What You Should Know About Steel Buildings

Steel buildings are an ideal construction solution for many different applications. On residential properties, they’re often used as garages and storage sheds, or to house boats and other recreational vehicles. Steel buildings are a popular choice for those who want to add a home office, workshop or other addition to their home. In industry and commercial use, steel buildings have always been popular as warehouses and factory buildings, but in recent years, steel buildings are cropping up as community centers, sports arenas and retail spaces. If you’re considering a building project of any sort, here’s what you should know about steel buildings to help you make a choice between steel and other construction materials.

Appearance

Today’s steel buildings are a far cry from what most people think of when they hear the words. Even those based on Quonset buildings design come in a broad range of styles and offer many different finish options. You can choose from many different colors, including the most popular residential house colors, so that your building fits in on your property. Owners of steel buildings can also choose to finish them with stucco, rock or nearly any other popular type of finish.

Cost

The price of putting up a steel building is generally comparable to or less than other types of construction. When pricing steel buildings, however, keep in mind that the prices quoted generally only include the walls, roof, frame, fasteners and anchors. Unless windows and doors are specifically noted in the quote, you will pay extra for them or have to buy them separately. You should also factor in the cost of permits, a foundation and construction.

Advantages of Steel Buildings

Generally, pre-engineered steel buildings are cheaper than comparably sized buildings made of wood or concrete. They use fewer materials and generally require less labor and less time, reducing the price further. For small residential buildings, such as workshops and garages, you may even be able to build them yourself and reduce construction costs still further.

If time is a factor, a metal building is the obvious choice. With fewer components and simpler construction, it takes about half the time to put up a steel building as it does to put up a traditional structure. This can be especially important with commercial construction, because the sooner you can get into your building, the sooner you can start making money.

The overall cost of ownership for steel buildings is less than other types of buildings because metal buildings require less maintenance over time. They’re more energy efficient, so cost less to heat and cool, and need little more maintenance than a good pressure washing every few seasons.

When you’re planning new construction, consider the many advantages offered by steel buildings for your project. By any measure, steel buildings offer sustainability, cost and long-term advantages that traditional structures can’t match.