Frequently asked questions

Question 1

What is Light Steel Frame (LSF)?

Accepted Answer

Light Steel Frame is an industrialised construction system that uses cold-formed galvanised steel profiles as its structure. The profiles are lightweight, standardised and assembled in section, forming walls, floors and roofs. Closures, thermal/acoustic insulation and claddings are applied onto this structure, resulting in a building of high performance, fast execution and reduced environmental impact.

Question 2

Is galvanised steel safe and durable?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The profiles used in LSF are produced in zinc-coated (galvanised) steel that offers high corrosion resistance. In normal environments, the structure's service life exceeds 90 years. The system is also non-combustible (class A1 for steel) and presents optimised structural behaviour against seismic and wind actions.

Question 3

Is an LSF house colder or hotter in winter/summer?

Accepted Answer

On the contrary. The LSF system allows continuous thermal insulation to be integrated into the wall, eliminating thermal bridges typical of traditional construction. With the right choice of insulation and closures, very low thermal transmittance (U) values are achieved, ensuring indoor comfort in any season and reducing heating/cooling costs.

Question 4

What is the difference between LSF and traditional masonry construction?

Accepted Answer

LSF is faster, lighter and more precise — elements are pre-cut and assembled on site like a kit. Traditional construction relies on wet processes (concrete, mortar) and slow curing. LSF shortens construction times, minimises waste, improves quality control and allows finishes with millimetre tolerances.

Question 5

How long does it take to build a home in LSF?

Accepted Answer

Deadlines depend on the size and complexity of the project. As a reference, an average-sized single-family home (120–180 m²) is typically assembled in structure within 3 to 5 weeks after the profiles arrive on site. The total deadline, including foundations, closures, installations and finishes, usually sits between 4 and 6 months.

Question 6

What can delay the work?

Accepted Answer

The most common factors are: project changes requested by the client during execution, adverse weather at critical phases (foundations, façades), delays in approvals from external entities (municipal, network providers) and unavailability of specific materials. Our team carries out detailed planning and weekly monitoring to mitigate these risks.

Question 7

How is site monitoring carried out?

Accepted Answer

Each project has a responsible site manager and a work plan shared with the client. We hold periodic follow-up meetings, photographic records of milestones and progress reports. The client is kept informed of actual progress and next steps at every phase.

Question 8

Is it possible to live in the house during an extension works?

Accepted Answer

In many extension cases, yes. Because LSF is a dry process with reduced waste/dust production, it is feasible to keep the home occupied as long as the intervention area is delimited and safety is ensured. We assess this case by case during planning.

Question 9

Does your team handle both design and execution, or only one of them?

Accepted Answer

The LSF Group integrates two units: LSF Projects (technical project development, structural analysis and BIM) and LSF Construction (work execution). You can hire us only for the project, only for construction from an existing project, or for the full turn-key service — project + execution.

Question 10

Do you work anywhere in the country?

Accepted Answer

Our main area of intervention is mainland Portugal, focusing on the Lisbon and Tagus Valley region. For projects outside this area we assess feasibility case by case, considering profile transport logistics and team travel.

Question 11

How does the process unfold from first contact?

Accepted Answer

The typical process includes: (1) initial meeting to gather requirements, (2) technical site visit, (3) economic proposal and schedule, (4) executive project development, (5) profile production and site preparation, (6) structure assembly, (7) closures and installations, (8) finishes and final handover.

Question 12

Do you offer a warranty on the construction?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The galvanised steel structure has an extended warranty. The remaining elements (closures, installations, finishes) are covered by the legal warranty and by the LSF Group contractual warranty, with terms detailed in the execution contract.

Question 13

Do I need to apply for a building permit from the council?

Accepted Answer

Yes — any building or extension requires prior communication/approval to the competent municipal council. LSF Projects prepares the necessary technical documentation (architectural, structural, building services projects) and follows up the licensing process with the municipal authority.

Question 14

Is the amount paid for the proposal deducted from the final quotation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The amount paid is fully deducted from the final quotation, provided the work, construction or project is awarded within 30 days of the proposal being delivered.

Question 15

Does the deduction apply to both service options?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The deduction applies to the full amount paid, both for the Quotation option and the Consultancy + Quotation option.

Question 16

What is the deadline for the deduction to apply?

Accepted Answer

The deduction is valid provided the work, construction or project is awarded within 30 days of the proposal being delivered.

Question 17

What happens if I award after 30 days?

Accepted Answer

After this period, the deduction no longer applies. The client may still proceed with the project or construction under the commercial conditions in force at the time.

Question 18

Does paying the fee mean I am obliged to proceed?

Accepted Answer

No. Payment of the interest fee does not constitute a commitment to award on the part of the client.

Question 19

Does paying the fee oblige LSF Build to carry out the work?

Accepted Answer

No. Payment of the interest fee also does not constitute an obligation for LSF Build to carry out the work outside the terms of the submitted proposal.

Frequently
asked questions

LSF Technology

Deadlines and process

Working methods

Deduction Terms & Conditions

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Frequentlyasked questions