Pre-engineered metal buildings are some of the sturdiest, most cost-effective structures you can build. It's one of the reasons so many companies choose steel buildings for their aircraft hangars, recreational sports facilities, and distribution warehouses.
But starting a steel building project with an unqualified manufacturer can be problematic.
Working with the right metal building supplier can make all the difference in the world as you design and erect your building.
From engineering expertise during the design process to exceptional customer service, clear instructions, references, and high-quality materials used, working with the right metal building manufacturer will be well worth it in the end.
In the article below, we will discuss how you can choose the right contractor for your steel building.
Table of Contents
- How Most Building Owners Purchase Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings
- Don't Hire the First or Cheapest Company You Find
- Look For A Contractor That Has Experience With Metal Buildings
- Location Is Important
- Read Online Reviews and Ask for References
- Contact The Best Metal Engineers and Contractors Today
How Most Building Owners Purchase Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings
There are three ways business owners can purchase a pre-engineered metal building system.
First, they can buy it directly from the manufacturer. If you work directly with the manufacturer, you will almost always get the lowest price.
But choosing the right metal building manufacturer can be a little time-consuming because you need to narrow your choices to about three to five different manufacturers so you can make a thorough cost/services comparison.
You can also use a metal building broker.
A broker serves as a "middle man".
Brokers will upcharge your total cost to recoup the time and energy spent researching your options.
This is the best option if you are pressed on time or don't want to do much research yourself.
Brokers are also good if you don't think you can handle the research and development aspects of your metal building project on your own.
You can also work with an experienced metal building contractor.
Your contractor will be able to walk you through your options, and they will be well-versed on the top metal building manufacturers and have established relationships with them.
Your contractor will also schedule the purchase and help with the delivery, design, and assembly of the product as part of the contract.
Don't Hire the First or Cheapest Company You Find
Commercial buildings should last for a long time.
When you invest in a metal building, you can design a building that will last for decades.
But you shouldn't trust this task to the first or cheapest manufacturer you come across.
Everyone looking to purchase a pre-engineered steel structure should shop around to get at least three different quotes from contractors or manufacturers that you feel are best suited for the job.
But don't base your decision solely on the best price either.
Cheapest hardly means best no matter what you're buying.
You will likely be much better off paying more for a quality metal structure that meets local codes, than you would be going with the cheapest option and receiving a poorly constructed structure that puts you over budget and past your deadline.
Look For a Contractor That Has Experience with Metal Buildings
If you choose to purchase from a contractor, make sure they have experience with metal structures.
Erecting custom metal buildings is a unique process that's unlike any other structure.
Every detail of the construction process is specialized for steel structures.
An experienced contractor specializing in metal building structures has an enormous advantage over contractors that do not.
An experienced contractor is more likely to make quick decisions, work efficiently, and anticipate potential problems.
When you begin your search for a contractor that can construct a quality building, one of the first questions you should ask is if they have experience with prefabricated metal building systems.
Then request to see samples of their work.
Most manufacturers that can't assist in the construction phase will have a list of preferred contractors in your area with relevant experience.
Location Is Important
The location of your pre-engineered steel building manufacturer matters for several reasons.
First, the closer their facility is to your job site, the lower your shipping rates will be and the faster your components will arrive.
In most cases, a pre-engineered building solution won't require many order changes.
If there are changes or last-minute accessories that need to be ordered, being closer to your manufacturer will make a big difference.
Proximity also increases the eco-friendliness of your project.
Read Online Reviews and Ask for References
Any metal building manufacturer understands that people have to do their due diligence and will be more than willing to provide references if they are asked for them.
Ask specific questions about projects they've done in the past and their experience.
What was the size and scope of past projects? When was it completed? Was it completed on time? Were there any issues with the project?
Were their customers happy with the completion of the project? Were they disappointed with any aspect of the job?
If the company has been in business for a while, you can probably do some research and read about their experience, and find reviews from previous customers.
Contact the Best Metal Building Manufacturers Today!
CDMG is one of the nation's top metal building manufacturers.
Serving industrial markets and beyond, our multi-disciplined engineers and construction project management professionals are dedicated to quality and efficient operations.
When you choose CDMG to supply and construct your new prefabricated metal structure, you can rest assured knowing our goal is to always complete projects within budget, on schedule, and to the highest degree of quality.
An experienced and professional engineer from CDMG is standing by today to help you determine the type of pre-engineered metal building that is best for you. Click the button below to see how we can get your metal building project started for you.
Check out our other pre-engineered metal building articles:
What Are The Benefits of Industrial Metal Buildings?
How Do You Recycle A Metal Building?
Why Are Metal Buildings The Best Choice For Medical Facilities?
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.