Search Results for: project manager

Search Results for: project manager

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

Search Results for: project manager

While browsing the internet one day, I came across some wisdom from a prominent self help author. It had something to do with wise people knowing when to talk to experts, and that confidence can only take you so far. I felt this was pretty powerful because, when you break it down… it rings true. We go to doctors when we’re sick. Many people get professionals to do their taxes. We visit Farmers markets for the freshest food if we don’t have the experience to grow it ourselves. Following that line of thinking, we contact steel building manufacturers for the most durable structures on the planet. I’m surrounded by steel building experts every day, and I’d like to think some information rubs off now and again! Are you ready to investigate a steel building for your home or business?

Don’t wait any longer

Cabot progress1A steady supply of steel from foreign and domestic markets has meant low steel prices for steel building consumers over the past few years. This isn’t going to be the case for very much longer. In December of 2015, the U.S. imposed a 256% tariff on Chinese steel imports. Overseas markets were desperate to dump excess capacity due to the mothballing of its local markets. In 2015, the U.S. was forced to compete with cheap, subsidized steel from China and India. Now why should this concern you if you buy from steel building manufacturers in America? With the new tariffs in place, 2016 is going to be a boom year for American steel mills, but that almost means they’ll unilaterally increase prices. That translates to a rise in steel prices for your next garage, workshop or barn. Economists and industry experts do not expect these dramatic increases to end any time soon.

Know what you want

It’s worth saying, and worth repeating, that an organized building project is a successful building project. If you know what you want or you’re able to figure it out quickly, there is some potential for an accelerated project timeline. Begin by setting a schedule, and include important dates and events. Know the dimensions or rough square footage of the building you want. Speak with a foundation engineer to ensure your concrete is cured before your building is delivered. Examine and sign drawings with your project manager in an efficient manner. These are all things you can do to speed up your steel building project. We haven’t figured out time travel (yet) or a way to wave a wand and have magically have a building teleported to your property, so there is a little bit of patience required on your part. Still, stay in communication and work with project managers and shipping specialists to keep your steel building project on time and on budget.

Investigate buying factory direct from a steel building manufacturer

IMG_1263Shopping with a steel building manufacturer allows you certain benefits, like taking advantage of the Direct Buy process. The Direct Buy process is a simple way to get a steel building directly from a steel building manufacturer, as opposed to a steel building broker. Steel building manufacturers are able to design, engineer and fabricate a steel buildings because they have their own engineers, detailers and an actual 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. Again, manufacturers own and operate their own factory and produce their own product. A 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 someone else – most likely 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. Sometimes the design and engineering of a pre-engineered steel building will also be outsourced to a different company. These brokers are purely expensive middlemen, and do not make their own product. Go ahead and ask the company you are working with if they are a manufacturer or a broker, and then choose the right company for you.

Look for In House Detailers and Project Managers

Another benefit you’ll receive from some steel building manufacturers is usually an in-house detailing staff and dedicated project managers. With this staff, a manufacturer can offer you a complete experience without incorporating any outside parties. Your project manager is your official contact during your steel building project and can answer questions, help you save money and even provide assistance once your building arrives at your job site. The in-house staff ensures better communication between engineers and project managers, less confusion and no language barriers. Plus, you’re getting a 100% American made product, designed by Americans, as opposed to outsourcing anything overseas. 

Don’t always go for the cheapest price

Every so often, you’ll find the cheapest price to be the best decision. In construction, this generally isn’t true. Most of the time, you ‘get what you pay for’ because cheaper doesn’t always mean better.  Take a wood building for example. Wood buildings generally have a lower up front price than steel buildings, but when you purchase a wood building, you’re dealing with an unknown. Wood buildings often require costly repairs relatively early in their lifespans. How much are you willing to spend to treat a termite infestation? What about wood rot?  What about general wear and tear, like warped or twisted panels? These aren’t problems for steel. Steel buildings are designed to last decades with minimal maintenance and steel has a natural resistance to the many different elements of nature such as fire, snow, wind and even the sun. 

This still rings true with cheaper steel buildings too. Usually, a cheaper price denotes a cheaper product. Instead of obsessing over every connection plate and every detail, the supplier was only focused on volume. What happens when problems arise at a job site when you’re dealing with a cheap product? When holes don’t line up the way a engineer intended, or when pieces are missing, causing costly construction delays, the cheapest building quickly turns into the most expensive building because you have to pay to fix it! As a first time builder, you don’t have the time for this kind of mess. The initial prospect of saving a few thousand bucks isn’t worth it when those savings vaporize thanks to labor and construction costs rising because you, or a contractor had to spend extra time on a job site to fix a problem that should have been prevented in the first place! Before you choose the cheapest price, consider the source, pay attention to the details and choose a product that will last for decades.

Do you have any more tips? We’re all about helping every customer get the building of their dreams. Start the discussion below!

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Nowadays, everything you’ve ever wanted to buy is on the internet, and it’s for sale. From cars to clothes and everything in between, it only takes a few minutes to find exactly what you need. The steel building industry is fairly similar. There are several companies, suppliers and contractors that will advertise and market their steel buildings. But how do you differentiate between them?

First, you’ll do your research by looking at tons of educational material. When you’re ready, you’ll submit your information for a price quote. This is a common industry standard. Pre-engineered metal buildings are, like the name suggests, engineered structures for your specific location. While you might see approximate prices that vary from one company to the next, your cost will vary based off several factors, like dimensions and location of the building, the climate of the region and the elements your structure must endure, plus supply and demand. Steel is a commodity, just like oil and gas, and even global production of the metal, along with the current market conditions will affect your overall price.

steel buildingAnother big influence on overall cost will be the company from which you purchase. Not every steel building is created equal, and not all companies are alike, either. Of course, different companies will offer a different product, and that’s expected in a competitive market. But there’s a huge difference between various suppliers, and you should know the difference between a steel building broker and a steel building manufacturer.

What is a steel building broker?

A steel building broker is essentially a middleman between you, the potential builder, and a steel building manufacturer. A broker will shop your building design around and award it to the highest bidder, while paying little attention to quality. Many times, they’ll buy the cheapest building, regardless of who makes it, mark it up, and pass the engineering and design to others. Brokers are often times only in the business of outsourcing and finding the cheapest price to maximize their own profits.

Potential pitfalls of purchasing from broker:

  1. Trapped – You might be stuck with the dimensions or design from a broker. Since brokers might not employ in-house engineers or detailers, there might not be an opportunity to make changes to your building.
  2. Costs will increase – Brokers will up charge your total cost to regain the time and energy spent researching your options. Plus, you’ll be married to the decisions of a broker without seeing the actual cost of the building or the actual itemized accessories, like doors and windows. Don’t let someone choose your accessories for you!
  3. Little to no warranties – Because brokers don’t actually manufacture anything, they can’t guarantee another company’s product. If a structural problem were to arise after a year or more, most likely, they won’t be able to help. Just because their logo is on the peak box, doesn’t mean it’s their product. It’s extremely common for brokers to replace the peak sign of the manufacturer and replace it with their own.
  4. Cheap product – Once again, since a broker doesn’t manufacture the building, they don’t have to disclose where they bought it from. A cheap building will be riddled with defect, have poorly welded parts, framing that doesn’t line up, or they are delivered with missing parts. Cheaply fabricated buildings might cost less, but those costs will almost always exceed the amount you save, especially when it comes to long term maintenance, repairs or replacements.
  5. Not American Made – Many brokers are partnered with foreign steel companies behind the scenes. While you’re talking to a company who operates in America, ask them specifically where they get their steel. Foreign steel is usually cheap and may not be structurally sound. Why? Foreign steel from China or India isn’t held up to the same standards or rigorous testing that American steel is subject to on a daily basis. Just because they have an office in the U.S. doesn’t mean they aren’t secretly and knowingly using an inferior foreign product.
  6. Skip the middleman – Why pay someone to do work you can easily accomplish yourself? Don’t be fooled; there is a big difference between the business of selling buildings and making buildings. Armstrong Steel is not a broker, and has become America’s preferred metal building manufacturer by fabricating our own buildings in our own manufacturing facility. Quality matters.

Benefits of Buying from a Manufacturer

steel building When you decide to buy a steel building directly from the factory, you’ll get the best price and you’ll have input on your project every step of the way. If you choose a steel building manufacturer, like Armstrong Steel, you’ll get to work with a project manager to design and customize your building to your exact specifications. A steel building manufacturer will also offer significant structural, roof, wall panel and paint warranties for its buildings. A broker may not offer a warranty, and if they do, it may be a minimal warranty. A warranty tells you how much trust a provider has in their product and a limited or short warranty doesn’t exactly elicit a lot of trust.

Steel building manufacturers are able to design, engineer and fabricate a pre-engineered steel building because they have their own engineers, detailers and an actual manufacturing facility or factory to fabricate your pre-engineered steel building. As we’ve reiterated, 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 ultimately assist a customer from conception to completion.

When you buy directly from a manufacturer, you also know in advance the quality of the product, and the qualifications and standards to which the supplier must adhere. Of course brokers buy from a manufacturer, but how do you know your building will come from a reputable one?

Don’t trust your next steel building project to an unknown source. Choose a trustworthy steel building manufacturer and get the steel building of your dreams!

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Are you building in 2016? Is it important to you to ‘build green?’ Look no further than a pre-engineered steel building. Maybe you’re interested in becoming LEED certified or are just trying to increase your energy savings. No matter what your reason is, steel is the most efficient way to ‘go green.’  

Saving Resources

Do you know how many trees are cut down to make a steel building? Zero. Do you know how many gallons of water it takes to grow a steel building? Yep, you guessed it. Zero. The same obviously can’t be said for wood buildings. Wood building suppliers will harvest an area of a forest and then replant trees for harvest once they’ve grown. While this is a great practice, how long does it take a tree to grow? According to the United States Department of Agriculture, trees they harvested in the Bighorn National Forest were fully grown and replaced in 20-40 years and were 20-30 feet tall. Trees they harvested in 10-20 years ago were 10-20 feet tall and trees they harvested 10 in the last 10 years were saplings to 5 feet tall. This doesn’t seem like an efficient turn around for me. It could take 20-40 years before we have fully grown trees to replace harvested trees for wood buildings. Climate change aside, those trees aren’t around to provide oxygen for us now.

The steel industry reduced the amount of emissions they produced by 67% in the years leading up to 2005, according to the American Institute of Steel Construction. That’s a long time ago, but they had until 2012 to reduce emissions by 5.2% according to initiatives like the Kyoto Protocol. A 67% reduction shows me the entire industry is behind the green movement. In fact, according to the World Steel Association, a total of $1 billion has been spent by nations around the world working together to lower emissions from steel production.

Recycle

The first two sections go hand in hand. Reusing and recycling materials means we don’t waste further raw materials making more products. It also means we have less waste sitting in dumps. Did you know steel is 100% recyclable? Iron, which is one of Earth’s most abundant elements, is mined and refined into steel. We have a resource with a practically infinite lifespan. That’s right, once we are finished with a piece of steel, we can melt it down and use it in another steel project. This goes for any kind of steel application, including cars and pre-engineered steel buildings. Steel is the most recycled industrial material in the world. According to the World Steel Association, for every tonne of steel recycled over 1,400 kg of iron ore, 740 kg of coal, and 120 kg of limestone are saved. Just by recycling the current steel we have, we’re expanding the life of iron on the earth.

Energy Savings

A pre-engineered steel building is great for reducing your energy costs. In fact, if your pre-engineered steel building is built to LEED standards, you’ll use 30%-60% less energy, according to the U.S. Green Building Council. Your energy savings only increase when you install the proper insulation to keep your pre-engineered steel building’s temperature regulated. The less airflow and temperature loss your building has, the less money you’ll spend on regulating the heat or the air conditioning. Steel buildings can incorporate alternative energy solutions like solar, wind and geothermal energy to further reduce your energy bill. Painting your roof a lighter color will absorb less heat than a darker color which will require you to cool your pre-engineered steel building less in the summer.

Strength and Longevity

Pre-engineered steel buildings are engineered (of course) to withstand heavy winds, snowfall and seismic activity in your area. In addition, they will last a lifetime with very minimal maintenance. In fact, steel buildings are now a mainstay in government buildings, which require higher or strict construction standards on every project.Wood buildings, like pole barns, don’t have this luxury because wood doesn’t have the durability steel does and it’s affected by many more factors like wood rot, mold, termites and a fire threshold ⅕ the temperature of steel. When panels warp and twist every couple of years, they must be replaced to guarantee the structural integrity of a building. That’s not true of steel panels, which don’t rot, crack or twist. Steel panels are manufactured to last decades without needing to be replaced. Wood building owners could find themselves performing costly repairs should they be affected by any of those fairly common circumstances. 

Easy Expansion

Expansion and improvement is what drives people. You shouldn’t be limited in your pursuit of success because of your budget, or the desire to stay green. Pre-engineered steel buildings are easily expandable. We already know steel is an incredibly green material in itself, but when you take advantage of the fact a steel building won’t require the amount of work a wood building does to expand, you’re making steel just that much greener. When you erect a wood building, the wood arrives to the job site in the form of raw lumber which requires on site alterations. These alterations extend the project’s timeline and could raise your energy bills significantly if you use power tools. A pre-engineered steel building arrives to your job site ready to be assembled and only requires common tools to erect. Your pre-engineered steel building expansion can be finished in half the time as a wood building expansion and won’t raise your energy bill like a wood building expansion.

A pre-engineered steel building is your best option if you want to go green in 2016. If you’re interested in going green, just ask your project manager about your environmentally friendly building options.

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As a first time builder, you know there’s a lot of information on metal buildings out there. What effects the price of steel? How do permits work? How do you find a concrete engineer? With all of these different questions, it’s tough to know where to start.  

A metal building system is just what it sounds like, a system of pieces which are designed to fit together. Many people compare it to a giant erector set.

Of course, you want to get acclimated to the parts and components of a metal building system. We’re in the business of education, since we cater directly to first time builders, small business owners, pastors and church leaders and their families. A metal building system contains primary framing, such as columns and rafters. Purlins and girts are classified as secondary framing. Sheeting, fasteners, trim and roofing round out the rest of a metal building system.

columnsColumns are vertical main member pieces used to transfer loads from the main roof beams, trusses, or rafters to the foundation. Rafters connect to columns and, in layman’s terms, are the main steel framing that supports the roof system. To get the most space for your buck, it’s smart to incorporate the clear span design in your metal building because your rafters will connect to a column at one end and to another rafter at another end to create an “A” design. This eliminates the need for a truss system. The clear span design is a multi-functional design used for storing airplanes, hay, horses and anything else which benefits from uninterrupted space.

purlinsPurlins are horizontal beams which connect to your rafters and help transfer roof loads to the primary framing of rafters and columns. Girts, similarly to purlins, connect to columns to improve strength and durability for wind loads. Fasteners connect the different pieces of your metal building system together. Don’t reach into the leftover screws, nuts and bolts box when erecting your metal building because if you use the wrong fastener, you could open yourself up for the possibility moisture leaking in and causing rust on your metal building. Only use the correct fasteners provided by your steel building suppler to prevent rust from forming and weakening your metal building.

Sheeting is the outside walls of your building. Your metal building’s sheeting should overlap to provide a moisture tight seal. You’ll have a choice of color options for sheeting and all standard colors come with a 40-year warranty. Premium sculpted Trim provides an added layer of protection from moisture and energy leakages along with raising the overall appearance of your building. The roofing is what covers the top of your metal building. When shopping around for a metal building, be wary of “one size fits all” packages because they can often require onsite alterations which delays construction time and will often detract from your metal building’s appearance.

Those parts are all included in your metal building system purchase. Other important parts you’ll need in your metal building system include foundations, windows, doors, insulation, gutters and downspouts. Your project manager will know where to find the best deals and offers on these products.

A foundation is the substructure which supports your metal building. Your foundation is usually a concrete slab or pier system, designed by an independent civil engineer. Doors and windows may seem to be run of the mill features, but are important when it comes to security and energy control. Reinforced doors could be necessary if your design calls for it or you live in a hurricane risk area. Roll up doors will give tractors, cars and other machinery the space to enter your metal building. Windows can be used to provide natural light and lower your energy bill. Insulation will regulate the temperature of your metal building and can be incorporated to meet LEED certifications. Gutters and downspouts protect your building and parking lot from stagnant water and are an important defense from moisture for your building. Remember: Doors, windows, insulation, gutters, downspouts and vents are all considered accessories to a metal building system. You can add any accessories to a metal building system, because they are completely customizable!

If you’re interested in learning more metal building terms, or want to soak up more information, be sure to check out our resources section!

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Steel buildings are everywhere. Take a drive into a rural town or down the highway in a busy city, and you’re sure to see a steel building. Perhaps even several! In fact, the odds say you will. According to the most recent Annual Report from the Metal Building Manufacturing Association (MBMA), metal building systems account for over 50% of the total low-rise nonresidential construction market. It’s not a surprise statistic, considering steel buildings are one of the most cost effective types of construction, and small business owners laud them for their durability, flexibility and wide-ranging applications.

Steel buildings also have valuable advantages over traditional buildings made of wood, brick or concrete. That translates to many benefits for your business.

Steel building cost

While everyone always looks to the price tag first, many builders are excited to hear that steel buildings are usually half the cost when compared to other conventional construction methods. Plus, steel buildings are considered ‘do-it-yourself construction,’ which doesn’t always require the costly expense of an architect or a contractor.

Quick erection time

steel buildingConstruction times are greatly reduced with steel buildings. Building components are pre-engineered and fabricated in a factory, then delivered to your job site, ready to be erected. Lumber for pole barns are usually supplied to a job site as raw lumber, and must be cut and produced on site before assembly can begin. It only takes days or weeks to erect a pre-engineered steel building, not weeks or months. The sooner a building is completed, the faster the return on investment for a commercial or small business owner.

Energy efficient

Steel buildings are generally made entirely of steel. Steel is the most recycled material in the world, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute, and retains a high recycling rate, which stood at 88% as of 2012. Plus, steel buildings are well known for their optimal use of materials. Each piece of a steel building is engineered exactly for your local codes and loads, so there are no wasted materials associated with your project.

Design

You want your design to serve a purpose. Thanks to some of the latest construction technology, you can design a unique-looking steel building for your own space. A steel building can look any way you want it to look. Different finishes, coatings and aesthetic options are available if you don’t want your steel building to look like a simple warehouse. Many first time builders and small business owners customize the interior and exterior to satisfy their company needs.

Easy maintenance

steel buildingThe maintenance of steel buildings is much easier than that of other buildings made up of brick or wood. Steel doesn’t need to be replaced every few years because it doesn’t warp, crack, twist or rot. Plus, steel isn’t susceptible to pests like termites and doesn’t encourage the growth of mold. Wood buildings decay and deteriorate, but steel buildings, from reputable manufacturers, offer long warranties on the structure itself, as well as roof, paint and wall panels.

Ease of expansion

Steel buildings are extremely flexible depending upon your business needs and purpose. The goal of every business is to grow, right? When there is a need for expansion, it’s much easier to modify components. Just let your project manager know in advance if you might have any future expansion plans. It’s possible to add to your building by changing the dimensions, adding a lean-to or even a 2nd floor. Make sure you check with your local building codes and expand the safest and most efficient way possible.

Much more space

Have you ever heard of the term ‘clear span’ steel buildings? What about pole barn? The names of each building are pretty self-explanatory. Pole barns are supported by interior poles, which support the roof and are necessary to the structural integrity of a building. Clear span buildings are engineered so the walls and beams support the weight of the roof with no internal columns necessary. Clear span steel buildings provide the maximum amount of space in any building application, and also don’t require truss and cord systems in the roof to function properly. Do you have a lot of inventory? Do you need to house your company vehicles? Use all of the space, not just some of the space.

Steel buildings offer a ton of benefits to small business owners as well as first time builders. Visit the first time builders section for more helpful tips and advice!

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If you’re reading this, I’m assuming you’ve made the decision to purchase a pre-engineered steel building. Congratulations on making a wise decision! Now, I have a few question to ask you. Do you know where your steel comes from? Do you know the difference between American steel and foreign steel from China or India? All the steel is the same, right? Wrong! Foreign steel isn’t just inexpensive, the steel is extremely low quality. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard stories where Chinese steel will literally rip apart at the fabrication shop. If cheap Chinese steel fails, why would you build with it and put your business, church or home at risk? Steel buildings are supposed to be strong, durable and require little maintenance. Foreign steel is the exact opposite.

Steel from foreign markets is often dumped into the U.S. at less than its fair value. So U.S. mills had to compete to survive, and lowered their own prices. But then the U.S. government stepped in. At the end of 2015 and now in 2016, the U.S. imposed huge import tariffs of over 450%. Supposedly, countless ships already on the water from overseas had to turn around or risk the huge fines. Needless to say, the dumping was partially curtailed. Naturally, domestic mills are thrilled! The days of cheap, foreign steel here in the U.S. are over, and those American steel mills are quickly gearing up to demand much higher prices, and there’s no end in sight with respect to price increases.

But you have questions. How does this affect you and your project? I can think of two of the most major concerns when it comes to steel building shopping, and avoiding a cheap steel building.

1.) How can I be sure that I’m not buying a cheap steel building?

Purchase from an American manufacturer, not a broker! You can be sure you’re getting quality American steel from an actual manufacturer. Do you know the difference between a steel building broker and a steel building manufacturer? Manufacturers actually fabricate your steel building themselves in their own manufacturing facility. Most likely, they’ll also have an in-house engineering and design team to help you with your project from conception to completion. Brokers are expensive middlemen who make most of the buying decisions for you. Do you know where they are going to get their steel? Do you know who is doing the engineering work on the building? Is it an in-house staff here in the U.S, or is that subbed out overseas as well? You might not know the answers to those questions if you choose a steel building broker. Brokers rarely concern themselves with the actual quality of a building, and might only care that they are passing along a cheap steel building.

cheap steel buildingFor most people, a steel building project is one of the most important construction projects in their lifetime. Don’t risk it by buying from an unknown source. Ask the company you’re working with if they are an actual manufacturer/fabricator, if they have their own manufacturing facility, and if they only use American steel. Hint: The answer to all the previous questions should be a resounding YES.

2.) How can I protect myself from steel price increases?

Let’s face it – because of the retroactive anti-dumping tariffs, steel prices are on the rise. But don’t let that sway your decision to go with the most durable, flexible and versatile construction solution on the planet. Steel buildings are still usually half the cost of traditional construction methods, and can be erected in half the time. A manufacturer like Armstrong Steel can offer some shelter from price increases caused by a volatile marketplace. Just lock in your order with an engineering payment, and begin working with a dedicated project manager.

cheap steel buildingBecause certain manufacturers handle all of the work of designing, engineering and fabricating a steel building without incorporating a third party, you can keep track of your steel building project at every step. If you want to make changes to your building, you can communicate with your project manager and customize your steel building to your liking.

There are so many options in the steel building industry. It’s worth it to do your research and find a supplier who only offers American-made steel and refuses to work – or be aligned with – foreign companies. Be prepared to ask the tough questions and accept the only answer: purchase American-made steel from an American manufacturer. Don’t put your trust in the unknown and risk the trouble that comes with a cheap steel building.

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One of the reasons first time builders choose pre-engineered metal buildings for their workshop, garage, agricultural or commercial application is the ability for complete customization. If you take the time to look at different steel buildings, you’ll see a wide range of choices. From different dimensions, paint choices and finishes, a steel building can be designed to your exact specifications and aesthetic needs.

Steel building accessories also give each building a custom look and function. What do I mean when I say “accessories?” Steel building accessories are defined as products that are not included as part of the basic steel building system. Accessories commonly include components such as doors, windows, canopies, vents, gutters, downspouts, skylights, cupolas and more.

As you shop around for a steel building, you’ll come across different types of suppliers, all who sell steel buildings. Do you know the difference between a steel building broker and a steel building manufacturer? When shopping through a broker, or middleman, they will most likely pick out accessories for you, paying no attention to quality. They are simply looking for the cheapest building at the cheapest price. Cheap buildings aren’t worth it in the long run, and often times, end up becoming an expensive trap. When holes don’t line up, or parts are missing, cheap buildings cause costly construction delays that eliminate any savings you might have earned initially. When it comes to adding accessories, do you know what windows or doors are added to your building or what they cost? How do you know what is selected by someone else? How do you know they aren’t the cheapest option? You should be able to choose exactly what goes into your building yourself, and by purchasing from a broker, you might not be offered the option to individually select doors, windows or gutters. You’re married to the options (and quality) they choose.

While it’s fairly obvious, it’s still important to point out that steel building accessories, no matter which company you decide to get them from, are not free. They are considered extras to your building project, and if you plan on incorporating them into your building design, you should budget accordingly.

steel buildingThe way to ensure you get exactly what you want – for the price you want – is to buy a steel building directly from the factory. You want a say into what is going into your building, right? While it might seem like you get a choice anywhere you go, that’s not always the case. A steel building manufacturer offers a range of benefits by purchasing a building at factory direct pricing, and among those benefits is exclusive pricing not only on the steel itself, but also on your building accessories.

By choosing your own accessories, you guarantee your project stays within your predetermined budget. Say you want more of a heavy-duty window or door. You get to choose what goes into your own building. You’ll simply pick out those doors and windows and other add-ons from our catalog. It’s really that simple. If you’d rather take a full service approach and can’t manage certain aspects of your project yourself, Armstrong Steel’s building consultants can you help every step of the way, identifying which quality accessories you need as defined by your drawings or commercial specifications.

As you continue the Direct Buy process, you’ll work with a project manager who is concerned with controlling your costs and helping you design the building. Once you’re finished making modifications (if any) you’ll finish the approval process, and engineers will begin working on your permit drawings. These drawings will be mailed to you, and you’ll need to take them to your local building authority for the permitting process. After this process is complete, all that’s left is to release your building for fabrication and schedule your delivery.

Purchasing a pre-engineered building isn’t complicated, and neither is the customization process. The best option for staying within your budget is to choose your accessories yourself by getting a steel building directly from the factory!

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Pre-engineered metal buildings are the most cost-effective forms of construction on the market today. As many people already know, they are usually half the cost of other traditional construction methods, such as wood, brick or concrete, and can be erected for half the cost. While any construction project will require an investment in time and money, steel buildings offer many significant benefits that can help you recoup that investment, and continue to save you money throughout the lifetime of the building.

No Architect

If you’re building a simple structure, like a steel garage or barn, then you’ll most likely not require the talents of a professional architect. Architects generally plan, design and oversee the construction of a building project. When you work with a steel building manufacturer, you’ll be assigned to a dedicated Project Manager at no extra cost. They’ll work with engineers to design and modify your building project and procure your drawings after you’ve locked in your order. This eliminates the need for an architect. Remember you can always hire an architect after the steel building system has been completed. Also, if an architect is needed, have them design around the metal building drawings 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.

Lower construction costs

metal buildingMost steel building systems with spans lower than 80 feet are considered ‘do-it-yourself’ construction. Many first time builders end up erecting the building themselves or with friends and family instead of hiring a contractor to do it for them, saving a good chunk of change in labor costs. Pre-engineered metal buildings from Armstrong Steel are bolt together buildings, and all parts are pre-welded and pre cut, so they are ready to be erected once they arrive at the job site. These buildings have been compared to grown up, giant erector sets! Wood pole barns arrive at a job site as raw lumber, and must be cut and fabricated on-site. This can lead to longer labor or construction costs and a longer construction timeframe. Steel buildings go up in days or weeks, not months.

Low maintenance costs

Pre-engineered metal buildings require little to no maintenance over the course of its lifetime. Steel is the most durable construction material on the planet, and is the most suited to stand up to Mother Nature. When you’re shopping, look for buildings with long structural warranties and extended warranties on roofing, paint and wall panels. Warranties speak to the faith a company puts in its products. Compared to wood buildings and pole barns, steel is infinitely stronger and will last longer. Steel doesn’t warp, twist, rot or decay like wood. Steel isn’t an organic material and doesn’t encourage the growth of mold, or provide sustenance for termites or other little critters. Do you want to replace wood parts every few years, or do you want to purchase a product that will last for decades? Speaking of durability and standing up to the elements, did you know that steel is considered a noncombustible 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. The other three categories are considered combustible and contain more wood and more combustibility as they are ranked further down the list. For example, a wood frame (Type 5) building will be the most combustible and will have the least resistance to fire. Of course, it’s a good idea to have proper fire safety equipment on hand, but should a fire break out, your metal building won’t encourage the spread of fire.

Lower insurance rates

As a first time builder, you don’t want to keep pouring money into your building for extra repairs, but you will have to spend the capital to insure it. Almost always, metal buildings have lower insurance premiums. Why? Insurance companies acknowledge the durability and lifespan of many metal buildings and most times, offer customers savings and rebates. Think about the decisions you make in the buying process. If you factor insurance costs into the equation, choosing a building just got easier. Insurance premiums on metal buildings also depend on the typical weather conditions of a specific area. Cities on the East Coast might have more flood or hurricanes and necessitate more coverage of that type, while Californian cities falling along the San Andreas Fault Line are susceptible to earthquakes. These two geographic areas require different coverage. It’s important to insurers that these buildings are engineered to withstand these types of conditions. Plus, the less likely a building will need structural repair after a storm hits, the lower insurance rates will be.

Tax incentives for a metal building

There’s an opportunity for owners to qualify for tax breaks for metal buildings. It’s extremely important to talk to a financial advisor or professional tax specialist to get the deductions and tax credits for the current year. The government might make changes soon, as metal buildings become more the construction norm. For the time being, steel building owners should ask about capital improvement tax breaks, along with any type of green energy deductions. Any type of solar powered or renewable energy systems also qualify to be used as tax benefits. Once again, check with your financial professional to see if there are any other applicable tax codes that could assist you on tax day.

Ready to get started? Check out our photo galleries for some inspiration!

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Permits are usually vital for your steel building project. The permitting process is in place to ensure a steel building is designed according to your municipality’s standards with regards to safety and approved zoning plans. Most building projects in major cities including new construction, remodeling and repairs require general building permits.

It’s your responsibility as a buyer and first time builder to acquire the correct and necessary permits, and you should account for the permitting process when you plan your steel building project. This is true with every company throughout the industry. Depending on the time of the year and how quickly your municipality typically processes permits, you could be waiting a weeks or months for a permit. Staying on schedule is essential to getting through your steel building project with the least amount of stress as possible, and a lengthy permit process could (but shouldn’t) derail your timeline. Now, there is a good chance your permitting office is able to get you a permit quickly. Still, I want you to be prepared, and have a list of other attainable goals to keep you on schedule, should you face a prolonged permit process from your county or municipality.

What else can you accomplish while you wait for your permits? Well, for starters, you can figure out what your doing with your land. Do you need to bulldoze? Level out some land? Maybe there’s a few trees in the way of where you want to build? Take this time to go over your site planning and make property modifications if necessary. Your site also needs to be accessible for the delivery truck, so make correct accommodations, or make your property reachable. 

While you’re waiting on permits, it would be a good time to find an experienced independent concrete engineer and have them lay the foundation for your steel building. Remember: Do not pour your foundation early! Also be sure you’re following the actual final engineering plans and not any preliminary plans! Foundations aren’t all the same and like your building, they’ll be customized to your exact specifications. This is where your independent concrete engineer comes into play. They know all about your soil conditions, frost lines information and area specifications to make sure your foundation is installed correctly. If you try to erect a building on an insufficient foundation, your building could have severe problems down the road.

If you’re expanding onto a current building, you may need to make plans for your interior build out. These plans could be as simple as moving all of the office equipment out of the way to establishing a floorplan. Whatever steps are necessary for your interior build out, now is the time! Generally, if an architect is needed for any interior work, 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.

While you wait on your permit, you can always work with your project manager and continue to pick out add-ons and accessories and customize your building to your exact specifications. When you purchase from a manufacturer, you’re in control of what accessories you want to include on your steel building. If you purchase from a broker, you may not get to choose what accessories are a part of your “all included package.” 

All that’s left is to release your building for fabrication, and prepare for delivery. There’s plenty you can accomplish in every stage of your steel building project to ensure you stay on schedule! 

What else can you do while waiting on a permit? Help our readers by commenting below! Plus, check out more helpful tips in the Future First Time Builders section!

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So you’re ready for more space. Sure, you could try and find room in your home for all your accumulations, but what about some of the big stuff? Are you a farmer looking to store a tractor? Are you interested in expanding your business? How about a place to park your vehicles or a spot to satisfy your car obsession? A steel building is the perfect solution. Really, pre-engineered steel buildings are generally half the cost, and take half the time to erect when compared to traditional construction methods. If you’re a first time builder, you might not realize the overall benefits to a steel building, or know the difference between a cheap building and a high quality building. Take a look at 10 reasons why first time builders choose pre-engineered steel buildings for their homes, garages, workshops, commercial structures and more.

Strength and durability

new metal buildingPre-engineered steel buildings are engineered to last and are the strongest construction solution on the planet. Steel has a higher resistance to fire than wood does and this could be important, especially if you live in the west where we often see wildfires in the summer or even in the south in hurricane prone areas or where the potential for flooding is increased. A pre-engineered steel building can hold up to heavy winds, earthquakes, snow, and even the sun. The engineers working on your pre-engineered steel building will use the ask for the correct codes and loads of your local municipality to ensure your building will be be strong enough for your area. Look for warranties on your product before you decide to buy, because the type and quality of steel is different from company to company. Don’t settle for less than a 50-year warranty on the structure. Cheap steel should never be an option when you decide to build, not just from a cost-saving standpoint, but from a safety standpoint.

Green Energy

“Going green” is all the rage these days and nothing is greener than a steel building. Did you know steel is 100% recyclable? Once steel is fabricated, it can be melted down and used in the future. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it takes 20-40 years to fully grow trees for logging. That’s 20-40 years to wait to replace the trees taken for wood construction. While trees are constantly being planted, humans still cut them down daily. Armstrong Steel Building Systems are famous for their optimal use of materials. Each building is designed in-house, so there is no residual waste. You only pay for the materials used as opposed to lumber. Plus, you can apply for additional Federal income tax credits for energy efficient products incorporated into your steel building.

Easy to erect

At the beginning of your construction project, you may picture a typical construction site. A crew in hard hats with tools making adjustments to various pieces and parts of the building or building material. This vision is exactly what you’ll get if you purchase a wood building, but it’s not true for a pre-engineered steel building. Pre-engineered steel building components are pre-cut and pre-drilled by the manufacturer before delivery. There’s usually no onsite alterations, major fabrication issues or welding necessary on the actual job site. This means you don’t need to be an expert construction specialist to erect your building. You and a small crew can erect a typical 40 x 60 building without the help of a contractor. All it takes are some common tools and the set of easy to read instructions.

Uninterrupted space

steel buildingsPre-engineered steel buildings are some of the most flexible and adaptable structures you can own and this is largely due to the fact a pre-engineered steel building uses a clear span design. You’ll have the space to use your steel building as a barn to store feed, tools and even larger equipment like a reaper or combine. If you’re looking for an airplane hangar, a steel building is perfect for that application. Storing large objects isn’t the only reason you’ll need uninterrupted space. A pre-engineered steel building can be the perfect church or recreation center. A pastor wouldn’t want their congregation stuck behind a pole while they’re preaching. Maybe you’re looking to build your dream house? The open floor plan your pre-engineered steel building provides will give you the space you need to let your creativity flourish. This is possible because steel buildings don’t incorporate bulky truss and cord systems. Use all of the space in your building, don’t sacrifice the roof space occupied by truss systems.

Easily expandable 

Want to grow in the future? Your steel building can grow with you. If your small business needs to expand, you can do so easily. Expand the end walls, do a side by side expansion, or add a mezzanine system in your building for more space, When you contact your manufacturer, you should mention your desire for possible expansion in the future and they’ll be sure to include a clear spanning moment-resistant frame in your design. The clear spanning moment-resistant frame will allow you to expand your building as you please should you decide your pre-engineered steel building should be larger in the future. In addition, engineers can also help you with the correct building codes and if expansion is possible in your current building.

Resistance to mold and termites

The last thing you want to do in life is spend unnecessary money. Mold and termites can make your costs add up quickly. In fact, the average homeowner will spend about $3,000 to fix a one time termite infestation. That’s a lot of money to come up with on the spot and termites hurt more than just your wallet. If left untreated long enough, your house could collapse. Mold can also weaken a wood building because it feeds off of organic material. Mold releases spores into the air which could irritate your lungs and exasperate any other breathing conditions. The easiest way to combat these two pests? Erect a pre-engineered steel building. Termites can’t hurt steel and mold can’t feed on steel because it’s not an organic material. First time builders want to be sure they’re getting the best value for their money and they may just keep an extra $3,000 in their pockets (or more) by purchasing a pre-engineered steel building.

Energy efficient

If you build your pre-engineered steel building according to LEED standards, you’re going to use 30%-60% less energy according to the U.S. Green Building Council. Less energy use means lower costs for your building in the long run. How do you meet LEED standards? One way is to include green energies systems like solar, geothermal or wind energy. Incorporating insulation, motion sensor lighting and HVAC systems can all reduce your energy usage and costs in your pre-engineered steel building. Just ask your project manager about how you can incorporate LEED standards into your project and watch your savings add up.

Manufacturers make it easy

A steel building manufacturer engineers and fabricates its own steel buildings. How do you know if you are purchasing from a manufacturer or not? Ask them! As a buyer, you deserve to communicate directly with the people fabricating their building. This communication means you get the opportunities to make changes and check on the progress of your building as you go through the process. The same can’t be said if you purchase from a broker. A broker is a third party middleman who takes your building design and shops it to a manufacturer who offers the lowest price. They often give you an “all included” price and pocket the difference after they pick a manufacturer. Once they sell your design, it may be hard to track down just who the manufacturer is and communication may not be an option. Heaven forbid, what happens if your building shows up to your job site with missing or damaged pieces? Do you think you can call the manufacturing facility and get your issues addressed? Nope, because brokers don’t own or operate manufacturing facilities. They might not even have in-house engineering departments. Cut out the middleman and buy directly from the factory.

Different finishing options

WTMA3Steel building technology has improved greatly over the years. No longer does a steel building need to look like a boxy warehouse. You can engineer it to add faux brick finishes, stucco or even wood. If you choose a pre-engineered steel building now, you can design it to look like a traditional house on the outside while reaping all of the benefits on the inside.

Cost

Any new construction has the potential to be a costly venture, but as a first time builder, you want to set a budget and have the opportunity to choose your own costs. There is also the prospect of eliminating certain expensive elements of construction just by making the right choices. For instance, just by choosing to buy from a manufacturer, you save the expense of a middleman. Do you need steel building drawings? You should be able to easily obtain drawings from a steel building supplier by locking in your steel order, instead of hiring an architect in the first place. Don’t me wrong, architects are amazing, but sometimes costs can add up depending on the architect and complexity of the project. Are you thinking about erecting the building yourself? It’s completely doable! These are just some of the expenses you can eliminate when you buy a steel building from a manufacturer. To tie all the elements together, don’t forget the price you’re paying is over the entire life of a structure. Unlike wood buildings, you’ll have your steel building for decades without having to replace chipped panels or warped boards.

It’s time to act if you want to take advantage of industry savings. The end of 2015 and first half of 2016 have seen record low steel prices. That’s great news for a first time builder, but unfortunately, like oil, steel is a volatile commodity and is expected to rise in price. Now is the time for you to build your first pre-engineered steel building at the best price possible. Unfortunately, due to current market conditions, you cannot lock in a steel price. Steel buildings are perfect for first time builders, as well as experienced builders. They’re easy to erect, cost effective and offer endless design options. What are you waiting for? Get started on your pre-engineered steel building project now.