Steps to Starting Your Metal Building Project

Steps to Starting Your Metal Building Project

Before beginning any metal building project, you would be wise to consider the following questions: How much money have you set aside for this project? Have you made room for emergency allowances such as problems that might come up during the process of assembling your building? Therefore, if you are on a limited budget, you might be better served in choosing a small structure capable of being expanded in the future (should the need arise).


The purchase of “special deals” might become a costly venture as cheap prices constitute lower-grade steel being used. These buildings can quickly become a hole in the ground that you are pouring money into. In order to minimize your long-term maintenance and upkeep expenses purchase the highest quality steel structure you can afford.

Most steel buildings do not come complete as a base building package. They don’t arrive at your job-site with doors, windows, vents and extra components you will need to make your building whole. These amenities are purchased separately from the package you will be looking at.

To keep on track with your budget, calculate the amount of amenities you need and call around for pricing quotes. Try and use local distributors to gain better prices. Make sure you know the exact height of your metal building. Allow at least two feet in height more than your tallest door or entrance clearance requirement. Work on all this BEFORE you purchase your building.

Ask to see the instructions for the style of building you are considering. Take these instructions to a local builder and ask his opinion. Do they make sense? Are they complete?

The erector for your metal building project will rarely offer to prepare the ground for your building. His job is lined out. He will help you raise your building. Your responsibility lies in clearing out any foliage, leveling the ground and preparing the ground by putting in your forms before you pour the foundation. If the foliage is dense and you have time constraints contact a local landscaping company. If you are in farming country, talk to a local goat farmer. He would probably be thrilled to loan you a few goats to clear your land. Just be sure you provide strong- escape proof fencing! What would take a large working crew and over eight dumpsters to clear and fill- a herd of goats can remove in four days.

Be sure that your new steel building has all the space you require in order to conduct your business. Even though metal buildings are expandable, don’t cut down your size requirements initially. You might find yourself out of space and out of options in the future. If you do find yourself in this predicament, installing those options at a later date will cut deeply into your pocketbook.

Budget for as much space required by your initial design phase. If your needs are for a column-free interior, you should go with clear-span metal frame construction. A more expensive system, clear-span accommodates up to 300 feet in width. Gymnasiums and sports facilities use clear-span construction. You can save additional money if the application of additional interior columns is not an issue at the manufacturing plant. This is called a multi-span metal frame system.