Steel Buildings 101: Your information guide to metal & steel buildings

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Steel Building Buying Tips

Here are a few issues to consider before you buy your steel building:

All codes met? This may go without saying, but before you buy a prefab building or sign off on a custom design, make sure your steel building will meet any local building codes for building, wind, snow and seismic loads and stresses.

Order skylights for the roof. Install a few plastic skylights in the roof of the building. They are by far the cheapest way to bring lots of light into your steel building, and are mandatory if your building is in a remote location without electricity. Often, they are the only source of lighting you will need in the daytime.

Order painted metal panels. For not much more in price, upgrade to painted steel panels for the walls and roof. Not only will they last longer - they typically use a silicon-based polyester paint, but your building will look a heck of a lot more professional. Tip: For roof pitches less than 3:12, you can't see much of the roof, so you may be able to get by with the stock galvanized steel.

Order the doors and windows at the same time. Try to purchase a building design that includes all doors - overhead, sectional, and entry, as well as any windows. This way, you are assured that they will fit correctly and you will probably also save on freight cost as they are shipped with the rest of the building.

Order insulated panels. Steel buildings are notorious for condensation problems. The location of your building will dictate how much insulation is needed. Make sure that the insulation comes with a vapor barrier. Insulation also cuts down on the outside noise so don't skimp here - especially if your building will be occupied.

Inventory your building upon delivery. You need to make a thorough inventory of all building components against the packing list as the building is being unloaded at delivery. This is a must - don't wait to do it the next day.

Ask about unloading. The cost of your steel building may not include unloading the building components from the delivery truck. Ask if it can be included. If not, you need to make arrangements with a local contractor for this. In some instances, a crane or boom truck will be required.

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