Products and Services Included in the Purchase of a Steel Building

Products and Services Included in the Purchase of a Steel Building

Steel buildings are the construction method of choice in today’s market. Pre-engineered steel buildings are now used for everything from small storage spaces to large entertainment and sports complexes and they can save you a lot of money when compared with conventional building methods.


First, you need to find the right supplier for your building who will give you the best deal. There are hundreds of steel building manufacturers across the country, large and small, vying for your business. Some of these businesses are one-person operations with little experience with actual building projects. Many other companies are only on the sales-side of the industry and have very little knowledge of what an entire steel building project entails. These sales agents are merely purchasing the building from a larger supplier. Since their sales performance is limited, they can not get lower discounted pricing from the suppliers and so generally will not secure you a good deal.

All recommendations point to working with an experienced supplier. An experienced steel building supplier can help you out with many of the details that affect your project. You can find out if a particular supplier is reliable by asking for references and requesting referrals to customers they have worked with in the past.

If you have made inquiries into the purchase of a steel building you may have found pricing that is all over the ballpark–for the same size building. Some companies may be very aggressive and push you towards putting a deposit on the building as quickly as possible. Most of these companies do not care about your project, however, and they just want you locked into a contract. It is necessary, though, to put a deposit down on a building before any engineering begins, even for the most reputable of suppliers. However, know exactly what you are getting, and when, before sending any of your money. Deposits are common, just don’t put any money down until you have read over the contract and know exactly what you are purchasing.

The optional components for your steel building are another issue. Steel building suppliers will offer you doors, windows, insulation and other items as additions to your base building price. They are usually not included. A supplier may offer these components as a package deal, but be careful because they might not be premium grade. It is recommended that you purchase your components separately so that you can price out your options individually.

A basic steel building should have the following included in the purchase price: a complete framing system with interior and end frames, columns, rafters, flange bracing, horizontal load bracing, purlins, girts, eave members, end wall columns, base angles and other framing necessary to support roof and wall coverings, and exterior steel roof and wall covering including trim, fasteners, sealants, and closures. Finally, a complete hardware package that includes all nuts and bolts for the connections of the structural framing should also be included.