Choosing the Right Steel Buildings Company

Once you’ve decided that a steel building is the right construction for your needs, you’ll be faced with yet another, yet just as important, decision—which of the many companies that supply steel buildings will you work with? There are so many variables to confuse the issue such as different prices, multiple styles, different types of material and different kinds of buildings. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the amount of information you have to absorb. Luckily, a basic understanding and a few guidelines can help you make your decision.

Building Types

In general, there are three kinds of steel buildings on the market—steel and wood structures, steel I-beam buildings and Quonset buildings. Quonset huts, originally developed for the military, are the least expensive option. They’re the easiest to assemble and often the most durable. They are also generally the least attractive, and can be expensive to insulate. Metal and wood structures, also known as pole buildings, may seem less expensive, but the steel building package often doesn’t include the lumber needed for your building. The final choice, a steel I-beam building, is a complete building package that includes the design, an assembly plan, and all the materials you need to construct your building, except the work crew.

Materials

Your building is only as good as the materials from which it’s made. Look for a company that uses only 100% American commercial-grade steel. That will ensure that every part of your building is made from the highest quality steel available. You should have a choice of exterior colors and trim color for your metal building, and the pieces should all be factory painted and complete with a guarantee.

Customer Service

Customer service is one of the most distinguishing aspects of any company, and it’s especially important when it comes to ordering a building from the right company. Shop around carefully and look for a company that provides you with an expert contact: an architect, designer or customer account executive who can help you through the maze of decisions you’ll need to make about your order, as well as guide you through the permitting and regulations that you’ll need to understand and follow.

Assembly

In addition to your purchase, you’ll need to work with a local contractor to assemble your building. Many companies that supply steel buildings work with a network of local contractors who are specially trained and experienced in assembling buildings from that particular company. Choosing a company that works with a local contractor you can trust gives you an added level of assurance that your metal building is top quality.