Buying a steel building is a significant endeavor that shouldn't be taken lightly.
You should do your homework to learn what is involved in buying and erecting a metal building so you can avoid mistakes and get the building you want and need.
Check out our article, The Biggest Myths About Metal Buildings, for more information on getting the right steel building.
If you've come this far, you probably know many of the benefits that come with steel buildings.
They are durable, versatile, requires very little maintenance, and they will last for decades.
No matter why you need a new building, steel will likely be the best option for you.
Whether you are a small business looking to expand, you need a private hangar for your airplane, or a new barn for livestock, the possibilities are endless when you build with steel.
In the article below, we will discuss what is involved in erecting a steel building so you can be sure you are ready to get started with your project.
Table of Contents
- Cheapest Is Not Always Best
- Do The Paperwork
- Be Sure You Know What You Need
- Know Who You Are Working With
- Be Prepared Before You Begin
Cheapest Is Not Always Best
Just like anything else you buy, you get what you pay for.
You never want to overpay for something, but you also don't want to be too cheap.
Steel buildings are prefabricated to rigorous quality standards in a controlled environment. And while other materials might be less expensive, they probably won't last as long.
Wood is admittedly less expensive upfront, but it is vulnerable to risks like fire and termites, and almost always cost a significant amount more in the long run than steel.
Steel is stronger than any other material available to you. That is a fact, not just an opinion.
Looking for the cheapest steel building isn't a good idea either.
Your building could arrive with missing parts, pre-drilled holes might not line up, or the frame might not be qualified for the load you need.
A cheap building is also a sign that the supplier isn't dependable.
A cheap vendor today probably won't be equipped to help you if things go wrong tomorrow.
They can charge a lower price because they are cutting corners and selecting the cheapest items on the market to fabricate your building.
They focus on quantity, not quality.
Spending what you should spend now will keep you from bleeding money in the future.
Do The Paperwork
You need to get everything in writing, and then check it for appropriate signatures.
Double-check everything, paying special attention to the final plan for your building.
You need to review and make sure you understand all of your contracts.
Check the order form and make sure nothing is missing.
Read through all the fine print that describes what happens if there are any delays or if a problem is found after work on the jobsite begins.
After that, you need to be sure all of the proper permits have been obtained.
Your contractor will usually take care of this, but it is up to you to be sure that your building is constructed to your local building codes.
Finally, check to be sure that all inspections are performed and any rework completed before signing off on the completion of the project.
This is mostly boring, tedious work, but it is the most important part of the entire project.
If your paperwork is incomplete or missing signatures, or if you fail to get all of your permits, your entire project could fall off the rails.
Be Sure You Know What You Need
If you know the dimensions and square footage of the building you need, you should be able to speed up the process.
With a detailed plan, you can get your building manufactured and delivered even faster.
There will be fewer delays in manufacturing, and you can schedule things to run concurrently if everything is locked into place.
If you meet with a broker, general contractor, or manufacturer, and you don't really know what you are looking for, there's a chance the building you receive won't fulfill your needs.
You could get stuck with a building you don't want and could end up paying more money to change things around after construction has begun.
Know exactly what you need. Figure out what it is you need the building to do for you.
Think about even the smallest details like how many doors and windows you will need.
Do you need a custom exterior? Do you plan on insulating your building? How many levels do you need?
Be sure you have an answer to all of these questions.
A good manufacturer or general contractor should ask you all of these questions and walk you through the process, but the more prepared you are from day one, the better things will turn out.
Know Who You Are Working With
There are several ways you can buy a metal building.
You can buy it through a broker, a general contractor, or directly from the manufacturer.
A broker will sell to you based solely on your budget and the building's measurement specifications.
You make a wish list, and the broker will find something that meets your requirements at the best possible price.
You won't be able to customize your building, and the broker doesn't handle the delivery or erection.
You also end up paying a premium in most cases, because you are also paying the broker to act as a middle man.
A general contractor will work with their preferred manufacturer or could even go through a broker to obtain your building kit.
The purchase, delivery, and erection are handled by the contractor, but the cost of the building will be marked up to cover those services.
Just like with a broker, you won't be able to customize anything, and the building is selected based on your budget and needs.
When you work with a manufacturer you will be able to customize your design.
Manufacturers sell directly to the public, so there is no middle man.
Most manufacturers have on site engineers and designers to help you put together a plan for the building you need and can afford.
A manufacturer also provides delivery and project management services, or they can recommend a trusted general contractor.
Manufacturers are also available if problems ever creep up in the project.
No matter which route you go, be sure to do your homework before you commit to someone.
Ask for references and do your due diligence before selecting the best way to buy your metal building.
Be Prepared Before You Begin
Buying a steel building can be challenging because there are a lot of moving parts.
If you do your homework and stay on top of things, your building experience will run smoothly.
Even if challenges occur, you have prepared for them, and your project should still be completed to your satisfaction.
The cheapest isn't always the best, you should know who you are buying from, what you want, and you need to be sure to do all of the paperwork.
Working with a proven and reliable company in the metal building industry is the first step in getting what you want.
CDMG is one of the most respected companies, and they have the track record to prove it.
Contact CDMG today for more information about their capabilities and to discuss your upcoming project with one of their experts.
Check out our other articles:
5 Questions To Ask If You're Considering A Metal Building
How To Prepare Your Metal Building For Winter
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.