The question "can I build a hangar myself?" comes up often. The honest answer is: partly yes, fully no. Let's break down what is realistically doable on your own, where you can save money, and where cutting corners will lead to costly rework.
20–30%
savings on labour
if you do part of the work yourself
40–60%
labour cost share
of the total construction estimate
8–9 points
Almaty seismic zone
frame calculation — engineers only
up to 500 m²
simplified permit threshold
fewer regulatory barriers
What You Can Do Yourself
Earthworks and grading — if you have a tractor or mini-excavator. Savings of 200,000–400,000 ₸ on a 500 m² project.
Formwork for the foundation — straightforward work requiring no specialist equipment. Maintaining correct geometry is important.
Pouring concrete — with a concrete mixer and willing hands. Concrete quality is critical: don't cut corners on the grade — order factory-mixed B25.
Cladding walls with profiled sheeting — can be done independently after the frame is erected, with scaffolding and basic skills.
Interior works — partitions, flooring, painting.
What Must Not Be Done Without Specialists
Structural calculations. In seismically active areas (Almaty, Shymkent, Taldykorgan), an incorrect frame calculation means collapse during an earthquake. An engineering calculation costs 50,000–150,000 ₸. Rebuilding the frame costs millions.
Steel frame erection. Requires certified welders, rigging equipment and experience. Errors in connection nodes are invisible from the outside but critical under load.
Roofing. Incorrect slope or sheet-lap joints = leaks and corrosion within 2–3 years.
Electrical work. Must be carried out by a licensed electrician. Connection to the grid — through the energy supply organisation.
A Real Story: "We Built It Ourselves and Now We're Rebuilding"
A typical scenario: an owner bought a steel frame from a supplier, hired day labourers to erect it, and saved 30%. One year later: a structural lean due to improperly torqued bolts, roof leaks in three places, and the rework cost more than the original saving.
The main problem with self-build is not the "doing it yourself" — it's doing it without a project plan and without quality supervision.
How to Save Money the Right Way
- Buy materials yourself — save 10–15% by cutting out the contractor's markup.
- Do earthworks yourself — or use local plant hire.
- Bring in a contractor only for the frame and roof — these are the most critical stages.
- Interior fit-out — do it gradually, at your own pace.
We will help you optimise your hangar budget
We'll show you what you can do yourself and where cutting corners will lead to costly rework.
