Three Tips to Help You Avoid Substandard Steel Buildings

If you’re considering buying a steel building, you’ve probably already done some shopping around. Chances are that you’ve found lots of websites touting their cheap steel buildings that are wonderful as garages, barns and storage buildings. You may have seen flashy websites and lots and lots of pictures of steel buildings used as home offices, steel buildings used as carports and even steel buildings used as airplane hangars. With all the hype online about steel buildings, it can be tricky to pick the right metal building for your needs. These tips can help you avoid buying the wrong steel building for your property.

Remember You Get What You Pay For

The cheapest priced steel buildings on the market are also usually the poorest quality metal buildings on the market. You really do get what you pay for. There are a lot of steel building brokers out there who sell steel building kits that won’t meet the building standards in your community or that are made from thinner grade steel than you need. Others quote you the price for a bare-bones package that will need many other components to be useful. Always check to see exactly what’s included, what gauge steel the building is made from and how much customization you’ll be allowed.

That said, there are genuinely good deals out there. Do your homework on the seller, and if the price is right and the steel building offers the features you need, buy it.

Do It Yourself Is a Relative Term

You’ll find many DIY steel building kits offered by brokers and manufacturers who promise it’s so easy anyone can do it. This can be true for smaller steel buildings, such as storage buildings and garages, especially if you’re relatively handy and have a few strong friends to help. Larger buildings will generally require the assistance of a qualified erector or general contractor. Before you buy a steel building that you think will be a weekend DIY job, ask the supplier if they really recommend it for a non-professional. In most cases, the metal building supplier can supply you with names of contractors in your area who have experience erecting their brand of buildings. While you’re at it, check the cost of erection and add it to your budget.

Make Sure You’re in the Zone

Before you buy – or even get too far along with your dreams – check with your city or county building and zoning office to be sure that you’ll be allowed to erect a steel building. Some communities ban steel buildings entirely, while others put limits on size, configuration and placement of your metal building. Barns are generally exempt from permitting if they’re outside city limits, but that’s not always the case. While you’re talking with the city zoning officials, find out about the building codes and standards that you’ll have to follow. This information will be vital in helping you choose the right steel building.

Paying attention to these three basic tips will help you narrow down your choice among the hundreds of steel buildings and find the one that’s right for you.