Search Results for: project manager

Search Results for: project manager

When it comes to pre-engineered steel buildings, there are many things non-industry folks don’t know. You’re a first time builder, and that’s OK! But it’s my job to help you gain an understanding so you can make an informed decision. You may know about the durability of steel buildings or the ease of erection, but let me give you some of the lesser known facts to soak up as you begin your project.

1. Plans aren’t just important – they’re everything

Whether you obtain them from a steel building supplier or an architect, one fact remains: you need drawings to start your steel building project, and those drawings aren’t free. A pre-engineered steel building is an engineered system, and drawings (or blueprints, as they used to be called) are made to ensure a building is in complete compliance with the all the correct zoning codes and loads in your area. Remember to consult your county or local municipality to obtain the right codes and loads! You’re responsible for verifying this information, and communicating it to your steel building supplier. Once you receive your drawings by locking in your steel order, you have the option to mark up those drawings, and customize your steel building with accessories such as doors, windows and insulation. After your markup, you’ll receive permit drawings to take back to your county or municipality. Finally, you’ll also receive another set of drawings, construction drawings, when it comes time to erect your building.

2. Educated customers usually make better purchase decisions

steel buildingsIf you want the best purchase experience possible, you should take time to educate yourself about pre-engineered steel buildings. Do you know what tools you need to erect a pre-engineered building or what purpose your building will fulfill? In case you’re wondering, it usually only requires some simple tools. There are plenty of resources on the internet to educate you before you make a purchase.

3. Steel prices are low…for now

The price of steel, like oil and other commodities, is volatile. In general, steel prices are on a steady rise, but the good news is prices are low right now. It’s projected for the price of steel to rise in 2016. Unfortunately, due to current market conditions, you cannot lock in a steel price.

4. No architect needed

steel buildingsThe specialized knowledge of a structural engineer is all you’ll need to design your pre-engineered steel building. A few fancy lines from an architect on your designs can quickly drive the price up. A structural engineer at a steel building provider has the ability to make any changes to your building design – the same changes an architect can make – for possibly much less. Generally, if an architect is needed, have them design around the steel building design rather than have the steel building supplier design around architectural plans. Some architects aren’t familiar with the engineering or design criteria of specific steel building suppliers.

5. Steel buildings are flexible

Steel buildings aren’t only used for storage buildings. Sure, they make great barns for livestock, feed and other farm supplies. They are amazing garages if you’re a car guy, but they also are suitable as storefronts for small business owners, churches for a pastor and their congregation, and even resident homes. A structural engineer and project manager can design your steel building according to your aesthetic needs too. A pre-engineered steel building can be added onto in the future should the need arise as well. Purchasing a pre-engineered steel building is purchasing the freedom to live out your building dreams.

6. A Broker and a Manufacturer aren’t the same

When you purchase a pre-engineered steel building, who are you buying from? For the best quality building and experience, it’s a good idea to buy from a manufacturer. What is the difference between a manufacturer and broker? A manufacturer has the ability to produce its own pre-engineered steel buildings. A broker doesn’t manufacture their own steel buildings and will take your order and shop it around to the lowest bidder. When you choose to purchase a pre-engineered steel building from a broker, you’re giving up all of the control you have over your building project. You’re forced to wait on a manufacturer they choose, to produce and ship your building to you. Good luck making changes to your design or dealing with missing pieces when your building delivers. Feel free to ask the company you’re working with if it manufactures its own buildings or not.

7. Turnkey Buildings aren’t always helpful

When a contractor or steel building company hears turnkey, they see dollar signs. How can a building salesman give you an honest turnkey price? Have they seen your site? Do they know where you plan to build? Do they know the price of concrete or labor in your area? Any steel building provider who offers turnkey pricing is setting you up for two things – disappointment and unforeseen overages.

8. There’s only a few steps, and less effort for you

The steel building pre-erection process only has about nine steps. We call it the Direct Buy Process. The big steps you’re responsible for are locking in your steel order with a small engineering payment, reviewing your approval drawings, scheduling a delivery time, unloading your building from the truck, and finally doing inventory. While I listed the big parts to be completed by you, it’s a good idea to know all of the steps. You can take a closer look at buying a steel building factory direct here.

9. Steel buildings take time, but…

steel buildingsIt takes time to engineer, fabricate and deliver a pre-engineered steel building. Still, most folks don’t know that a steel building usually is half the cost and can be erected in half the time, compared to traditional construction methods. You can help this process by reviewing and signing any documents in an efficient timeframe and by keeping your expectations reasonable. A pre-engineered steel building is engineered to meet the specific conditions of your job site, and engineers must look at snow loads, wind loads and seismic activity in your area. When you’re ready to purchase a pre-engineered steel building, work with your building supplier to establish a proper timeline for your project. A rushed building project is almost always a bad idea.

10. Savvy consumers purchase in the winter

A savvy consumer will purchase their pre-engineered steel building in the winter with the intention to build once the weather warms up. It’s possible to erect a pre-engineered steel building in the winter, but you may end up spending more money due to various setbacks and added expenses like site maintenance, heat sources for workers and longer projects, due to less daylight. Laying a foundation in winter is another unnecessary challenge because moisture from frost or frozen ground can crack your foundation and sabotage your entire building project. The concrete for your foundation needs to be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for three to seven days to ensure the concrete maintains its strength and form. Of course, there are ways to lay concrete in the winter, but they just add up to more labor costs and more money out of your pocket. The best way to plan your steel building project is to purchase in the winter and build in the spring or summer. You might even get a break on the price.

Want to learn more about steel buildings, or find out how to begin your own project? Check out more First Time Builder resources!

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As we move into the future, our society has the ability to make informed decisions. We’ve become aware that alternatives exist for just about everything. From green energy to vegan diets, you can move away from the status quo and traditional choices if you want. The same can be done when it’s time to build a new steel garage, workshop or shelter.

There are several options when it comes time to pay for a steel building. Whether you finance it through your bank, or pay for it with cash, a loan or credit, you have options. As you know, pre-engineered steel buildings are extremely affordable – but there are so many ways you can save money over the lifetime of the building, especially if you’re going to be using this steel building in a residential setting.

steel buildingsLet’s get one thing straight right now. A pre-engineered steel building is an investment. I figure you already understand this concept. You’re investing your money and future into a steel building and you expect a good return on your investment. Whether it’s the almost non-existent maintenance, the high resistance that will protect your building from fire, wind, heavy rain, and termites, or just the durability that allows the best companies to offer 50-year structural warranties, your pre-engineered steel building will typically allow you to invest your funds in other ventures in your life. You won’t have to worry about your steel building rotting and collapsing like wood structures are known for over time, and you more than likely won’t have to replace any steel columns or rafters after you erect your pre-engineered steel building. That’s all long term savings. Want more short term savings? Apart from being a tax break itself, your steel building could offer you more tax benefits and raise your property value.

By incorporating alternative energy technologies like solar energy, geothermal heat pumps, and small wind energy into your pre-engineered steel building, you could save money on your energy bill and a pre-engineered steel building is a perfect fit for green technologies. Steel itself is considered ‘green’ because it’s inorganic and recyclable. There are also numerous tax credits like the Residential Energy Property Credit that you can research. It’s possible to take advantage of the Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit by installing select water heaters, exterior windows, doors, or skylights, and the proper insulation to reduce heat loss or gain. Check to see if those accessories are Energy Star rated because some federal tax credits might be available with regard to specific product categories.

If you add a permanent structure to your property, such as a steel garage building, it can raise your property value. This is called a capital improvement and could save you on your taxes if you decide to sell your property in the future. A capital improvement must last at least a year and be evident when you decide to sell. Should you build a pre-engineered steel building, you’re covered; quality steel buildings are designed to last decades.

You may not have to spend any money up front to add green energy alternatives to your pre-engineered steel building because there are financing options such as the PACE programs. PACE stands for Property Assessed Clean Energy and allows residential and commercial property owners to pay back their project overtime as a voluntary property tax assessment through their existing property tax bill. You have the option to amortize or reduce your payments for up to 20 years and this can keep your payments low enough that your energy savings may actually be more than your payment. When you finance through a PACE program, the interest on your loan may be tax deductible. You won’t be tied down by your PACE loan either because the loan is attached to the property and will transfer if you decide to sell your property before you repay the loan. Generally, you can add insulation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning replacements, solar photovoltaic and thermal systems, and low flow toilets. You can search here to see if your local municipality has a PACE program.

steel buildingsShould you opt to install alternative energy equipment in your new pre-engineered steel building, you could qualify for the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit. The credit is generally 30% of qualified property such as solar hot water heaters, solar electricity equipment, wind turbines, and fuel cell property installed on or in connection to your home.

When designing your residential steel building, you may need a home office. This designated work space could save you on your taxes as you might be able to deduct expenses for the business use of your home. Should you want to add an office to your pre-engineered steel building, all you have to do is talk to your project manager in design phase of your pre-engineered steel building, and make sure you’re meeting local building codes and energy efficient standards

You can’t take advantage of any of these tax breaks if you decide to rent. Whether you are a small business owner, a church pastor or first time builder, paying rent is holding you back from saving a ton of money. According to The Wall Street Journal, rent has been rising by 15.2% for the past 5 years. If you purchase a pre-engineered steel building, you won’t become a victim of this rising cost of rent and you can take advantage of all of the tax breaks allocated to a building owner.

Remember, tax allocation money is always changing based off the way our Congress votes year to year. In some instances, it might be legally required to build with green materials. For more information on energy, efficiency and federal tax credits, click here. Take advantage of these tax breaks and get the most out of your investment.

Got any more savings to share? List them here to help out your fellow consumers.

Photo courtesy: Alan Cleaver

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If you’re interested in a steel building for your home, property or business, chances are you’ll have to talk to a steel building provider at some point. Naturally, in order to get pricing, you’ll need to look at a quote or spec sheet. Do you have one, or a few in front of you now? Take a look, and read through your steel building quotes. What do you see?

Your steel building quote isn’t written in a different language, but for some first time builders, it may as well be. You don’t have to be a steel building expert to understand your steel building quote, but you do want to be able to decipher it well enough so you can understand exactly what you’re purchasing. 

International Building Codes

Are you an expert on the International Building Code? No? It’s okay. You don’t have to be, but it’s important to have a working knowledge of the IBC when you undertake a steel building project. Steel building companies do their best to ensure everything is correct, but ultimately this is your project and the responsibility falls on you.

IBC 15 is the current set of standards a building must meet to be deemed a safe and legal structure. Before 2015, the last time the IBC was updated was in 2012 and the changes from 2012 to 2015 include the topics of administration, fire protection, means of egress, accessibility, structural systems and more. As you can see, typically there are many changes to the IBC whenever there’s an update. As with any revision, these usually help ensure buildings are as safe and efficient as possible with updates to load requirements. A snow load is the load induced by the weight of snow on your building and a wind load is the load caused by the wind blowing from any horizontal direction. Again, it’s common practice for the end user to contact their local county or municipality and obtain the correct wind loads, snow loads, seismic loads and permitting information. Do your correct research, and get your steel building provider the correct information so you can obtain an accurate quote.

Exposure rating

You should be aware of the exposure rating on steel building quotes. A large chunk of customers purchasing pre-engineered steel buildings will need either an ‘Exposure B’ or ‘Exposure C’ rating. According to the International Code Council, an ‘Exposure B’ rating is assigned to buildings in urban and suburban areas, wooded areas, or other terrain with numerous closely spaced obstructions having the size of single-family dwellings or larger. The ICC also says ‘Exposure C’ ratings are assigned to buildings in open terrain with scattered obstructions. The obstructions include surface undulations or other irregularities with heights less than 30 feet extending more than 1,500 feet from the building site in any quadrant. If your building fits into the ‘Exposure B’ rating, but you’re next to an open area like flat open country, grasslands and shores prone to hurricanes, your building will most likely earn the ‘Exposure C rating’. Metal building manufacturers work to ensure your building is up to date with all of the terms I just discussed, but brokers may try to pass off pre-engineered steel buildings with outdated codes or insufficient exposure ratings without checking them for accuracy. That’s not always the case, but will they ask you about it, or just assume?

Collateral loads

What are collateral loads? Metal building collateral loads are added dead loads hung from the building system, or any interior weight of permanent materials other than the actual metal building system. Electrical systems hanging from the ceiling, or an internal sprinkler system are both in the collateral load category. Pay attention to the collateral load number with respect to the size of your proposed building.

One of the best ways to ensure you’ll get a quality building with the right ratings and codes is to purchase directly from a manufacturer. Furthermore, if you’re in direct contact with your manufacturer, and you can communicate to ensure your building’s designs are compatible and meet all structural requirements. You’ll work with a dedicated project manager, who can talk to an engineer or detailer should there be any issues with your project. It’s all in-house communications, no outsourcing to a company overseas.

Don’t forget that steel prices, like many other commodities, are influenced heavily by supply and demand. Steel prices are projected to rise in 2016 due to that demand, China’s appetite for steel and the shifting market. 

What is included?

Lastly, look and see what is included on your steel building quotes, and pay attention to what isn’t included. We get it – you’re looking to make the right decision for you, your family or your business. You’re probably looking at quotes from multiple companies. Your spec sheet or quote will describe exactly what you’re buying. Be sure to pay close attention to certain important words and phrases on the sheet. Are the columns and secondaries galvanized, or are they cheap red iron? Is a 50-year structural warranty offered? Will the building be made by a US manufacturer? These choices matter! They could be the difference between a building that lasts for a few years versus a quality building that lasts for generations.

Because pre-engineered steel buildings are designed for your exact location, we need to know your exact location! Keep in mind there can be a drastic change in elevations, even in the same county, so do your due diligence before you attempt to obtain a quote. Assuming the company will find the right information on their own, or for you, is a huge red flag. When it comes to your safety, don’t leave it up to chance.

Photo courtesy: Alan Levine

 

Search Results for: project manager

I don’t have to tell you money doesn’t grow on trees. You already know it takes hard work, smart budgeting, and a special kind of savviness to have wealth in your life. When you plan to build a steel building on a budget, you want to get the most for your money. That usually won’t change when it comes to any purchase. If you’re in the market for a pre-engineered metal building, you need to know your project doesn’t have to break the bank.

First, realize that there is a difference between saving money at the time of purchase, and saving money over a product’s lifetime. If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times and my colleagues have reiterated the same: you get what you pay for when it comes to construction, and a cheaper building upfront doesn’t mean you’re saving more money. Cheap buildings come with holes that don’t line up or missing parts and become a wildly expensive headache. Many contractors say those cheap buildings end up being the most expensive when all is said and done. What is the point of saving money today if you have to pay later to correct mistakes?

So you’re not going to go the cheap route. How else can you build a steel building on a budget?

Take advantage of low steel prices

Steel prices are low right now, which is great news for everybody interested in purchasing a pre-engineered metal building. This isn’t supposed to last, since steel prices are projected to rise in 2016. If you qualify by having financing in place, knowing what you want or your land is ready, you’ll be contacted by a building expert. After you discuss your building project with a building consultant, you’ll need to make a small engineering payment to lock in your order. This engineering payment is akin to a down payment for your building and goes towards the overall cost of your building. As you build a steel building on a budget, you’ll be free to take care of any other responsibilities like permits and foundations. 

Be flexible with your design

Oftentimes, customers who are flexible with design might be eligible for discount pricing. We’re not talking about sacrificing quality materials by any means. Say you’re interested in a 40×60 building and only a 40×60 building. You can and will be accommodated. But if you can be adaptable to the building’s framing dimensions, there might be opportunities for substantial savings on the building itself. Talk to a building consultant to see what options are available to you.

Ask about the Direct Buy Process

Sure, you could buy a steel building anywhere. But for big cost savings, take advantage of the Direct Buy process and get the highest quality steel building directly from a manufacturer. Purchase directly from the source! Beware steel building brokers as well. Brokers like to call themselves ‘contract manufacturers,’ but the truth is, brokers don’t manufacture anything. A broker will shop your proposed building around to the lowest bidder and saddle it with markups. Brokers only add another expense, an expensive middleman, to your project. Plus, don’t you want the opportunity to select your own doors, windows, and other accessories? Would you like to pick them out yourself, or let someone do it for you without knowing individual costs? You have the power to make your own choices. Don’t let a company pick them out for you!

Project Managers work for you

Your steel building supplier should provide a project manager at no extra cost to help you throughout your steel building project. A project manager comes in handy when the time comes to choose accessories for your pre-engineered steel building because they can help you add all the bells and whistles you request. This is extremely important if you intend to build a steel building on a budget. Project managers can give you cost-saving tips and advice when it comes to drawings, the engineering process, or what colors to pick!

Erect the building yourself

A quality pre-engineered metal building is engineered to your exact location. Wood buildings arrive at the job site as raw lumber, and require quite a bit of field fabrication. Steel building parts arrive at the job site ready to be erected. The parts bolt together, holes line up and there are little to no onsite alterations necessary. In truth, steel buildings are usually half the cost and take half the time to erect compared to traditional construction methods. This means you’ll spend less money on labor and avoid costly construction delays. If you can follow easy directions and you have a basic tool set and a couple of friends, you can absolutely erect a steel building yourself.

Just by choosing to build a steel building, you’ve already committed yourself to significant cost savings. This might be a project you’ve dreamt about for years. It’s important to do it right the first and only time.

Photo courtesy: 401(K) 2012

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Once you’ve decided to build a steel building, you have a couple of options. You can hire a contractor to purchase, design, and erect a steel building for you, or you can purchasing a steel building from a steel building provider. The important part to note – its good to have options. Every person is different, and might have a different set of goals. It’s essential, first and foremost, you make the correct choice for you and your budget. 

build a steel buildingIf you hire a contractor to build a steel building, you also may have to pay for an architect to design it. A contractor is a builder, not a designer. Makes sense, right? You can absolutely go this route, but it will almost certainly cost you. Think of it this way – there are many architects who are capable of designing intricate masterpieces to simple buildings. But lines, no matter how beautiful on a page, can be pricey. Every time you want to make a change, those little lines translate to an increase in price. A quality steel building supplier, like Armstrong Steel, has an in-house engineering and design team. No costly architects needed. When buying through a contractor, you may lose the customization that buying through a steel building supplier allows. Your contractor may not be able to give you updates on the design process, but a steel building supplier can set you up with a project manager, whose responsibility is to keep your project on time and on budget. You might not even need a contractor, as many people decide to build a steel building themselves! When it comes to speed, a steel building is able to be easily erected in days or weeks, compared to months like other traditional construction methods.

When push comes to shove, you might want to look into a steel building manufacturer because of two simple words: purchasing power. Contractors typically can’t afford to purchase steel in bulk. It’s possible they might mark up a steel building when they eventually buy it directly from the manufacturer or broker. But you can skip the middleman, and skip the expense of a middleman. You have the opportunity to buy straight from the manufacturer. Builders who don’t mind managing some of the finer aspects of their project can take advantage of huge savings via the Direct Buy process. Why would you want to settle for anything less than factory direct on a steel building?

Speaking of price, do you know exactly what you are getting? When you buy from a steel building supplier, you’re picking out exactly what you want. You understand the quality of each piece of steel and connection, plus with the Direct Buy process, you have the ability to pick out your accessories as well. What are you buying from a contractor? Contractors can hide mark ups in the design process because they get to pick what goes into your project. You’ll never know the difference, because they take care of everything for you, possibly at a price that fits them best. It sounds like a great service when you build a steel building, but you lose the ability to customize and choose your own components. A steel building supplier will provide you with an itemized list of costs, so you’ll never be subject to unseen overages, or disappointment in your project.

build a steel buildingWhen making this decision, it’s wise to do your research. Ask for references from contractors and steel building suppliers alike. Get multiple quotes to compare prices. Look at online reviews and see what type of resources are offered. You’re going to have to put some work into this process to make an educated decision when it comes time to build a steel building. Keep in mind, contractors are not the bad guys here. They perform a great service, and many have extensive experience erecting steel buildings. In fact, if you need help erecting your pre-engineered steel building, you should know how to hire a knowledgeable contractor in 4 easy steps. If you want the safety of locking in your steel order, and the ability to select your own components at direct pricing, we can help you take the first step to pre-engineered steel building ownership.

Whatever decision you make, you’ll still be making the right decision of investing in a pre-engineered steel building, and you’ll enjoy the long-term savings for decades to come.

Photo courtesy: Lindsey G

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When did you first decide to become a contractor? Are you involved in a family business? Are you good with your hands, and thought it would be a great career path? I know a lot of general contractors who have an aptitude for building and design – they can see what a project will look like well into the future before it’s even finished.

One characteristic I see in many general contractors is competitiveness. These people seem to thrive in high pressure situations. Are you the same way? If so, I’d bet money it shows through in your bidding process. However, if you’re not the most competitive person in the world, you can still stay competitive in the marketplace by incorporating a winning strategy when it comes to the bidding process. Honestly it’s easy; all you have to do is present your customer with the best building option available, and that’s usually a pre-engineered steel building.

WorkshopA pre-engineered steel building is a smart building option because it can save you and your client money. Now do I have your attention? How often do you juggle several different jobs? How can you control your cash flow, give a project the attention it deserves and perform quality work at the same time? When you order a pre-engineered steel building at your client’s behest, it arrives at the job site ready to erect. Steel buildings typically can be erected in days or weeks as opposed to conventional construction methods, which could take months. This will allow you and your crew to move efficiently from one job site to another, but not at the expense of quality and commitment. With minimal down time in between jobs and a quick erection process, there’s a ton of potential for you to take on several jobs at a time and increase your profit margins.

Of course, your potential client isn’t going to be concerned with your overall profit. They’re going to be concerned with their savings, and they should be. Let your clients know steel buildings aren’t usually affected by delays like traditional construction methods, and since the building simply bolts together, these types of projects aren’t generally subject to surprise cost increases. If your client is a small business owner or a church pastor, delays and cost increases are a huge inconvenience. They’ve got a business to run, and a congregation to mentor. As you well know, it can flat out be unacceptable to wait or displace a group of people depending on you.

pre-engineered steel buildingAside from the quick erection time, pre-engineered steel buildings are extremely durable and require little maintenance. A pre-engineered steel building is fire resistant, wind resistant, and can even incorporate specific coatings to protect the exterior. Pre-engineered steel buildings are also resistant to insects and termites. Some people worry moisture will affect a steel building negatively, but with galvanized steel, proper ventilation, and temperature regulation, you can practically eliminate moisture. Sell your customers on the benefits of steel buildings and how they are designed to last for decades.

Due to pre-engineered steel buildings being so durable and versatile, they may actually provide your client with lower insurance rates and tax breaks. A pre-engineered steel building can also be designed to incorporate many forms of green energy such as solar panels, geothermal heat pumps, and small wind energy. These forms of green energy can be used for the Residential Energy Property Credit. If you think about it, a pre-engineered steel building can increase your client’s property value because it’s considered a permanent structure. Permanent structures are considered capital improvements if they last at least a year and are evident if your client decides to sell. Pole barns and wood buildings don’t usually require a foundation, which puts them in the ‘non-permanent’ category. Non-permanent buildings don’t generally raise property values, or appreciate over time.

Armstrong Steel Multi-Colored Panel Option

As the builder, you always have a support system. A dedicated project manager will gladly answer questions offer advice, and be your point of contact during the process. We’ll handle the tough part – all you need to worry about is building erection.

You don’t need a crazy plan or gimmick to win the bid – if you bet on the quality, durability, versatility and flexibility of a steel building, you (and your customer) are sure to win every time.

Photo courtesy: David Wall

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$200 million bucks.

Think of what you could do with that kind of money. I know I wouldn’t mind having that much cash in the bank. According to a report from US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, the U.S. Forest Service spent an astounding $200 million a week to fight the fires in the Northwest over this recent summer. As of September 1st, the wildfires in the U.S. have burned 8 million acres of land, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. These fires could be an annual disaster, which might need to be a consideration if you decide to build any type of building in the western United States. I would suggest you take steps to ensure your property is protected because, according to Vilsack, the U.S. Forest Service has borrowed money to fight these fires the past 6 out the last 10 years. They’re doing what they can to fight the fires, but they’re clearly strapped for cash and they might not be able to stop a fire before it reaches your property. Let’s face it, you have two choices. Not build (but that might not be an option) or find a building type that can withstand the heat. How can you protect your property from the threat of wildfires?

Building 080The majority of the 1.6 million acres burned in Oregon, Idaho, and Washington is government-owned land used for animal grazing. According to reports from local news media in the area, in Oregon’s Canyon Creek Complex, 125 of the 170 burnt square miles were grazing allotments for up to 4,000 cows. Farmers are trying to figure out how to feed their cows in both the short and long term because it’s estimated those lands won’t be usable for several years to come. One option these farmers have is to purchase the necessary amount of feed and build pre-engineered steel buildings to store the feed and house animals. In Colorado, wild fires ripped thorough areas and burned down many people’s wood barns, leaving them with almost nothing. Several of those ranchers turned to steel buildings after they lost their wooden pole barns.

Steel buildings are considered type 1 and type 2 buildings due to its resistance to fire. Type 1 is considered fire resistive and type 2 is non-combustible. Naturally, if a farmer were to store their feed in a pre-engineered steel building, the feed and the cows would have a better shot at surviving wildfires, or any kind of natural disaster. A wood building or pole barn is more susceptible to fire and doesn’t provide the protection steel buildings offer. According to the combustibility scale, the more wood you add to your structure, the more combustible it becomes.

Obviously, rangeland isn’t the only thing lost in wildfires as over 1,800 homes and other buildings were destroyed in California this summer. According to an Associated Press report, many of those homeowners didn’t even receive an official evacuation warning. Many of these people only had enough time to grab important belongings, pets, and anything they could carry and take it to an evacuation site. These people had to figure out their next move, and talk with insurance companies to find a better living arrangement.

Think about this – wood catches fire at 572 degrees Fahrenheit and steel doesn’t melt until it reaches over 2500 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s possible an average fire won’t reach steel’s melting limit and steel won’t encourage the spread of fire because it’s an inorganic material. Since wood is an organic material with a far lower resistance to heat, a pole barn will be affected by fire quickly. If you’re worried about protecting your steel building even further and making it even more fire resistant, you can always look into installing a sprinkler system. The sprinkler system will extinguish the flames and lower the overall temperature in your building. Make sure to speak to your project manager if you’re interested in adding additional collateral loads to a steel building.

steel garageOne major cause of the summer wildfires is lightning. In fact, it’s estimated that during 2007-2011, there were 22,600 fires per year caused by lightning. Lightning strikes have the potential to be up to 5 times hotter than the sun! Should one of these lightning strikes hit a wood structure, it could cause the wood to explode due to the moisture and overall resistance of the wood. Pre-engineered steel buildings are grounded on a foundation and can conduct lightning much easier than wood, which usually allows for far less overall damage compared to a wood building if it encountered a lightning strike.

Natural disasters like wildfire, hurricanes and earthquakes are extremely destructive and can potentially level any and everything in its way. Pre-engineered steel buildings are designed and engineered (of course) to each specific location. There are even snow loads, wind loads and seismic factors unique to every job site that affects how the building is engineered and fabricated. Estimators, engineers, and designers do a lot of work to determine all these influences and give you a precise proposal. Even if you’re in an area that sees an increased risk of potential disasters, steel buildings are engineered to combat whatever nature throws its way. Sounds like a smart option to me.

Photo courtesy: US Department of Agriculture

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In most major projects or undertakings in life, you need somebody to be there for you. Something or someone to back you up, assist in any way, and set you on the path to success. The Lone Ranger had Tonto, Sherlock Holmes had Dr. Watson, Rocky Balboa had Mickey Goldmill, and Wayne Campbell had…well…he had Garth Algar. But we’re talkin’ more than a made up sidekick or special character here! You need support from conception to completion! When you want to begin a pre-engineered steel building project, you need a real partner in your corner, but how do you know if you’ve found one or not? 

What qualifies as a manufacturer?

First, you should be sure you’re speaking to an actual steel building manufacturer, meaning a company that makes their own product. Steel building manufacturers are able to design, engineer and fabricate a pre-engineered steel building because they actually have their own engineers, detailers and an manufacturing facility. Manufacturers sell directly to the public – no expensive middleman necessary! Steel building manufacturers have much more control over the entire process of a steel building project, and can assist a customer from conception to completion. Manufacturers own and operate their own factory, and some even have in house detailers and engineers.

steel building manufacturerA broker will sometimes refer to themselves as a ‘contract manufacturer,’ meaning they will not be able to manufacture a steel building. They do not have the proper facilities. A broker will shop your information around and find the cheapest manufacturer to fabricate your building. The quality assurance is then left up to the lowest bidder to perform all the checks and balances without even speaking to the customer. Most likely, the design and engineering of a pre-engineered building will also be outsourced to a different company. These companies are purely expensive middlemen, and do not make their own product.

There should be perks

A quality steel building manufacturer will want to help you get the best pre-engineered steel building for your needs. It makes sense, right? If you choose to buy a product from a company, you’ve invested in the company name and quality of the product. How would you feel if you knew the company you purchased from turned around and bought a product from someone else, and signed their name on it? You make a promise to yourself NOT to purchase that particular product, but the broker didn’t make the same promise. It’s simple: know exactly who is manufacturing your steel building.

steel building manufacturerWhen you purchase directly from a steel building manufacturer, you’re guaranteed communication with a dedicated project manager. You’ll be able to review plans, make changes and add accessories as you watch your steel building come to life. Don’t let a company pick your doors and windows for you! Do you know how much they cost, or how much they are getting marked up? Pick your gutters, downspouts, doors, windows and insulation yourself. Plus, with a manufacturer, you’ll be able to plan for your delivery and keep control over the entire process. What happens if you purchase from a broker, and your building arrives with missing pieces, or the parts don’t line up correctly? Do you think the steel building broker will care?

Check the work

Once you’ve found a steel building manufacturer, ask for testimonials and to see other projects the manufacturer has completed. Look online to see what other steel building owners have to say about their building. Also, ask about different resources the company offers. Will they offer blogs and articles to help point you in the right direction. Many first time builders are looking for more information about different types of construction material, and it’s important to find a steel building supplier who wants to help you realize your building dreams, even if you don’t choose them. Look for a wide variety of steel building guides and other means to help you make the best building decision for you and your budget.

In the end, a savvy steel building manufacturer is going to care about your project and do everything in its power to ensure your project is a success. That’s exactly who you want in your corner when it comes time to build a steel building.

Search Results for: project manager

You want the most for your money. That much is obvious. Now, I realize that nothing in life is free, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try to save your hard-earned money every time you want to make a purchase. Have a coupon for a local restaurant? Use it. Get discounts by becoming a member of a company’s “frequent shopper” program. If you can shave off a few bucks on a purchase, that’s great! You can do the same thing when you go shopping for a steel building, but doesn’t require a fancy membership card, or take any extra effort on your part.

Buy from a steel building manufacturer.

Now, your next question may be, “Doesn’t every steel building supplier qualify as a manufacturer?” Nope. There is a huge difference between a steel building manufacturer and a steel building broker, and the difference could cost you.

steel buildingA manufacturer is a company with their own factory, where they fabricate steel that goes into a pre-engineered metal building. Since a manufacturer can produce steel buildings at their own pace, they can order steel in bulk, and not depend solely on other companies. Plus, they can pass those savings down directly to the customer. Still, the price of steel, like all commodities, can be subject to a very volatile market. Steel prices might be at an all time low at the end of 2015, but are expected to rise by the end of 2016. Manufacturers can offer several advantages to first time builders. A broker sometimes calls themselves a ‘contract manufacturer,’ but the truth is they don’t actually manufacture anything. After you speak with a broker, they’ll shop your dimensions around to other building manufacturers, possibly find the lowest bidder and pocket the difference. Purchasing a building system from a broker could mean that you would be subject to mark ups on accessories, sight unseen. You want the choice to pick out your own doors, windows and insulation. Don’t let someone make the choice for you!

So, choosing the right manufacturer is the first step to saving money on a steel building purchase. Now, let’s keep the trend going.

You might think that choosing the cheapest price is a great way to save on a steel building too. Think again. This is a project you might only do once, and you want to do it right. The prospect of saving a few thousand bucks upfront is insignificant when you have to pay twice that amount down the road on repairs, replacements, or another building altogether! Choose a quality product and don’t settle for less than a 50-year structural warranty on your building.

Next, you’ll want to put a small engineering payment down to lock in your order. The benefit of locking in your order even extends to future work. Once the engineers finish with your drawings, you’ll be assigned to a dedicated project manager. Now you have the ability to work with someone and customize all the aspects of your steel building project.

Along with the ability to choose the accessories you want, purchasing from a manufacturer will grant you the ability to communicate with the people directly working on your building. Should you wish to make changes to your building, you can speak with your project manager or edit your drawings. This is a luxury you’re not always granted when you purchase a steel building through a broker because you don’t have a relationship with the manufacturer that your broker chose. This chosen manufacturer can be located anywhere in the world and while there isn’t anything necessarily wrong with that, it does mean there could be obstacles and communication difficulties. Make those changes or additions to your building, and when you’re ready, sign off on your drawings.

steel buildingAs you continue the process of purchasing a building directly from the factory, you’ll receive three copies of permit drawings. These drawings are signed and sealed by a professional engineer, and sent to you. You can take these permit drawings to your county or local municipality. Once you give the OK to the manufacturer to begin fabricating your building, you’ll receive construction drawings and schedule your delivery.

The decision to work with a manufacturer could help you down the road, especially if, God forbid, there are any difficulties with the delivery process. If you ordered your building from a steel building broker, what do you think will happen if your building arrives and the parts don’t line up or you have missing pieces? Do you think they’ll be able to help? Can you call the factory?

Lastly, ensure your job site is ready for delivery. Make sure the site is accessible for the delivery truck and you have all your equipment on hand to unload the building. You’ll need to have a forklift or cherry picker on site capable of lifting about 3000 lbs. Now all you have to do is erect your building! Many first time builders, even ones with little to no construction experience, erect the building themselves – and save a ton in labor costs in the process.

It isn’t hard to cut costs on a steel building project, but you have a few choices that keep you ‘in the black’ without ever lifting a finger. Now it’s up to you to choose wisely.

Search Results for: project manager

As I’m sure you know, there isn’t a handy guidebook to life. You can’t flip to a random page and find out how to be the perfect parent or be the best at your chosen profession. There’s no life hack to add millions to your bank account. I’ve found that hard work and dedication is the most helpful advice to tackling life’s mysteries. Luckily for you, in the Armstrong Steel Network, we’ve laid out all sorts of steel building tips and advice to help you budget and plan for your next steel building project. Are you ready for your dream steel building? 

Have a plan

An organized steel building project is a successful steel building project. Create a timeline with milestones to keep track of your responsibilities and ensure your steel building will be erected according to a realistic timeline. Ask about the customization process, and plan with your project manager. Don’t forget to continually work with your steel building provider and communicate with them on a regular basis. Organization saves time and money.

Make your move

If your goal is to have the smoothest building project possible (and frankly, everybody should have this goal), you’ll want to identify what time of the year is best to purchase. Spring time is usually the busiest time of the year for steel building providers, so savvy consumers usually lock in their steel order and purchase in the winter, then have all summer and fall to build. The best time to erect a steel building is in the warm weather. You don’t need to contend with bad weather and there’s less risk of your building or foundation being unnecessarily damaged. Of course, many people still purchase in the spring and summer, but those smart consumers who purchase in the winter get to enjoy the rest of the year in their dream steel building.

Still, it’s not too late. If you’re interested in a steel building, you should start to do your research and pick a steel building provider now. Economic experts are forecasting a significant rise in steel prices in 2016, so prices aren’t going to be lower than they are at this very moment. Don’t put off your project any longer, or you’ll be faced with a significant increase in the price of your garage, barn or workshop down the road soon.

Investigate a steel building manufacturer

To ensure you’re getting the best price and the most control over your building project, it’s recommended you buy from a steel building manufacturer. A manufacturer has the capability to fabricate your steel building in its very own factory, not depend on other companies to produce its own product. Ask for a manufacturer who also designs, details and engineers each building in-house, as opposed to outsourcing every aspect of a project. You’ll be able to take advantage of the specialized knowledge a manufacturer has to get the highest quality and most durable building available. Plus, you’ll be able to stay in constant communication and customize your building to your exact specifications. Your other option is a steel building broker. A broker doesn’t manufacture anything other than the contract between both parties. They don’t have their own factory, and sometimes don’t do their own design and engineering work. A broker is basically just a middleman between you and an actual manufacturer. Brokers might take your specifications and shop your order around, and pick what works for them best. It isn’t rocket science – buy from a manufacturer you can trust.

Choose your own accessories

Don’t go for deals where “everything is included.” You want to pick your own accessories out for yourself! Why should you pick out your own doors, windows and insulation? So you know the price of each item! Some companies might choose accessories for you. How do you know if you received the cheapest or most expensive add-ons? How do you know they weren’t cheap, and then ‘marked up’ because you agreed to them sight unseen? Some manufacturers will often provide a project manager who will answer your questions and save you money by showing you actual prices. These Project managers will let you choose what goes into your custom dream steel building. 

Get your drawings

Once you receive your drawings by locking in your steel order, you’ll be able to mark them up and fully customize your own building. You won’t always need an architect to design your steel building project. Sometimes, all you’ll require is the humble talents of a civil engineer at a steel building supplier. Now, we’re not trying to take business away from any architects here. Architects provide beautiful drawings and design some of the most intricate construction projects in the world. However, the more lines they draw on paper, the more expensive your project becomes. Skip the expense of an architect by obtaining steel building drawings from your steel building supplier. Preliminary building drawings are usually included in the price of your engineering and drawing payment when you lock in your steel order.

Use the Direct Buy process

If you’re a first time builder, don’t fret! We’ve outlined a typical customer experience for you! Take a look at the steps of the Direct Buy process and integrate it into your plans. Now you’ve read of of the biggest steel building tips and know exactly what to expect, instead of wondering what will happen next. Just by locking in your steel order, you’ve already completed the first 2 steps. Take a closer look at buying a building factory direct!

Be ready for delivery

One major step is to make sure you’re ready for delivery. If your foundation hasn’t had the time to properly cure, you’ll suffer a major setback. Be sure to contact an independent concrete engineer to help you with your foundation. It’s also important to have all the proper tools on site, as well as a forklift capable of lifting 3,000 lbs. to unload the building. Don’t forget to make sure your job site is accessible to the delivery truck. If you don’t plan on erecting the building right away, confirm you employ the right steel building storage techniques so your building remains safe.

Erect the building yourself

When the big day arrives, you’ll receive all the pieces of your steel building and some easy to read instructions. This is your chance to roll up your sleeves, break out the tool box and build something that will last for generations. Erecting your pre-engineered steel building yourself will save you on labor costs too. People do it everyday and if you can read simple construction plans, you can erect the building yourself. 

Ask questions and get answers

You can do as much research as you want, but chances are you’re bound to have some questions. A dedicated project manager is ready to help you at every step of the project, from conception to completion. They’ll gladly answer questions even after your building has arrived too! You’re not alone at any time in the steel building process.

Of course, if you need any more steel building tips, check out the First Time Builders section of the Armstrong Steel Network. Can you think of any tips to land your dream steel building? We’d love to share them!

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Wood and steel buildings are both widely used construction materials but there are many differences between the two. How do you decide on a wood pole barn or a pre-engineered steel building? There are several things to consider when selecting the best-fit building material for your new structure. Whether you are building a garage, workshop, storage facility, barn for livestock, or other personal space, the same five considerations should be made. Consider how strong your building needs to be, how big you plan to make it, how much time you have to construct it, how much you have in your budget, and how much upkeep it will need over time.

Structure Strength 

Any occupied building, a home office, a new business, a barn or even your house needs to be durable and withstand your environment’s climate and natural elements.

Steel Buildings

Pre-engineered steel buildings are designed to withstand snowfall, earthquakes, and high winds. For example, if you live in the northern United States, your building will be designed to withstand a heavy snow load. A building in the southern U.S. might not need the same snow load but might have a higher wind load rating on the building. Pre-engineered steel buildings are customized to your unique specifications. 

Steel is also impervious to termites and other little critters, and is constantly lauded as the strongest building material on the planet. Steel is considered a non-combustible material. According to the International Building Code, “a noncombustible material will not ignite or burn when subjected to heat.” Steel is permitted in fire-resistive (Type 1) and noncombustible (Type 2) levels on the relative fuel load scale.

Of course, it’s a good idea to have proper fire safety equipment on hand, but should a fire break out, your pre-engineered steel building won’t encourage the spread of fire.

Wood Buildings

Wood buildings, like a pole barns, aren’t as strong as steel buildings. Wood is susceptible to, rotting, bending, and twisting over time. Wood is also at risk of termite and other insect infestations that can cause damage and make replacing wood panels and boards necessary. . Unlike steel, wood is a combustible material and is capable of igniting or burning when subjected to heat. For example, a wood frame (Type 5) building will be the most combustible and will have the least resistance to fire. 

Span of Building

The amount of space you need in your new structure as well as the amount of space you have available to work with plays a role in the building material you choose. How many feet will your new structure span? How much internal support will the building need?

Steel Buildings

Steel buildings are practical at almost any span and can extend to 300 feet without any internal columns or intrusive bracing. A steel building often utilizes a clear span design and boasts an “A” frame look. As far as engineering goes, steel building loads are transferred to the foundation from the roof to the walls and then to the foundation without any poles or truss systems. How is this accomplished? They are pre-engineered to fit your specific dimensions! With all of the square footage available, instead of some of the space, you can store aircraft, combines, livestock, hay, and anything else without any special difficulties.

Wood Buildings

Pole barns are usually practical applications when the span is 40 feet or less. If you decide to go past 40 feet, you’ll need an internal column or multiple poles in the middle of the building for support. S Wood buildings usually utilize a truss system as well. Trusses can be beautiful and some are considered to be the height of artistic design, but these poles and truss systems can also take away valuable space inside wood buildings and limit their use. As wood buildings grow in size during the design process, so does the building cost. More wood is necessary to shore up the building to make it possible for it to withstand snow and wind loads. 

Building Construction Time 

What type of time frame do you have for constructing your new building? Are you planning on having skilled help erecting your structure? There are vast differences between constructing a wood and a steel building. 

Steel Buildings

Steel building components come to your job site ready to be erected. In fact, many people even choose to erect the building themselves. If you qualify for the Direct Buy process, you’ll receive easy-to-read construction drawings and a general erection manual to help you. Of course, you can always call your project manager (maybe me!) if you run into any difficulties.

Wood Buildings

Once your building supplies arrive at your job site, the erection of wood and steel buildings is night and day. A pole barn arrives on site as raw lumber. It takes a construction specialist time to cut the lumber and fabricate the building on site. Yes, this often means it’s best to hire an experienced contractor to erect your wood pole barn, which is an added cost to your overall project. 

Short-Term & Long-Term Costs 

When considering your budget and the overall cost of your building project keep short-term and long-term costs in mind. Some building materials may be less expensive upfront but require more maintenance and money in the long run. 

Wood Buildings

A wooden pole barn might cost less initially, but typically costs more money to maintain in the long run.? In construction, cheaper doesn’t always mean better. When it comes to buildings that will be occupied and used frequently, it’s important to make an informed decision and consider how long you’ll actually use it. Wood, the primary material that a pole barn is constructed of, is naturally inclined to decay. This means that over time, you will be spending valuable time and money just to keep your building standing.

Steel Buildings

Steel buildings will cost you more than wood to build. Steel is a sturdier and more valuable building material that has less maintenance and upkeep concerns than wood. Rot, decay, bending, warping and insect infestations like termites are not concerns with pre-engineered steel structures. 

steel buildings

 

If you’re thinking long-term, and you should be, then you want your building to be an asset. Not all structures on your property increase your property value. This helps add to your financial portfolio in the long run. Only a permanent structure, generally with a foundation, will raise or maintain your property value. Permitting offices d

o not typically consider wood pole barns to be permanent structures because they do not require foundations.  

Building Maintenance

Beyond maintenance concerns with wood rotting, decaying, and warping, both wood and steel structures share additional upkeep considerations.  

The superior strength of steel plays a huge role in the upkeep of your building. If your building can withstand the extreme conditions of your environment, it will not need to be repaired as often. Climate, however, isn’t your only worry when it comes to long-term building maintenance. Moisture can also be a problem for both wood and steel buildings. Moisture left unchecked on a cheap steel building can cause rust, however, there are steps you can take to protect your purchase. For example, buy a steel building from a manufacturer that offers pre-galvanized framing and refuses to use red oxide primer. There’s a reason many suppliers offer cheap red oxide primer on the framing of a building, it’s cheap, and the color red hides rust!

It’s even harder to protect the wood from moisture, and along with mold, rot could be a problem if the wood gets wet and remains untreated.

Many first-time builders choose steel for their building projects to ensure a sturdier, longer-lasting structure that can be used for years to come. The affordability and cost of steel building materials may surprise you. Contact Armstrong Steel to learn more about steel buildings and how you can make a steel structure work for your budget.  

Photo courtesy: Blair Rideout