Frequently Asked Questions

First Topic

CATEGORIES

WOOD (general)
WOOD (walls, floors, roofs)
KILN DRYING
TERMITES
FOUNDATION
PREFABRICATION, RE-ASSEMBLY AND RE-ASSEMBLY TIME
SHIPPING, PACKING AND CONTAINER SPACE
PRICES AND TAXES
HURRICANES AND EARTHQUAKES
STRUCTURAL ISSUES
PAYMENT ISSUES
INSURANCE
ARCHITECTURAL ISSUES
ELECTRICAL, POTABLE WATER AND SEWER INSTALLATION
TAILOR OR CUSTOM MADE DESIGN
WOOD FINISHING
THATCH
SET OF DRAWINGS
APPLIANCES
DOORS AND WINDOWS
FUMIGATION

CATEGORY 1: WOOD (General)

101 What is the advantage of using Bangkirai Hardwood, rather than the cheaper Coconut wood?

A: Bangkirai is a Tropical Hardwood. Coconut wood is a softwood. There are only three wood species in Indonesia which are not susceptible to termite attacks. These are (in order of decreasing cost) Jati Teak, Iron wood and Bangkirai. Since Bangkirai is the least expensive of the three non-susceptible timbers, but has similar strength, we use this wood for our houses and gazebos. NOTE: Coconut wood is loved by termites. A house built in a termite infested area may be devoured very quickly. Refer also to question 403.

102 We were informed that Merbau is also safe to termite attacks. Is this correct?

A: Partly yes and partly no. The part of Merbau which is not susceptible to termite attacks comes from the heartwood, the inner core of the tree. This is called class I Merbau. The disadvantage is, however, that the price is about 50% higher than the sapwood that surrounds the heartwood (the outer core of the tree). Reference is also made to Category 4.

103 What is the durability of the wood?

A: You will find the answer to this question on the page Timber Properties [link to Timber Properties]

104 I would like to catch rain water from the roof and store this in a cistern. I would like to use the Iron wood shingles for the roof. Can I safely drink the water collected from the roof that has come in contact with Iron wood?

A: Iron wood is a non-poisonous type of wood and does not contain any chemical substance that is harmful for human beings. Since Iron wood is extremely durable no chemical preservatives or water repellent sealers need to be applied to maintain durability. As such the wood will retain its genuine natural condition. Nonetheless we advise that a purifier be used to clean the rain water. We advise you always to check with the Authorities whether the use of Iron wood shingles is allowed for rain water catching roofs.

105 You indicate that both Bangkirai and Iron wood have excellent durability qualities with a life time of over 25 years without any protective coating. Will the wood discolor without such protective coating?

A: Bangkirai will discolor to a very deep reddish brown color with small occasional light blackish areas. Iron wood will turn into a grayish brown color,

106 How thick are the Iron wood shingles?

A: The nominal thickness is 5 mm (3/16). Though this is much thinner than cedar shingles, ironwoos is MUCH stronger.

107 My country only allows wood felled at legal and Government controlled plantations to be imported. How do I know that your wood is legal?

A: The timber that we buy comes either from the Indonesian island of Kalimantan (Bangkirai and Iron wood) or Irian Jaya (Merbau). Even though our company is registered in Bali Indonesia we are not allowed to be supplied with logs. This is the first step of the Indonesian Government's policies to crack down on illegal logging, since the logs are checked for legal paperwork at origin. The second step to assure that we receive legal timber is the thorough check by Government Authorities in the harbor of Surabaya, the gateway to Bali. If the paperwork is in order they allow the shipment to leave (mostly by road).

After we have produced a house or gazebo we need to send the drawings + volume calculation and name of supplier to the Ministry of Forestry in Jakarta, who reviews the drawings and checks the supplier. Once we prove we are in full compliance with the regulations, an export license will be issued which is sent to the cargo forwarder. A copy of the document will accompany the shipment.

All of these safeguards ensure that Hawaiian Hardwood Homes are manufactured with lumber that was ethically and legally harvested from sustainable forests.

CATEGORY 2: WOOD (walls, floors, roofs)

201 How safe are Iron wood shingle roofs against leaking?

A: We use the three layer system, while the supporting battens have been cut to exact shape (our little secret) to avoid the shingles from gaping. An underlayment is recommended prior to installing the shingle panels. HHH will provide recommendations for this material. Refer also to question 205

202 Can we order a house without roof covering?

A: Yes. In that case we will only provide the rafters, purlins and battens (if required).

203 We have seen prefab houses of which the floors deflected (bended) significantly when walking over. Can you tell us how your floors have been constructed to avoid this?

A: It is not a matter of construction. It is a matter of thickness of the board, the intermediate distances of the supporting beams below and the type of wood. We use 25 mm thick boards (1 inch) while the supporting beams do not have a greater center to center distance than 500 mm (1 8). When Bangkirai, Teak, Iron wood or Merbau is used any person walking over the floor will not notice any deflection. In fact our floors are much stronger and stiifer than typical plywood subfloors used in traditional construction.

204 What is the difference between your single wall (siding) and double wall construction and what should I use?

A: A single siding has a thickness of one board (1 inch or 25 mm). A double siding has one board at each side which is separated by a ~2.4 inches (60 mm) thick framework (like studs in traditional construction) onto which the boards are fixed.

Single wall construction is sufficient for simple cottages in tropical areas with a low chance of heavy rain storms. Double wall construction can be insulated and is very effective in areas with significant temperature changes, or areas with heavy rain storms. Double wall construction is also better sound proof compared to a single board, while a double board can hide electrical cables and pipe lines. Alternatively we can supply a single board system with an internal plywood wall or allow you to finish the interior, both of which are less expensive (for the kit).

205 Can you provide me a detailed sketch of the build-up and structure of the Iron wood shingle roof?

A: Unfortunately not. This is one of our little secrets. Be assured that our Iron wood roof is 100% water proof, even in high winds. What we can say is that we use the three layer system. Refer also to question 201

206 I have seen a shingle roof blown away from a prefab structure in a semi hurricane. How is that possible?

A: First of all that was not one of our houses. Most probably improper or no hurricane anchors at all were used. A roof is normally not blown away due to wind pressure but due to wind suction. A more likely possibility may be that the roof shingles were not properly attached to the supporting frames which may have caused a failure to one or more shingles blowing away. This creates a local vacuum at the leeward side of the roof, causing more shingles to fail. At the end to the day the whole roof goes.

CATEGORY 3: KILN DRYING

301 Why is the kiln drying of boards so important.

A: Refer to the page Wood Warping Nightmares [link to Kiln Drying]

302 What is the difference between oven dry, kiln dry and air dry

A: Oven dry and kiln dry is the same except for the wording. The timber is placed in an autoclave and heated by hot air. The wood dries out losing enormous amounts of water which is drained from the autoclave. A volume of 20 m3 of timber may need 6 weeks in the autoclave to dry until 15% water content. Air dry is a process whereas the wood is left in the open for months if not a year to dry out. This process is preferred above kiln drying since this is a forced method causing small cracks in the wood. Refer to [link to Kiln Drying]

CATEGORY 4: TERMITES

401 What is the advantage of using Bangkirai Hardwood, rather than the cheaper Coconut wood

A: Bangkirai is a Tropical Hardwood. Coconut wood is a softwood. There exist only three wood species in Indonesia which are not susceptible to termite attacks (white ants), these are in order of costs (the highest first): Jati Teak, Iron wood and Bangkirai. Since Bangkirai is the cheapest of the three non-susceptible timbers, but has similar strength, we use this wood for our houses and gazebos. NOTE: Coconut wood is loved by termites. A house built in a termite infested area may be devoured in a nick of time.

402 We were informed that Merbau is also safe to termite attacks. Is this correct?

A: Partly yes and partly no. The part of Merbau which is not susceptible to termite attacks comes from the hearthwood, the inner core of the tree. This is called class I Merbau. The disadvantage is, however, that the price is about 50% higher than the sapwood that surrounds the hearthwood (the outer core of the tree). Refer also to question 403.

CATEGORY 5: FOUNDATION

501 Is the foundation included in the design?

A: No, but we are well able to advise you which type of foundation is required. See also question 502 and 503

502 We have been informed that it is not allowed in the USA to have a wooden column cast in concrete. How do we fix the wooden columns to the concrete foundation?

A: You need to use Simpson anchors, which are available all over the USA. We will specify the type that you need. Alternatively we can supply similar anchors made in Bali

503 What will be the dimensions for the concrete footings?

A: We are unable to answer this question, since this depends on the strength of the subsoil. A weak subsoil layer requires a wide square footing, while a foundation on top of a firm sand layer may be reduced to only 300 x 300 mm (1 ft x 1 ft), or even smaller. You need a local engineer to verify the foundation based on the column reaction forces that we will provide.

CATEGORY 6: PREFABRICATI0N, RE-ASSEMBLY AND RE-ASSEMBLY TIME

601 Is it possible to re-assemble the house by your crew at our place?

A: Hawaiian Hardwood Homes has many associate General Contractors who can handle re-assembly and all other aspects (plumbing, electrical, foundation) required to complete your home.

602 How many persons are required to assemble a house?

A: That mainly depends on how fast you would like to erect it. In principle as few as 3 people can do the job, but this may take some months for a large house. You may add people as much as you like, until the saturation point is reached (the point where adding more people will slow down the process).

603 How do I assemble a two story house?

A: We will inform you via the assembly manual how and where you need to make temporary stability bracings and a scaffolding.

604 How long will be the lead time for a house?

A: That depends whether you order one of our standard designs or whether we need to make a tailor made design. We are unable to start any prefabrication if we do not have a design available. Prefabrication requires shop drawings (detailed drawings that show how to cut and profile each an every part). Such drawings can only be prepared after a conceptual and basic design is available. In broad lines the lead time can be reduced with some 6 to 8 weeks if a standard model is chosen. The transfer shipping time is in average 6 weeks. Prefabrication time depends on the size of the house.

605 Can you fabricate a house in accordance with our drawings?

A: Our team of architects and engineers is well able to deal with your requirements. It depends on the magnitude of design work that we need to undertake to enable us to prefabricate the house. In such case we apply our Company Policy. Click [link to: Company Policy] to learn more about it.

606 What is included in the kit?

A: The kit contains all the supporting beams, floor and siding boards, rafters, purlins, slats, battens, roof covering, standard doors and standard windows with brass hardware, all connecting bolts (galvanized steel) and brass or galvanized steel screws, a re-assembly manual comprising a part with a full detailed description for the re-assembly and a part showing the pictures made during pre-assembly.

In summary, it includes everything except:

The land
The foundation
Electrical wiring and fixtures
Plumbing piping and fixtures

609 How do I know that I would not be left with a disordered mountain of wood after I have emptied the container?

A: All matching parts are packed together in separate batches. Example: we will pack all floor boards together in sequential order. For instance batch 1 will show an indication Floor boards 1 thru 20, batch 2 will be indicated with Floor boards 21 thru 40, etc. In the same way the beams and other parts will be packed. The only thing you need to do when emptying the container is storing the packs together with their batch name, thus, floor boards together, siding boards together, main ground floor beams together, etc., etc.

610 How do I know where to place the nails for floors and sidings etc?

A: We do not use one nail. All connections are fixed by means of bolts or screws. The screw holes are indicated. You only need to install the screws. The bolts only need to be placed and tightened.

611 Do I need to cover the house during re-assembly against rain and sun?

A: As long as the flooring and/or siding boards have not yet been installed this is not necessary. In the event that boards have not been treated with a protective coating it is highly recommended that a cover be installed from canvas or otherwise once the boards will be installed. The boards have been dried and thus are extremely sensitive for sucking up moist and water. In the event that the boards have been treated with polyurethane stain it is not necessary to cover the house.

612 Would it be possible to later dismantle the house and re-build it elsewhere?

A: Without a problem. Our DEMO house displayed at the BIA home show Jan 24-27, 2008 has been assembled and moved 4 times (as of 2/1/08)

CATEGORY 7: SHIPPING, PACKING AND CONTAINER SPACE

701 What is fumigation and why is it required?

A: Fumigation is the process in which gas is used to kill any living creature that may hide in the container. This not only holds for spiders, ants, beetles, mice, rats, etc., but also for mildew, seeding grass (for thatch), borers, and other nuisance. In almost all countries in the world fumigation at the port of embarkation is a prerequisite. Thatch need to be fumigated two times, viz; one time with Ethylene Oxide and one time with Methyl Bromide. All wood parts need to be fumigated with Methyl Bromide only. See also question 1704.

NOTE: Thatch is not allowed for residential projects in Hawaii.

702 How many containers do I need to ship my house?

A: That differs from house to house and depends on the total net volume of wood to be shipped. Shipments can be done with either 20 ft, 40 ft or 40 ft high cube containers.

A basic volume can only be provided if we know which of our standard houses you are interested in. For custom or tailor made houses we cannot calculate the basic volume until we have made a conceptual design. In addition the weight may be governing. Bangkirai wood is very heavy (900 kg/m3). You may need to ship in 2 or more containers if the weigh is over 23 tons.

703 What if some parts are broken during shipment?

A: We supply a number of extra beams and boards along with drawings for EVERY part used in the construction of your house in the event that some repair works need to be done. Because of the strength of bangkirai and the care taken in packing the container, it is very unlikely to have siginficant damage.

704 Do I need to insure the shipment, and if so how much will that cost?

A: You are free to decide whether you want to insure the shipment or not. The costs will be 2% of the declared value on the Pro Forma invoice.

705 How will the prefab parts be packed?

A: The cargo forwarder collects the goods at our factory, transports it by trucks to their facilities, pack it and stuff the container.

CATEGORY 8: PRICES

801 Do your prices include shipping?

A: Yes our prices include shipping to Honolulu, HI. There are additional (but small) charges to forward the container to neighbor islands. The cost to transport the container to your lot (from the port) and any unloading charges or delays in returning the container are your responsibility.

802 What is the average square feet price of a house?

A: The prices on our homes range from 80 to 120 dollars per square foot. The costs associated with custom designs will be slightly higher..

803 Do your prices include taxes and customs duties?

A: Yes these are already included in the pricing. International shipping and dealing with U.S. Customs is quite daunting. We includes shipping and these services to simplify the process required for you to have a spectacular hardwood home..

CATEGORY 9: HURRICANES AND EARTHQUAKES

901 Are your houses designed to withstand hurricane force winds and earthquakes?

A: We take the extra effort to insure that our homes meet all hurricane and earthquake standards for the Hawaiian Islands. Since our walls

proof house which is exported to a non hurricane or earthquake area will be too expensive for that purpose. However, in the event that a house needs to be built in such a specific area we will adapt and modify the design as to comply with the local regulations. We normally apply the IBC 2006 (International Building Code), the IRC 2006 (International Residence Code) and the ASCE/SEI 7-05 for our structural calculations. In most cases the structure needs to be beefed up and hurricane anchors installed and/or earthquake-safe measures taken. For complicated structures we use our 3-Dimnensional STAAD-III Pro finite element computer program.

CATEGORY 10: STRUCTURAL ISSUES

1001 Can you rubber stamp the drawings?

A: Yes, we can, but we are not allowed to. None of our structural engineers or architects have a PE license (only required for the United States). However, we have a close working relationship with Professor David Rockwood from the University of f Honolulu, who is able to rubber stamp the drawings and calculations for his county, whereas he will advise us who will be able to rubber stamp the documents for counties beyond his jurisdiction.

1002 What is our guarantee once you have supplied the house?

A: Your guarantee is our 40 years of world wide experience in design and construction. If we would be able to obtain a third party liability insurance for each house that we export (for example thru Lloyds; in London) the house will become so expensive that it would be useless to continue this business. Nonetheless we cherish our clients and if there should be a problem which is clearly a design error or a fabrication error we will certainly do everything in our power to help and advise you.

1003: Is the foundation included in the design?

A: No, but we are well able to advise you which type of foundation is required. See also question 502 and 503..

1004 We have seen prefab houses of which the floors deflected (bended) significantly when walking over. Can you tell us how your floors have been constructed to avoid this?

1005 I have seen a shingle roof blown away from a prefab structure in a semi hurricane. How is that possible?

A: First of all that was not one of our houses. Most probably improper or no hurricane anchors at all were used. A roof is normally not blown away due to wind pressure but due to wind suction. A more likely possibility may be that the roof shingles were not properly attached to the underlaying frame which may have caused a failure to one or more shingles blowing away. This creates a local vacuum at the leeward side of the roof, causing more shingles to fail. At the end to the day the whole roof goes.

1006 We have been informed that the Counties in the USA do not recognize some tropical hardwoods. How do you cope with this?

A: The USA Codes and Requirements for structures are extremely protective as to their own local building materials. Although world-wide any tropical hardwood is recognized and allowed to be used, the USA does not stand out. The latest Codes and requirements (IBC 2006) still do not deal with tropical hardwood. For many engineers this is a dilemma in how to approach this problem since most tropical hardwoods are 4 to 5 times stronger than any local North American wood. In fact there is no proper solution for this problem until the Code Councils will adapt tropical hardwood as being a building material that is allowed to be used in the USA. Our experience is that by convincing the County Authorities that tropical hardwood is in average 4 to 5 times stronger than North American construction wood (by prove and evidence) the Counties will allow the use.

1007 Do you guarantee that my wooden house will still be standing after a hurricane?

A: Unfortunately not. We cannot fight against the power of nature. We can significantly reduce the risk but we cannot 100% guarantee that a house will not have any damage after a hurricane. Hurricane Katrina may have proven this.

1008 Is it true that after a year or so, connecting bolts may need to be re-tightened?

A: Yes, depending on the level of humidity in your area. If you live in an area with low humidity and changing temperatures from hot to cold between the seasons it may indeed be necessary that bolts be re-tightened after a certain period. The moisture content of wood changes with changing humidity. This may cause some contraction or expansion which is called the breathing effect. This breathing may loosen the bolts a bit. Though not dangerous it is advised to re-tighten the bolts until the wood finds its equilibrium and will stop having an effect on the bolted connections.

CATEGORY 11: PAYMENT ISSUES

1101 How do I pay?

A: Please refer to the Payment System page. Click [link: Payment System]

1102 What will happen if I have ordered a house which I need to pay in Euro and the Indonesian Rupiah gains or depreciates against the Euro?

A: Please refer to the Payment System page. Click [link: Payment System]

CATEGORY 12: INSURANCE

1201 Will the shipment be insured?

A: The shipment is not insured, but you can add that against a percentage of 3% of the value

1202 What is our guarantee once you have supplied the house?

CATEGORY 13: ARCHITECTURAL ISSUES

1301 What is the advantage of using Bangkirai Hardwood, rather than the cheaper Coconut wood

A: Bangkirai is a Tropical Hardwood. Coconut wood is a softwood. There exist only three wood species in Indonesia which are not susceptible to termite attacks (white ants), these are in order of costs (the highest first): Jati Teak, Iron wood and Bangkirai. Since Bangkirai is the cheapest of the three non-susceptible timbers we use this wood for our houses and gazebos. NOTE: Coconut wood is loved by termites. A house built in a termite infested area may be devoured in a nick of time. Refer also to question 403.

1303 How safe are Iron wood shingle roofs against leaking?

A: We use the three layer system, while the underlaying battens have been cut to exact shape (our little secret) to avoid the shingles from gaping. In addition a layer of aluminum foil is used on top of the plywood base. Refer also to question 205.

1304 What is the difference between a single siding and a double siding and when to use a single board and when to use a double board?

A: A single siding has a thickness of one board (25 mm). A double siding has one board at each side which separated with 60 mm thick slats onto which the boards are fixed. A single board is sufficiently effective for simple cottages in tropical areas with a low chance of heavy rain storms. A double board can be insulated and is very effective in areas with significant temperature changes, or areas with heavy rain storms. A double board is also better sound proof compared to a single board, while a double board can hide electrical cabled and pipe lines. Alternatively we can supply a single board system with an internal plywood wall which is cheaper.

1305 Do you supply windows with insulated glass panes?

A: Yes, we have many types available

1306 I would like to catch rain water from the roof and store this in a cistern. I would like to use the Iron wood shingles for the roof. Can I safely drink the water collected from the roof that has come in contact with Iron wood?

1307 I would like to tile the bathroom and toilet with ceramic. Is that possible over wood?

A: Without a problem, provided you apply the following method in the following sequence of installation: water tight membrane, metal lath, scratch coat, mortar bed, bond coat, ceramic tile.

CATEGORY 14: ELECTRICAL, POTBALE WATER AND SEWER INSTALLATION

1401 Is the electrical installation included? What about water and sewage?

A: Not included, however, we can design this for you and install the cables, switches and sockets. These works will be executed against a variation or change order.

With some extra costs we can indicate the potable water lines and sewage lines on the drawings. If you wish these lines to be included in the kit we can do that against a variation or change order.

1402 What are tap-ins?

A: Tap-ins are thread ends or pipes extending from the wall to connect water supply mains and /or sewer mains.

CATEGORY 15: TAILOR OR CUSTOM MADE DESIGN

1501 Can you fabricate a house in accordance with our drawings?

CATEGORY 16: WOOD FINISHING

1601 Do we need to treat the wood with typical paint that prevents the wood from catching fire?

A: You may do that, but it will disguise the beauty of the wood. In fact, when a wooden building catches fire it will remain in tact far longer than a steel building which will collapse soon after the fire is wide spread. As a result there will be much more time to distinguish the fire for a wooden building compared to a steel building.

1602 What is the difference between French polishing and Polyurethane stain?

A: French polishing is a mix of Shellac and alcohol and cannot be used for external finishing, since it does not protect against ultra violet light and has low resistance against water. Polyurethane stain has an anti-ultra violet filter and is also a heavy duty coat. Polyurethane stain has excellent resistance against rain, sun, chemicals, scrubbing, solvents, impact and abrasion.

For information about French polishing click [link to: French polishing]:

1603 I live close to the Ocean. I have very bad experiences with corrosion due to constant the salty spray. How effective is your finishing in regard to this?

A: The use of Polyurethane stain solves the problem of salty spray attacking the underlying wood. Moreover, Bangkirai has an extremely good resistance against salt. The life time will not be reduced when a Polyurethane stain is applied.

1604 Do you use a different type of Polyurethane stain for the exterior walls and the floors?

A: Yes, the floors are treated with a fast drying Polyurethane stain

1605 Can you tell me what type of finishing I should use for my wooden house?

A: Polyurethane stain for the exterior walls, fast drying polyurethane for the floors and a choice between French polishing for the interior walls, columns, etc or Polyurethane stain. French polishing is advised if you would brighten the tone of the wood grain with a beautiful satin finish appearance.

1606 What is Polyurethane stain?

A: Polyurethane is an all-in wood finish that combines the durability of a satin Polyurethane varnish with the warm and rich colors of a stain. A range of popular ready-mixed colors is available.

1606 Does your standard protective coatings contain any lead?

A: Polyurethane does not contain any lead and/or mercury and has no photochemically reactive solvents.

1607 What do I need to do to touch up a part or parts of the wood which may have become damaged during re-assembly?

A: We provide you a free of charge tin of Polyurethane stain and some Shellac flakes to mix with alcohol to touch up the French polishing (if applicable).

1608 Can I do a French polishing treatment by myself?

A: Yes, indeed. For instructions click [link to: French polishing]

1609 Can I later change the type of finishing with Polyurethane after I applied a French polishing?

A: No, definitely not.

1610 Would it be possible that I change the finishing into a latex based paint?

A: Yes, no problem.

CATEGORY 17: THATCH

1701 Why does Hawaii not allow thatch to be imported?

A: Each County in Hawaii has imposed strict regulations as to the import of thatch (dried alang-alang or any other type of grass). The main reason is that the authorities want to avoid at each price that any foreign creature enter the islands as well as to avoid that mildew and other pests have a chance to grow. Notwithstanding the fact that proper fumigation will kill all the insects and pests, any thatch that is to be imported will immediately be destroyed whereas the costs will be borne by the owner. However, in some cases a County will issue a special license to import thatch. Such license can only be obtained for developing projects which benefit the islands (example: Kauai may issue a license for thatched roofs for resort projects).

1702 How long will my thatch roof last?

A: That depends on the environment. Thatch loves hot sunny weather and sometimes a rain shower to keep it moist. In hot arid areas it is advised to regularly spray the roof with water as to avoid that the thatch starts deteriorating too fast resulting the thatch to dusting and powdering. If not watered such roofs may not last longer than 5 years. In tropical areas with a high humidity and regular showers the thatch feels best and may last 10 to 15 years. In areas with constant high winds, like trade winds, it is not advised to use thatch.

1703 How is it possible that one roof with thatch is leaking while another roof with similar thatch does not?

A: This has to do with the number of layers of thatch per meter run. In average the distance between thatch panels is 6 to 8 cm. Depending on the pitch of the roof this may be sufficient, however, when the roof pitch is less than 30 deg. thatch panels need to be installed as tightly as possible against each other. This will result in a much ticker thatch covering and thus far better water proof.

1704 Why must thatch be fumigated?

A: Thatch is a natural material (dried Kunai brass) which contains a lot of insects, dirt, small debris, mildew, seeds, etc. Thatch loaded into a container will contain some or all of these pests. Countries want to avoid at each price that such pests have a change to develop or grow, creating a nuisance and/or havoc on its territory. Prior to shipment the container is therefore fumigated. Refer to question 701

CATEGORY 18: DRAWINGS

1801 Can you send me a set of detailed drawings of type XX shown on your web site?

A: No, we dont do that. You may click [link to: Company Policy] to better understand why. You may download one or more a plans provided you register first.

1802 Can you provide me a detailed sketch of the build-up and structure of the Iron wood shingle roof?

CATEGORY 19: APPLIANCES

1901 Would it be possible to supply the bathroom and kitchen appliances?

A: Yes, but we need to buy these appliances from local sources. They may either be locally made or imported.

1902: Would it be possible to fabricate all the cabinets that we need?

A: Yes

CATEGORY 20: DOORS AND WINDOWS

2001 Do you supply windows with insulated glass panes?

A: Yes, we have many types available

2002 Are the doors and windows included in the price?

A: Doors and windows are included in the price. You may further check at [link to: Technical Specification] what is included in the price and what is excluded from the price

CATEGORY 21: FUMIGATION

2101 What is fumigation and why is it required?

2102 Why must thatch be fumigated?

2103 What is an ETO certificate?

A: This is a Certificate that many countries require to be submitted with a shipment containing thatch. This Certificate provides prove and evidence that the thatch has been fumigated with both Ethylene Oxide and Methyl Bromide.

2104 Do I need to pay for fumigation while my shipment does not contain thatch but just wood?

A: Yes, fumigation is mandatory. In the case of the container containing just wood fumigation with Ethylene Oxide is required.

NOTE: Hawaii does not allow thatch to be imported. Australia is extremely strict in processing an import license for thatch. They only allow Australian Government approved companies to carry out fumigation in the country of origin.

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