Q.
What types of tools are required to assemble
a metal building?
A.
Usually you will need the following tools:
#2 Phillips screwdriver, pliers, work
gloves, stepladder, and a magnetic tip
cordless screwdriver will increase the time
required to assemble the building by
approximately 40%.
It will also require at least two
people.
Q.
Which foundation is best?
A.
The best foundation is one that is both
square and level.
The three typical types of
foundations used are poured concrete slab,
wood deck/floor, or a floor frame foundation
kit suited for your particular style and
model of building.
Foundation kits are easy to assemble
and are suitable for a plywood floor finish.
However, it is important to
understand that the plywood material is not
included with the foundation kit.
Q.
Does the metal building need to be anchored?
A.
Yes, in order to prevent possible wind
damage.
Ground anchor kits can usually be
purchased from the manufacture or
distributor and are available for all types
of foundations, from concrete, wood to
foundation kits.
Anchor kits usually contain 4
heavy-duty ground augers, cable, and clamps.
Q.
How difficult are the instructions to
follow?
A.
How easy or difficult a kit is to assemble
depends on the manufacturer.
However, most manufacturers identify
each part with an identification number.
In addition, most instructions
include detailed drawings to further assist
you. Before
you start assembling your metal building we
strongly suggest that you first carefully
read the instruction manual and make notes
if necessary.
Also, make sure that you have all of
the necessary tools first.
Q.
Is everything I need included in all
metal building kits?
A.
No, the kits do not include the tools
needed to assemble the building, the
foundation or flooring, or the anchor kit.
These items must be purchased
separately.
Q.
In a few years, if I want can I paint
my metal building?
A.
Yes, providing that you use an exterior
grade paint that is designed for use on
metal.
Q.
Approximately how long should it take
to assemble the building?
A.
Because there are so many different
variables, it is almost impossible to answer
this question.
However, for a small building or
shed, if you have at least one other person
helping you and you have carefully read and
understand the assembling instructions, then
you should allow at least a full day to
assemble your metal building once you have
finished installing the foundation.
For
larger steel buildings such as those used
for offices, churches, and homes that are
professionally assembled, the approximate
construction time is usually between 60 to
90 days.
Q.
What happens ten or fifteen years from now,
if I need to replace a part on my steel
building?
A.
Most but not all manufacturers
maintain a complete inventory of replacement
parts.
For this reason it is important that
you choose a reputable manufacturer.
Q.
What steps are needed for me to
planning and constructing a steel building?
A.
This will depend on the size of steel
building you are planning to build.
For large construction, once you have
choose a reputable company, that company
will send a representative who will take you
through each step of the entire process,
starting with the design of the building.
The next step is to create blueprints
based on the design you have chosen and your
local building codes.
Once your steel building has been
shipped to your construction site, it will
be ready to be assembled.
Your foundation will then be poured
and the construction on your building will
start.
Once the building is finished, a
local building inspector will inspect
building to ensure it complies with all
local building and fire codes will inspect
the building.
Q.
I want an open floor plan; do I have
to install interior columns in my steel
home?
A.
Steel framed buildings and homes can be
built without interior columns up to
approximately 150 feet wide.
Structures with open floor plans are
referred to, as clear-span, or open-span
structures and usually cost considerably
more, simple because of how the steel
framing has to be designed in order for the
outer walls to support the weight of the
structure.
However, if the steel building has
interior columns, then the structure can be
larger.
Q.
How much insulation will I need?
A.
If your steel building will be heated
and/or cooled then you will need at least
2” of (R-7) insulation or 6” (R-19)
insulation.
R-19 insulation is more expensive,
however, you can recoup this extra cost
within at least two years due to lower
energy bills.
To make your steel building more
energy efficient, and to prevent
condensation you will also want to consider
a vapor barrier.
Q.
What is the average cost for a steel
building?
A.
Prices will vary from manufacturer to
manufacturer, however typically for a
rigid-frame steel building the price will
range from $16 to approximately $20 per
square foot.
This price however does not include
the price of the foundations.
For a poured concrete foundation the
price can range from around $4 to $8 per
square foot, with labor cost ranging from $3
to $10 a square foot.
Because
prices vary depending on manufacturer,
labor, installation, we strongly suggest
that you carefully review all quotes you
receive and that you thoroughly understand
what is and is not included in the total
cost of the bid.
This will ensure that you don’t
receive any costly surprises.
