Metal buildings have a lot of benefits, from lower energy consumption to a longer lifespan. They also have decreased maintenance requirements compared to similar structures.
Once you decide that a metal building is the right option to meet your needs, you may wonder how to start the process. Here, we provide a few general steps to get you pointed in the right direction to owning your own metal building.
1. Decide on the type of metal building that meets your needs.
Metal or steel buildings literally come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Deciding on a design that meets your needs can be a challenge simply because there are so many choices. In general, you can go with a prefab building, or you can design your own.
Prefabricated Metal Buildings
Prefabricated metal buildings are made off-site and then shipped to you. They are often made to order, but they will generally have a few basic design structure options. The option that you want will vary based on the purpose of your metal building.
Common examples of prefabricated metal buildings include:
- Barns, hay sheds, and agricultural storage buildings
- Aircraft hangers
- Houses and barndominiums
- Commercial buildings
- Workshops and garages
- Industrial buildings
- Recreational buildings
- Warehouses and storage buildings
You can often start with a pre-set design and then customize it from there to meet your needs.
Steel Building Design
You also have the option to completely build your metal building from scratch, entirely custom-made for you.Even the individual panels can be customized—from insulated wall panels to decorative “A” wall panels. Owning your your own metal building opens a world of design options and you can have it prefabricated for simple onsite construction.
It really is a simplified, streamlined process at SteelCo Buildings and our team walks you through the entire process from start to finish.
2. Take time to think through the design process.
Once you have decided how you want to order your building, take the time to really think through how you want to use and access your building. No matter which type of building you choose, you have the option to customize it to meet your needs.
Some of the common items to address might include:
- Whether the ceiling height meets your needs
- If the doors are placed where you would like
- Whether insulation is necessary or not
- How you want the doors to open
- Whether you need a unique shape
Drawing out where you want your building to go can be very helpful in this process.
3. Investigate building permits and other legal requirements.
Building permits are often necessary but sometimes overlooked. Be sure to check your local requirements for what you need to do to create an additional structure on your property.
Property lines and the distance from a property line that you can build may be a factor in your area as well. Be sure to investigate where your lines are before you start your project.
Zoning may be a consideration you have to deal with in some areas as well. Do not assume that because you have a permit, you are complying with zoning requirements—they are different requirements and processes. Zoning may cover things like use and appearance in addition to where you can place your building.
4. Plan out your foundation.
Metal buildings are often very affordable compared to other types of structures. As a result, you may be surprised to learn just how large of a building you can create.
While you certainly need to pour a foundation, do not jump the gun and pour the foundation before you have your metal building plan. Instead, wait until you finalize plans for the entire building before you start work. You may have a general plan but then change it as you realize just how many options you have to create your building.
Once you have your well-thought-out plans for your building, site work can begin according to the specifications set out in your plan.
5. Get professional help to prepare for the delivery and build.
Proper preparation is the key to getting a metal building that will do exactly what you need it to do and last for years to come. Do your homework to ensure that you are getting a product that will meet your needs.
You will need to ensure that the property is ready for delivery before you start building. Generally, that means that the concrete should be fully set and cleared of debris. You may also need to make special preparations to ensure the supplies can be delivered right to your planned location.
If you have questions about owning your own metal building and what kind of features and designs are right for you, give our team a call. SteelCo has been in the metal building business for over 20 years, and we have the experience you need to help you get the job done right the first time. Contact our team for more information about how we can help with your project: 1-866-215-1963.
