STEEL COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

Commercial metal buildings have become the most popular type of new construction because of the many benefits that steel and PEMBs have over other construction materials and building types.

The Versatility of Commercial Steel Buildings

Steel commercial buildings, also known as PEMB or prefab commercial buildings, are the most popular building structures in the US. These days, between 75% and 80% of new commercial and corporate construction is comprised of steel. The popularity of commercial metal buildings is driven by their versatility—offering a flexible, expandable, and multi-purpose workspace with no limit to the type of building that can be constructed. Also, modern steel buildings can be 40% more energy-efficient than those built 20 years ago and have higher insulation and thermal efficiency on average than their traditional counterparts due to high-quality insulation systems and better air sealing from precision engineering and construction.

There is no limit to the type of commercial metal buildings that can be constructed. Customize your property just how you want with durable, cost-effective, and versatile commercial steel buildings. Also, streamline your business with commercial flex space capabilities, which enables multi-purpose uses and combines elements of warehouse, office, retail space, and more into a single building.

Here’s a list of just a few of the business categories and commercial building types that have embraced steel-framed pre-engineered buildings:

- Auto Repair Shops / Dealerships
- Car Washes
- Community Centers
- Data Centers
- Distribution Centers
- Educational Facilities / Schools

- Event Centers
- Fitness Centers / Gyms
- Government buildings (Admin offices, Fire stations, Maintenance shops, etc.)
- Industrial Workshops
- Maintenance Facilities
- Manufacturing Plants
- Medical Clinics
- Offices
- Restaurants
- Retail Stores
- Sports Complexes
- Shopping Centers / Malls

There are many compelling factors that explain why steel commercial buildings are dominating the new construction market, and we’ll go over several of them below.

Why Steel Commercial Buildings Are Popular

Clear Span Construction

Steel frames can support expansive structures without needing load-bearing walls or columns. This clear span design provides more usable space, making it ideal for storing large items such as cars or boats.

Our steel self-storage buildings can span up to 350’ wide and 100’ high, offering maximum flexibility.

Did You Know?

Prefabricated and pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs) are known for their modularity and expandability, making them highly versatile for various applications.

The modular nature of PEMBs stems from their design, which involves standardized components such as beams, columns, panels, and fasteners which can be easily interchangeable.

Inexpensive yet Sturdy

Commercial steel buildings and commercial flex spaces are affordable. Steel is less expensive than wood because it requires less maintenance. Steel is impervious to termites, for example, as well as mold, mildew and rot.

Cost-savings for commercial steel buildings also come from less maintenance over time along with quicker construction times due to prefabricated parts taking less time to put together.

Sturdy

And steel flex space property buildings are also sturdy. Their component parts are crafted from top quality materials made to withstand high winds up to 120 mph (category 3 hurricanes) and heavy snow loads.

In areas prone to hurricanes or tornadoes, PEMBs can be designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 180 mph (category 6+) or more. This involves using stronger materials, additional bracing, and enhanced connections.

Customizable & Expandable

Prefabricated steel commercial buildings do not have to be a one-size-fits-all proposition. Buildings can be customized to any size, to receive any type of door opening system, with several floors if desired.

Wooden buildings need columns or load-bearing walls to hold up the ceiling. This is not the case with steel which means that there’s plenty of space within the building to design it as you wish, not as columns or walls dictate.

Did You Know?

This adaptability makes PEMBs ideal for industries requiring scalable solutions, such as warehousing, manufacturing, industrial, flex space / commercial spaces, and more offering both initial efficiency and long-term flexibility.

This modular design allows for easy expansion. As business needs grow, additional sections can be seamlessly integrated into the existing structure without significant disruption.

Quick & Easy to Erect

Steel commercial flex space prefabricated steel frame and steel panels, a building can be erected in weeks rather than months. This is of course ideal for businesses that want to hit the ground running as soon as possible.

Typically, PEMBs can be constructed 30% to 50% faster than conventional stick-built buildings. The exact time savings can vary based on the complexity of the project, site conditions, and local labor availability.

How Quick?

There’s no need to wait months and months for your commercial flex space property or flex office space to be erected and constructed.

Time is money and you’ll have less downtime needing to wait to start your new business, move into a much needed HQ expansion, utilize warehousing and/or industrial space, etc.

Lower Maintenance & Insurance

Commercial steel buildings are inexpensive to maintain & have lower insurance premiums on average. Insurance for steel buildings can be up to 30% lower than their wood-framed counterparts.

This reduction is due to steel’s superior fire resistance, durability, and resistance to pests and environmental damage.

Did You Know?

Because steel doesn’t burn or combust, steel commercial building and commercial flex spaces are typically rewarded with lower premiums by insurance agencies as the safer nature of these buildings equates to less insurance risk.

Attractive & Long-Lasting

Last but not least, the exteriors of steel commercial buildings are attractive. The lines are sleek and square, and a variety of color options are available. In addition, it’s possible to add facades to the building – brick, wood, stone – to increase that attractiveness.

This flexibility allows for customization in shape, color, & texture, creating visually appealing structures that fit diverse environments, from industrial parks to commercial centers.

Long-Lasting

If not properly cared for, wooden buildings and paint can weather, fade, and peel in just a few years. That’s not the case with steel-framed pre-engineered storage buildings. Top-quality PBR panels come in a wide variety of long-lasting, non-fade colors with paint warranties that typically last 20+ years.

This durability is due to steel’s resistance to common issues that affect other building materials, such as rot, termites, and warping. Steel’s structural integrity under various environmental conditions also contributes to its long-lasting performance.

Other reasons…

Sustainability
Prefab commercial buildings offer significant environmental benefits. These buildings are sustainable, featuring steel with high recycled content, often over 90%. The entire structure can be recycled at the end of its life, minimizing waste. So if your business needs change down the road or the city wants to repurpose your site, for example, it’s nice to know that steel is recyclable OR you can choose to easily expand your existing building due to the inherent modular properties of pre-engineered steel commercial buildings.

Compliance With Commercial Codes
Steel buildings are often engineered to meet and exceed commercial building codes more effectively than wood buildings. Their strength, fire resistance, structural integrity, sustainability, and design flexibility make them a preferred choice for many commercial applications. Wood buildings, while still viable, may require additional treatments and reinforcements to comply with the same stringent requirements.

Suitable For Any Climate
Prefab commercial buildings can be built in any region – from mild climates where the temperature never gets too warm or too cold, to the harsher climates where temps climb over 100° during summer months or plunge to below 0 for weeks on end during the winter. Steel-framed buildings are sturdy to stand up to wind storms, they can be insulated against the cold and against the heat. Steel buildings are also more energy efficient than wooden buildings.

Unify Operations with Commercial Flex Spaces

Commercial flex space is a type of steel commercial building that offers multi-functional spaces for your business. A flex office space is a growing popular example. Whether for production, storage, distribution, or core operations, a commercial flex space combines industrial, office, and sometimes retail spaces and more within a single building or complex. You can adapt the workspace or expand your building according to changing needs. Commercial flex space or flex space real estate can be used in a variety of combinations to suit different business needs.

From flex warehouses to retail, manufacturing, and other buildings, flex space real estate brings significant multi-functionality to commercial steel buildings, making them a preferred choice for many businesses.

Warehouse Flex Space

Manufacturing Flex Space

Retail Flex Space

Other Flex Buildings

Warehouse Flex Space

Manufacturing Flex Space

Retail Flex Space

Other Flex Buildings

The SteelCo Difference

For over 23 years, SteelCo Buildings has been dedicated to providing quality PEMB materials nationwide and exceptional commercial construction services across Georgia and Tennesee. Our team boasts 100+ years of combined experience in commercial steel building (PEMB) materials, design-build, and construction services. As a locally awarded general contractor, we have successfully managed and delivered projects exceeding 200,000 square feet in various sectors, including company HQs, commercial flex spaces, industrial buildings, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, self-storage facilities, retail/mixed-use developments, and more.

We are happy to speak with clients about every aspect of your commercial project and investment, whether you are purchasing one of our standardized steel commercial building kits or whether you need to consult with us on a customized design. We also offer guidance that helps our clients navigate the processes of building permits, zoning, and local ordinances. And we’re seasoned — we have been supplying floor plans and pre-engineered commercial steel building materials to SMBs and enterprise businesses nationwide for two decades. We are able to provide not only “stock” building (stamped engineering) plans for businesses, but also custom-designed plans to suit any business need or function.

Lastly, at SteelCo we take pride in delivering customer service above and beyond what our clients expect. That’s on top of our quality pre-engineered steel frames and panels. In the starting stages of your commercial building project or flex space property, we strongly encourage potential clients to discuss their needs with at least two commercial metal building manufacturers to gauge pricing and experience levels.

With SteelCo, we’re confident you’ll see the difference. Reach out to us for a complimentary consultation on your project today!

FAQs

What is a commercial flex space building?

A flex space or flex space property is a type of commercial real estate designed to accommodate a wide range of business activities within a single facility.

These spaces are characterized by their adaptability and multifunctional use, making them ideal for businesses that combine office, industrial, retail, or storage functions in one location.

How much does it typically cost to build a commercial steel building or flex space property?

Generally, you can expect to pay between $6 and $10 per square foot to erect a steel building. For “small” projects under 100,000 square feet, it costs around $110 to $150 per sq ft for the full construction cost (including materials, interior build-out, and construction). For 200,000 SF projects and up, the cost per square foot can start to reduce significantly.

How long does it typically take to construct a steel commercial building?

The construction timeline depends on various factors, such as the size, complexity, and location of the project.

Are there any zoning restrictions for flex space properties?

Flex space properties must comply with the permitted uses outlined in the zoning district where the property is located. For example, a flex space in an industrial zone may be allowed to have manufacturing and warehousing operations but may face restrictions on retail or office uses.

Some areas have mixed-use zoning that accommodates commercial, residential, and industrial uses, which can be ideal for flex spaces. It’s essential to consult with local planning departments, zoning attorneys, or professional consultants to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and to streamline the approval process.

Do you have any top maintenance tips to properly care for prefab steel commercial buildings?

Although prefab steel commercial buildings require less maintenance intensive than other types of buildings, they still need to be looked after. Additionally, exterior veneer and decorative elements may commonly be materials other than steel, so care for those material types also need to be taken into consideration.

Here are a few tips to protect your investment and ensure the building remains functional, attractive, and holds value:

Wash the exterior of the building every couple of months. This is primarily for corrosion prevention from contaminants and energy efficiency, but also for aesthetic and commercial appeal.
During the winter, check the roof after every snow fall. Although your roof is designed to bear heavy loads, it’s best to remove snow if it’s over four inches high.
Make sure you check gutters and drains periodically and clean out bird’s nests, leaves and so on. Why put gutters on a steel building? To make sure that rain water and snow melt run off away from your sidewalks and in particular your doors. Not only will this protect the foundation of your building, but your customers will appreciate it as well.

Regular maintenance of your prefab steel commercial building ensures its longevity, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. By following these simple tips, you can protect your investment, maintain its value, and provide a safe and welcoming environment for your employees and/or customers.

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