purchase a steelbuilding information

Purchasing a steel building is a complex undertaking that can seem overwhelming, especially for the first time buyer. This article will provide you with all the information you need to confidently move ahead in your purchase. Obviously, all manufacturers are not the same; therefore it falls to the consumer to evaluate potential suppliers and find out where to receive the best deal with the highest quality and customer service. There are many factors that must be considered before signing a contract.

The first thing to decide is what type of metal building you require and what its purpose will be. Steel buildings, once only associated with sheds and carports, now serve a huge variety of functions. Agricultural buildings, all types of steel barns, equestrian riding arenas/centers, recreational centers, mini warehouses, airplane hangars, storage facilities, warehouses, churches and of course, garages- these are some of the prefabricated buildings that are now commonly and effectively made of steel.

Steel buildings can be purchased either as a pre-engineered kit, or custom designed to your exact specifications and needs. Pre- engineered, pre-designed, prefab or prefabricated building kits (these terms are used interchangeably) are designed for quick, simple and easy assembly. They are cheaper than custom designed steel buildings because they can be sold directly without commissioned salesman, passing the savings along to you. Kits are also a money saver for homeowners and small businesses because they can be assembled in a few days, even by those with hardly any construction experience. This is a huge savings on the cost of hiring a contractor to construct your steel building. These prefabricated buildings can be ordered in many different colors and finishes, providing aesthetic appeal. Some manufacturers have hundreds of choices available. Just because they are a less costly option, they do not have to look like it! There will be an additional charge for adjustments such as special finishes, and additional framed openings.

1. The overall dimensions of the metal building you need- the length, width and height. One of the main laments heard by steel building owners is, "I wish I had bought it bigger!" Obviously, it is much easier and cheaper to order a larger size to begin with, to allow for expansion or uses you didn`t originally consider, than it is to try to add on to a building that has already been constructed. (It can be done, though.) As with many things in life, it pays to think big!

   To get the height requirement, measure the clearance height you will need on the inside and then add at least two feet. This measurement is called the "Eave Height," and will be the outer height of the building. Another consideration in deciding on the height can be the size of required doors. Do you need doors for tall vehicles or heavy machinery to move through? The eave height must be at least two feet higher than any door height.

   Length_____ Width_____ Height____

2. What roof pitch is appropriate for this steel building? The "Roof Pitch" is measured in what is called the "rise: run" format. Figure this measurement as follows: If the roof measures twelve feet from the center of the roof (called the peak) to the outer edge (called the eave), and it rises five feet from the eave to the peak, the pitch will be 5:12.

   How do you know what roof pitch is optimal? Feel free to discuss this with your sales representative, they are experienced and can advise on all these types of questions. Part of their job, if they are with a reputable company, is to insure that you get the metal building that is perfect for your needs.

   Roof Pitch ___:___

3. There are two types of openings in your steel building- framed openings and ordinary windows and doors. Framed openings are necessary for any opening bigger than the standard size door that people enter with. (Called a "walk-door") They are much bigger than walk-doors, and are intended for vehicles and machinery to enter the building. Framed openings can have mechanical mechanisms to open and close them.

   Framed Openings

   1. Length____ Width____
   2. Length____ Width____
   3. Length____ Width____

   Walk doors, windows and vents or skylights are usually classified as accessories. The purposes of windows are obvious. Vents allow the building to circulate and release hot air and reduce condensation.

   Windows, vents, skylights

   1. Length____ Width____
   2. Length____ Width____
   3. Length____ Width____

4. Do you need gutters and downspouts for your steel building? To keep your building in tip top condition, gutters and downspouts are definitely recommended. The same as on any other building, gutters are used to catch the water running down the side of the building to prevent puddles from forming next to the building. They prevent separation in the soil and new concrete, and streaking on sidewall panels from rain or melt off. Ask if they can be color-matched to your trim.

5. Do you need insulation for the roof or walls of your steel building? Metal skinned buildings can get very warm and humid in the summer and cold in the winter. The proper insulation will not only solve this problem, it will save you significant amounts of money on heating and cooling costs, easily covering the cost of adding on the insulation to your order.

A pure aluminum radiant barrier reflective insulation is unaffected by humidity and will continue to perform at a consistent level no matter how humid it may be. It is easy to install, doesn`t promote nesting of rodents or birds, and it looks great as well.

Most areas have building codes, mandated by law, governing new construction. These building codes provide the minimum requirements for safety, structural integrity, etc. Many parts of the US have specific restrictions based on severe weather conditions. Have your building supplier provide certified, stamped and engineered blueprints so that you can be sure your steel building is in compliance with code. Upon completion of the new building, you must schedule a walkthrough with a local building inspector.

Before signing the contract for your metal building, you must contact your local building department to verify that these codes meet or exceed your local standards (important: it is better to choose a design above your code requirements instead of below). Reputable manufacturers will not ship you a metal building that doesn`t meet codes for your area!

There are SIX ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS (different building codes/loads) to choose. There is an 85% chance that your local area is within one of these standards:

1. 20 Snow Load/ 90 Wind Load/ Exposure B or C/ Seismic C/ IBC2003 (Average Snow, Average Wind)
2. 0 Snow Load/ 130 Wind Load/ Exposure C/ Seismic C/ IBC2003 (No Snow, Extreme Wind)
3. 12 Snow Load/110 Wind Load/ Exposure C/ Seismic C/ IBC2003 (Light Snow, Heavy Wind)
4. 30 Snow Load/ 90 Wind Load/ Exposure C/ Seismic C/ IBC2003 (Heavy Snow, Average Wind)
5. 50 psf Roof Snow / 90 mph Wind / Exposure C / Seismic C / IBC 2003 (Extreme Snow, Average Wind)
6. 25 psf Roof Snow / 100 mph Wind / Exposure C / Seismic D / IBC 2003 (High Seismic)

• Wind Load: The stress imposed by the wind blowing from any direction on the structure.
• Exposure: How exposed the Prefabricated Steel Building is to wind.
• Seismic Load: The load or loads acting in any direction on a structural system due to the action of an earth quake.
• Roof Load: A temporary load on a Prefabricated Steel Building that is not wind load, snow load, seismic load or dead load. Some examples of a roof load could be workers, equipment, and materials.

Many factors impact the price of a steel building, including time spent by engineers and estimators, sales staff, as well as the differing costs of the building materials themselves. Additionally, the prices will change whenever the price of steel changes.

Each building is designed to meet certain building code/load requirements; this will also have an effect on the price.

When price shopping, make sure you`re comparing buildings with the exact same specifications. Some suppliers might give a cheaper estimate, but they might not be offering all the same features and quality materials. Know that steel building quotes only include the building itself. All accessories including doors, windows, gutters, vents, insulation, will be priced separately. Take detailed notes while doing your price comparisons.

Do your homework! Know exactly what you need and exactly what you are getting when you compare prices from one supplier to another. As with any industry, while most firms are honest, there are some who will be happy to leave out important information or use inferior components to trick the uneducated shopper.

Watch out for any sales rep who seems more interested in giving you a hard sell and closing the deal quickly, than addressing your questions and concerns. If you feel uncomfortable, that is a good sign that you are being pressured to purchase, and should raise an immediate red flag!

Steel building suppliers abound. By taking your time and doing a bit of checking, you are sure to find one who meets all your needs including: price, service, speed, building features and design or whatever other individual requirements you have for your steel building.

1. How long will delivery take from the time I order until the truck arrives?
   This varies by manufacturer, 6-10 weeks after signing the contract is average. Be sure to ask your supplier for an estimate of the delivery date, so you can have everything ready for assembly when your metal building finally arrives.

   This includes:

   • Hiring an erector/contractor if you are not doing it yourself
   • Renting all the tools and machinery needed if you are doing the erection yourself
   • Making sure the access is clear to the site
   • Having the foundation ready.

   Again, ask your sales rep- they are the experts and can tell you exactly what you need to do.

2. Do I need a building permit?
   This depends on where you live. Please call your local building department.

3. Who unloads the building?
   It is standard practice in the steel building industry for the customer to unload the structure. You will be informed well in advance when the building will arrive.

4. Who erects the building?
   It is the customer`s responsibility to erect the metal building. You should receive plans within a few weeks of your order and you can have erectors/general contractors bid on the construction.

• Knowing what you want and need
• Taking the time to shop around for price and quality
• Asking as many questions as you need to understand the terminology and exactly what you are getting from any particular supplier.

By taking these simple steps, you can have an easy, pleasant and trouble free experience from start to finish, and be enjoying your new steel building in a very short time!

Steel Building Buyers Guide, BuildingsGuide.com Online Inc.
http://www.buildingsguide.com/buyers-guide/steel-buildings-buyers-guide-2.html

Metal Building Comparison
http://www.metalbuildingcomparison.com/how_to_buy.html?id=1174650741694003027

GiveAway Buildings, Inc.
http://www.giveawaybuildings.com/

The Avalon Project/ Yale Law School Translated by L. W. King
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/medieval/hamframe.htm