What to Know Before Building a Steel Building

Entities in need of interior space on a restricted time frame have likely considered the benefits of prefabricated steel buildings or metal building kits. Although steel buildings can quickly provide a durable structure for your project needs, it is important to remember that they are far from a one-size-fits-all solution. To help you sort through the ins and outs, we have compiled the following list of important factors to be aware of before building a steel building.

The Cost of Steel Buildings Can Vary

There are countless claims from upstart manufacturers that their steel buildings cost less than $10,000. However, it is important to do your research and be better informed on all of the factors that can influence metal buildings prices.

Yes, small metal buildings meant for nothing more than dark storage can be purchased for a very low price. And yes, no matter the design, location, and purpose, steel building costs are generally very favorable compared to other kinds of construction. However, there are a number of factors that can cause the price to fluctuate, including:

Building design - obviously, large, complex, heavy-duty buildings will cost more than simple, lightweight designs. Among the variables that will influence total cost include wind and snow load the building will face, dimensions, and seismic conditions.

The price of steel - steel is a valuable commodity, with prices fluctuating daily. As such, there may be high volatility in the cost of your building compared to similar structures, depending on the cost of steel at a given time.

Fuel costs - although not as volatile as steel prices, fuel is another cost that must be factored into the equation. Consider that this will involve getting the raw steel to the manufacturer and the fabricated building to the end-user.

Buying power - like any commodity, steel costs can be reduced for clients who buy in bulk. For small companies, these savings may be negligible. However, large manufacturers who buy in significant bulk will see an appreciable discount on their cost of steel--savings that they can pass on to the end client.

Custom features - any time you add functional benefits to the building, such as windows, vehicle doors, walk doors, insulation, and skylights, the cost of the building will obviously go up. In addition, if you have looked into how to install exterior wall panels, awnings, or solar panels and want to include these with your steel building, then additional customizations may need to be made that will increase the cost of the steel building kit.

Steel Buildings Are Exceptionally Durable

Many first-time clients may be wondering: how long do steel buildings last? The answer: as long as the user wants. With rugged features that allow the building to last the lifespan of its original purpose, steel buildings also easily adapt to new loading conditions, vertical expansion, and owner requirements, allowing them to be repurposed with minimal maintenance or renovation required, ostensibly giving the building a second life.

Rated to last over 100 years, the following are the features that set steel buildings apart from other structure types--namely, wood and concrete--in terms of durability:

Moisture resistance - metal will not absorb water or swell and shrink like wood-framed buildings

Pest resistance - not susceptible to termites

Elite comprehensive and tensile strength to resist traumatic forces

Unmatched fire protection

Related: Top 10 Steel Producers in the U.S. 

Steel Buildings Can Be Manufactured in a Multitude of Designs

People may get a bleak, utilitarian image the first time they think of steel buildings. However, modern steel buildings can be manufactured in a number of attractive colors and designs to boost aesthetic appeal for a variety of purposes. Whether it be for a commercial garage, a clubhouse to fit the standard apartment mailbox size for an upscale complex, or a detached garage for a new construction home, there is a steel building to match any client’s aesthetic tastes.

Steel Buildings Do Require Some Maintenance

Although steel buildings are durable, long-lasting structures that should last for as long as you need them to, there are still some best practices to which you should adhere so that your steel building performs as admirably as possible. These include:

Trim trees and hedges near the building - shrubbery too close to a steel building can prevent water from evaporating away from the structure, increasing the risk of mold buildup in the building’s interior and rust formation on the steel surface.

Wash regularly - grime and dirt buildup tarnish the surface of the building and can lead to rust if left unattended. Therefore, it is important to regularly check your steel building for mud, residue, or discoloration, washing both the interior and exterior twice a year.

Paint scratches and minor abrasions - exposed steel substrate allows for moisture to cause rust and mold. As such, it is important to regularly check the building for scratches and paint over any exposed areas.

4 Things to Know Before Building a Steel Building

Steel buildings can be a convenient, durable solution for parties in need of interior space on a limited timeframe. However, it is important to remember that there is far more complexity to steel building fabrication than many people realize. By considering the 4 points listed above, you are in the best position to make informed decisions before building a steel building.

Max Shafer is a contributor to the Innovative Building Materials blog. He is a content writer for the construction and home improvement industries with an interest in landscaping, outdoor remodeling, and interior design. Max is focused on educating homeowners, contractors, and architects on innovative materials and methods of construction that increase property value, improve sustainability, and create a warm and welcoming ambiance.