
Who should consider steel framing?
Steel framing is well suited to developers, contractors, architects, engineers and property owners planning multifamily construction projects where durability, speed, and long-term operational performance are important considerations.
