Key takeaways
- A complete SFS package covers five things: structural design, material supply, on-site installation, project-management coordination, and QA/handover documentation.
- The scope split matters most — confirm whether design, deflection heads, cavity barriers and firestopping are included, or they return later as costly variations.
- Packages are priced per m² of gross walled area; check the measurement basis, as pricing by net stud length can make a tender look artificially cheaper.
- Single-contractor delivery (design + supply + install) reduces coordination risk and is now standard on large London and UK schemes.
An SFS package is a fully integrated service covering the design, supply and installation of Steel Framed Systems for infill wall construction. A well-structured package brings five elements under one contractor — design and engineering, material supply, on-site installation, project-management coordination, and quality assurance — so developers control cost, reduce coordination risk and deliver faster. Not all packages are equal, though: what is and isn’t in scope varies significantly between subcontractors, and that variation is where budget overruns start. For a broader overview of the system in a London context, see our Steel Framed Systems (SFS) in London guide.
Core components of an SFS package
1. Design & engineering
Design is the foundation of any competent package: structural calculations and load analysis, panel layout and fabrication drawings, coordination with architects and structural engineers, and compliance with UK Building Regulations. Accurate design ensures the SFS integrates efficiently with the primary structure and avoids costly changes later.
2. Material supply
Supply covers cold-formed galvanised steel sections, studs, tracks and fixings, sheathing boards, and insulation and membrane systems — all meeting performance standards and arriving to programme. Reliable supply-chain management is essential to holding the sequence on site.
3. SFS installation
Installation is where design and materials meet on site: setting out and alignment with the main structure, fixing of steel studs and tracks, integration of insulation and membranes, and preparation for the cladding system. Efficient installation is one of SFS’s main advantages, cutting construction time against traditional methods. See how we deliver this in our SFS installation service.
4. Project management & coordination
A comprehensive package includes coordination with the main contractor, integration with cladding, MEP and façade trades, programme scheduling and sequencing, and site logistics — particularly important in London where space constraints and tight deadlines are common.
5. Quality assurance & compliance
Quality control runs through the package: installation inspections and checks, compliance with fire-safety and Building Regulations, and documentation and handover. Working with an experienced specialist ensures work passes inspection without delay.
Optional elements
Depending on the project, a package may also include design optimisation for cost efficiency, off-site prefabrication, cladding support systems, fire-stopping solutions, and acoustic performance enhancements.
What to check in an SFS quotation
Understanding what is and is not included is essential for accurate cost planning and for avoiding disputes at variation stage. A well-structured quotation sets out the scope of supply (sections, sheathing board, fixings, movement joints, cavity barriers), the scope of installation (which trades, at what specification), and the exclusions (typically scaffolding access, primary-structure interface details, and M&E penetration sealing).
Key items to verify: whether deflection-head details are included (slotted head tracks and movement joints are sometimes quoted separately); whether cavity barriers and firestops are in scope (often a significant cost item on higher-risk buildings); whether the quotation covers design as well as supply and install; and whether the rate is per m² of gross walled area or net stud length. For cost benchmarks, see our guide to SFS cost per m² in the UK.
BAS Frames provides transparent, itemised quotations that clearly set out scope, exclusions and programme assumptions. According to the Steel Construction Institute, clear scope definition at tender stage is one of the most effective ways to reduce variation exposure on SFS packages.
Why BAS Frames?
BAS Frames is a specialist SFS contractor delivering complete packages in London and across the UK: full-service delivery (design, supply, installation), experienced installation teams, strong coordination with contractors and trades, and reliable delivery of complex schemes. If you are planning a project and need a dependable steel frame package, contact us to discuss the right approach.
Further reading: Steel Construction Institute | RICS BCIS
Related: Cost | Infill | Fire | Thermal
Frequently asked questions
What is typically included in an SFS package?
A standard SFS package typically includes supply and installation of cold-formed steel studs and tracks, sheathing board (OSB, cement particle board or Glasroc), movement joints and deflection heads, firestops at floor penetrations, and cavity barriers at required intervals. Design and engineering drawings may or may not be included — always confirm at tender stage.
What is not included in an SFS package?
Common exclusions include scaffold or access platforms, primary-structure interface details, M&E penetration sealing, fire-engineer sign-off, external cladding, window installation, and any work above the ceiling line unless specifically included. Always request a clear exclusions list from your SFS subcontractor.
Does an SFS package include design?
Design may or may not be included depending on the procurement route. Design-and-build SFS packages include structural design by a qualified engineer; supply-and-fix packages assume the client provides a fully detailed design. BAS Frames offers both routes — contact us to discuss the right approach.
How is an SFS package measured and priced?
SFS packages are typically measured and priced per m² of gross walled area (face area of the wall including openings). Some subcontractors price by net stud length, which can make tender comparison misleading. Always clarify the measurement basis. Key variables are stud depth and gauge, sheathing board type, and access conditions.
