Frequently Asked Questions about Steel Buildings
Are you looking at having a Pre-Fabricated Steel Building Constructed?
Whether a metal building is your go-to choice or just one of your many options, chances are that you have a lot of questions.
How long does it take to erect a steel building?
Are they cheaper than traditional building?
Can you expand steel buildings?
We answer these questions and more below in our complete list of Steel Building FAQ.
How long does it take to erect a Steel Building?
The length of time it takes to construct a steel building is dependent entirely on the client’s specific needs, specifications, and requirements.
That is one wonderful benefit of steel buildings, they can easily be designed to match your needs. Delivery time can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks. Once your specifications are reviewed, you will have a better idea of your situation.
Rest assured, steel building erection is significantly faster than traditional buildings.
Here is a breakdown of the estimated time it will take to erect the steel frame based on building size:
40′ x 60′ x 14 building with a crew: 5 days.
60′ x 100′ x 16′ building with a crew: 7 days.
What are prefabricated steel buildings?
A prefabricated steel building is a building system that is engineered for the location. It will be constructed and fabricated according to the specifications required for its intended use, as detailed by the owner.
With prefabricated steel buildings, the majority of the labor is done before the building is delivered. The welding and cuts have been conducted prior to delivery.
What are some benefits of a prefabricated steel building?
Benefits of a prefabricated steel building include:
- Quick delivery and erection time
- Welding and cutting is done at the factory
- Custom designed to your specifications and requirements
- Construction is simple and easy to bolt together
- Steel buildings are non-combustible
- Easy to expand in the future (check out our article Is It Easy To Expand A Steel Building?)
Are steel buildings insulated?
Typically, steel buildings have climate control, with six inches of vinyl-backed insulation on the roof and four inches in the walls.
Can I erect a building by myself?
While it may not always be the best option, the convenience and ease of steel buildings certainly make this possible.
Prefabricated steel buildings have their specific components welded, cut, and drilled for simple bolt-together installation. 
If I do erect the building myself, what tools will I need?
Aside from the normal tools, you would likely find in your shed or garage, you need industrial lifting equipment to lift the rafters and columns. Rafters can weigh anywhere from 500 to 700 pounds.
Other equipment can include:
- Track Loader
- Forklift
- Front-end loader
- Screw guns
If I’d rather not erect the building myself, do you provide someone to complete the project?
CDMG does work with construction companies that will complete the steel building erection for you. This is the simplest and most stress-free method for clients.
You can choose a steel building, have it delivered, and then erected without lifting a finger.
CDMG and STEVENS take care of all of this for our clients.
What are the requirements for the foundation?
Steel buildings are typically constructed on a perimeter foundation or on piers.
If you choose to utilize a concrete slab, it will typically be poured at the same time as the perimeter foundation. However, some steel buildings, such as farm buildings, only require piers.
A closure strip that perfectly fits the wall panels is inserted between the base angle around the perimeter and the bottom of the wall panel. This will expertly seal the building.
As with the majority of the questions, many aspects come down to what your building will be used for and your specific requirements and customizations.
Do I need a foundation? What is a good thickness for a foundation?
Your concrete supplier or engineer should be able to check to see if your current foundation is adequate. At the very least, you do need piers for the building to be constructed upon.
Your foundation’s thickness should be professionally determined by a foundation engineer, however, a good estimate for successful building erection is a foundation thickness of at least four to eight inches.
Who designs the concrete slabs?
Your steel building will arrive with an anchor bolt design that provides the building’s reactions and dimensions.
If you hire an engineer (which is highly recommended), they will take this information and design the foundation properly.
Can I receive consultation on what type of steel building will best suit my needs?
Absolutely. 
Your steel building manufacturer, such as CDMG, takes every client and project seriously and is willing to offer any advice, consultation, and recommendations necessary.
Being experts on steel buildings and being in the business for so long, CDMG has seen it all.
Based on their experience and expertise on steel buildings, our team will be able to point you in the right direction and ensure you have a steel building constructed that is customized to your specific requirements and desires.
Can I install doors and windows in the future?
Your steel building can have framed openings for windows and doors factory-located. This will save labor and time during the erection process of your steel building.
From bifold doors to slide doors for aircraft hangars, large openings can be accurately designed for whatever need you may have.
Can my building expand?
Yes, it can.
If you opt for expandable walls, your steel building will be able to have frames added on at later dates to allow your building to expand.
As your business grows, you may need extra space. Whether you want to leave a bay open or include extra walls, with expandable walls it is entirely possible.
Will my steel building meet the local Building Department's building codes?
The steel buildings you have delivered from CDMG always comply with every building code in all 50 states in the United States of America.
What is BIM Technology?
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a type of technology that allows clients to see their building digitally before a single step of the erection process has begun.
This allows clients to see a projected final product and any potential terrain hazards or issues going forward.
Have any more questions? Contact CDMG!
If you have any burning questions that weren’t answered in this FAQ, no worries!
Contact CDMG directly.
Our team and representatives will be more than happy to answer all of your questions, point you in the right direction, and help you construct the perfect prefabricated steel building for your needs.
Original blog content written here.
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I'm Ben Sparhawk, the Content Writer and Marketing Account Manager for CDMG. I write to showcase the work that CDMG does and everything related to the pre-engineered metal building industry as well as their engineering capabilities. When I'm not working on content, you can find me spending time with my wife and children. You can also find me in the gym, trying to better myself, and I also enjoy spending time outdoors hiking or checking out local parks.