Considerations For Buying Steel BuildingsBuying

So you’ve decided that a steel building is the perfect solution for your need. What’s next? Whether you’re looking at steel buildings for storage, garages, yard and garden sheds, as a home workshop or as an airplane hangar, there are some considerations that you’ll have to take into account. Before you finalize your plans and order your new steel building, be sure that you’ve considered these important factors.

 

The measurements given for steel buildings on most websites are for the exterior footprint of the building. Be sure to factor in a few feet on every side for clearance, as well as clearance for door openings. When deciding where to locate your new building, you should also consider whether or not you might want to expand in the future. Most steel buildings are easily expandable, generally by adding on to the back of the unit. If expansion is a possibility, make sure that you position your building to allow the addition.

Local Building Codes for Steel Buildings

Before you set your heart on a metal building, be sure to check with your local code and building office to find out if there are any special considerations. Many communities require that you meet specific standards depending on the size of the building and other factors. The local building codes will also determine important factors in the design of your steel building, which may dictate the style and size of the structure you select. If you’re working with a company that creates custom designs or customizes standard packages, your architect will need to have the local building codes to work with to ensure that you’re building will be legal when it’s finished.

Costs

Be sure that you understand what the cost of your final package will include and what options will incur an additional cost. Depending on your community, you may need to pay an inspector to okay any electrical or plumbing installation in your building, for example. You may also end up having to pay extra for a specific type of roof to meet local standards, or for optional doors and windows to finish your building properly.

Keep in mind, as well, that while you can buy DIY steel buildings kits, you should have a contractor do the actual construction if you’re not well-versed in DIY skills. At the very least, you might want to pay a contractor to put down the cement slab for your foundation to be certain that it’s done right.

Steel buildings offer many advantages, whether they’re used as storage buildings, garages, home workshops or retail spaces. It’s important to consider all the factors when choosing a steel building to make the most of those advantages.