How Easy Is It To Add On To A Metal Building?

You have a metal building that isn't quite big enough anymore.

You need more space, but can you add on to a metal building?

Steel building additions are cost-effective and easy to implement.

Almost any steel building can be expanded, creating added space for expanded business, adding onto sports complexes, and metal buildings are ideal for distribution centers, allowing them to grow and develop along with the business's size.

There are several ways you can expand your metal building, so there is sure to be a way that meets your needs.

With steel, you can start with a smaller structure to fit your budget and current needs and upgrade your building along with your business.

In the article below, we will look at how easy it is to add to your metal building.

Table of Contents

• What Are The Benefits of Metal Buildings?
• What To Know Before You Expand
  
  • Location
  • Land
  • Local Considerations
• How To Expand Your Metal Building
  
  • Add Width
  • Add Length
  • Add Height
• Expand Your Metal Building With CDMG

What Are The Benefits of Metal Buildings?

You already have a metal building, so you already know how beneficial metal buildings can be for your business.

But a little reminder never hurts.

Every metal building project is designed and constructed to last a lifetime.

Pre-engineered metal buildings can withstand anything mother nature throws its way because of their durability.

But even though they are so durable, they are still very budget-friendly.

Steel is very inexpensive in the long run while being one of the most reliable building materials available.

And the steel building for your business doesn't have to look like an old barn.

There are many color options, roof designs, and dimension possibilities available for your business.

Metal buildings are also fire and pest-resistant, and they are also resistant to mold and mildew.

And best of all, all of these benefits will apply to your metal building addition.

What to Know Before You Expand

Before you expand with a metal building add-on, there are a few things you should consider.

The main things are your location, land, and local considerations.

Location

Before you go ahead with any metal building additions, you need to decide whether your current location is ideal for your growing business.

If you don't like the traffic, distance from amenities, or the neighborhood around your current building, you might want to skip the addition and move to a new location.

But if you like your location, adding onto your pre-engineered metal building won't be an arduous process. 

Land

You have to keep in mind that you need the land available for any metal building extensions you plan on adding.

Do you own enough land for your add-on, and if not, can you acquire the land you need?

If you answer no to any of those questions, it will be difficult to expand your current business.

But if you have the necessary land, a metal building expansion will be pretty straightforward.

Local Considerations

You also can't forget about the local building permits you'll need for your addition.

You also need to check in with your local zoning and planning commission before you build your add-on.

You did these same things when you built your original metal building, so you will just need to repeat the process here.

Before breaking ground on your add-on, make sure the HOA or local government doesn't have any restrictions or requirements for building extensions.

How To Expand Your Metal Building

Add Width

Making your current building wider with a lean-to is one of the most cost-effective ways to make your building bigger.

The higher your current building's roofline, the wider your lean-to can be, and the more bays you can add.

A lean-to will extend your roofline to the side with a new frame attaching to your original frame.

Your original walls can either stay, and you can add doors, or the walls can be removed to keep the space open.

To open the bay and keep your space open, all you have to do is remove the wall panels and some girts.

After that, add new roofing and end panels, and you’re finished.

And the best part is that your old wall panels can be reused elsewhere.

Add Length

Adding length is just as easy as adding width, but the process is a bit different.

If you have post and beam construction, you can't attach your addition directly to the original frame like you would with a lean-to.

You have to start as an entirely new end wall that's placed right next to the end wall of your existing building.

Otherwise, as with lean-tos, the new addition’s secondary frame can be attached to the original primary frame when you are ready to expand.

It's possible to make your building as long as you need, adding extra bays to the back as far as you have the foundation.

Add Height

Adding height requires specialty framing techniques from the start.

If your original building doesn't have the appropriate moment-resistant frame, girts and purlins will have to be shored up or removed, and a new spanning moment-resistant frame must be added before you can add the bays and end walls for your extension.

You could also build a new frame around your original building with the new frame footed into the foundation outside of the old walls.

You'll just have to have a wide enough foundation to do so.

Expand Your Metal Building With CDMG

If you need an addition to support your growing business, building a metal addition onto your existing building is easier than it seems.

Steel building components come ready to assemble for quick erection.

Not only are steel buildings cost-effective and quick to erect, but they are also easy to expand.

Simple and expandable framing allows for growth, so your business never has to feel stifled.

Easy expansion is just one of the many benefits of owning a Steel Building made by CDMG. 

To see how we can help you get started on your steel building expansion, click on the link below.

Check out our other pre-engineered metal building articles:

Can My Metal Building Have Utilities?

The Difference In Prefabricated Metal Buildings For Residential and Industrial Buildings

Can Pre-engineered Metal Buildings Be Used For Sports Facilities?