Search Results for: project manager

Search Results for: project manager

Natural disasters are impossible to predict, and we constantly have to deal with the aftermath. The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre estimated that 220,000 people in the U.S. were displaced or removed from their homes due to natural disasters in 2013. It’s a startling fact when you put it in global terms; 22 million people lost their homes due to flooding, hurricanes, drought, and tornados – and the IDMC estimates that’s three times more than war.

How do people protect themselves financially against disasters of this magnitude? One of the most common ways is insurance.

You might wonder as a first time builder, “How do I protect myself and my investments against something so unpredictable?” steel buildingSteel buildings are one of the the best construction materials to stand up to Mother Nature. We’ve discussed the extensive benefits of Armstrong Steel Building systems in our past blogs. Steel buildings are more durable and cost less than traditional construction, offer numerous design options, expand and assemble quickly, and can be engineered to span long distances with no interior support beams. Convinced yet? Well, there are more benefits to consider. But one significant, and lesser-known advantage to steel buildings, that’s usually an afterthought, is the possible savings on insurance.

Insurance companies acknowledge the durability and lifespan of steel buildings and many 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.

Why do people need building insurance? If your building is financed, your lender is going to require it. Most basic insurance policies are in place to protect a building from the elements, fire, flood and even vandalism. Mother Nature, however, has proven herself to be quite powerful on many occasions, and sometimes even destructive.

steel buildingInsurance premiums on pre-engineered steel 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. The less likely a building will need structural repair after a storm hits, the lower insurance rates will be.

Steel buildings are also extremely resistant to fire, and insurance companies also recognize that advantage. According to the Metal Building Manufacturers Association, insurers follow a building rating system for fire resistance. The more fire resistant a building is, the more cost effective it is to insure. To determine a fire insurance rate, a building is first classified according to its construction. Those classifications, which the MBMA says could include variations, range on a scale from class 1-6, depending on the building components, and how they respond to fire. Class 1 buildings are considered the ‘most combustible’ while class 6 buildings fall into the ‘least combustible’ category.

Steel buildings usually fall in the noncombustible category, which is class 3. However, you can work with an Armstrong Steel in-house Project Manager to make the building more fire resistant with internal protection like a sprinkler or fire detection system, and those types of actions could have an effect on your insurance rates, as well.

Insurance premiums and cost savings will vary from one building to the next depending on several factors, like building function and its setting. Make sure to speak with your insurance provider if there are any special or extra circumstances you’ll need to plan around if you live in a potential disaster zone.

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If you’re reading this right now, there’s a good chance you have some questions about the Direct Buy Process, and how to steer yourself through a steel building purchase. It’s our desire to help you with every part of the process, ultimately guiding you to your dream building.

To make it easy on you, we break down the entire procedure. In a recent blog, we talked about what approval drawings are, how you use them, and your role in the approval drawing phase. It’s a great read for people with questions and is a step-by-step process for how to proceed directly after your purchase. If you just pulled the trigger on your new investment, I recommend you start reading about the approval drawing phase first.

Many people want to make changes to their building, and customize it to their specifications. This is where the Direct Buy Process is extremely useful. Buying a building direct isn’t just about taking advantage of the price of the steel, but also to mapping out where you would like the doors and windows to go; whether or not you might want insulation, and having a hand in managing the process and getting what you want.

After you finish marking up your drawings and the revised approval process is completed, you will move to the permit drawing phase. What are permit drawings, you ask? Permit drawings are an engineer’s detailed site plan of your building, submitted to your county for review and permitting, or your bank for financing. These plans are usually required by your local zoning or permitting offices to guarantee a building is structurally sound, and that the building has been engineered to adhere to required codes and regulations.

Direct Buy processHere’s the best part: We provide these drawings for you. All you have to do is take it to your county for the proper permits.

At this time, your area’s local government will review the design, and make sure all the zoning regulations, codes, and building loads are correct. This is a vital step. Building codes exist to ensure the safety of the people using them, and to preserve the building integrity over its lifetime. Armstrong engineers must design each individual building to the unique conditions of each part of the country. For example, a building in Texas won’t have the same snow load capacity as a metal building in Michigan. Each building needs to withstand the elements, and must be engineered to do so properly.

An in-house Project Manager, like me, will work with you in this phase. It’s one of the top features of the Direct Buy process. We realize that many customers are familiar with this step, and don’t need our help. Also, while we’re working on your permit drawings, its time for you to develop idle hands. Don’t make a huge blunder by pouring a foundation or releasing your building for fabrication before you have secured your permits. You might think you’re saving time, but you’re not.

Once your permit drawings are approved, you can sign your fabrication release form. The next set of drawings you will receive are construction drawings, which describe how your building is erected.

Check back later as we continue to break down each step of the Direct Buy Process, or read more about it here!

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The perfect workshop has many uses. It’s the ideal man cave or ‘lady lair.’ For the car enthusiast, it’s extra space to hunker down and put more concentration on alternators, drive shafts and transmissions. For the carpenter, it’s a place to work on wood and other crafts. It’s definitely a place to store your tools, lawn equipment and that plastic jungle gym you keep telling your kids you’ll set up once the weather gets warmer. It can be all of these things, and much more.

Your perfect steel workshop begins with a steel building. It’s durable, costs less than conventional construction, and you can erect it quickly and easily. With the ability to engineer a steel workshop directly to your unique specifications, you can have what you want, exactly the way you want it.

Let’s go beyond steel. How do you plan for the perfect steel workshop? steel workshopWhat goes into the process of starting a project with nothing, and finishing with a masterpiece? A steel workshop requires a lot of the same considerations as a residential or commercial building would. You’ll need to think about your interior and exterior space needs. What will your steel workshop rest on? Preparation is crucial when it comes to pouring your foundation, especially in the winter time.

Start thinking about your own bottom line. We’re talking about budget. Do your research, and find out how much the ‘shell’ of your building will be, and determine your costs. You might want to add doors, windows, and other accessories depending on your building’s function. This is another huge benefit of a steel building. It’s a high quality structure that’s easily assembled and tailored exactly to the user’s desires.

What will you use your workshop for? Make sure you leave yourself enough space to practice your favorite hobby while also storing your tools and equipment. Will you be accommodating cars, motorcycles, bicycles, or heavier farm equipment? Make sure you pick your dimensions according to the gear you already have.

What’s the operative word in ‘workshop?’ Even though you’ll have your fun moments in your steel workshop, you know you’ll be getting some serious work done. Don’t forget about a workbench, cabinets, counters and plumbing. Another important feature of your workshop should be a ventilation system. You’ll be working with wood and sawdust, or around paint fumes. Having the proper ventilation system to circulate the contaminated air is smart and health conscience. Consider installing plumbing and equipping your building with a sink or bathroom and drainage in the event of floor spills for easy clean-up.

One big misconception about steel buildings is that the outside has to be made of steel. steel workshopAny kind of facade or exterior finish can be added to the outside of your workshop, assuming the weight of the finish is accounted for in the design process. Propose a different surface to your project manager if you want a distinct outside finish.

As you continue the planning process to your perfect steel workshop, it’s imperative to think about not only your present needs, but also your future needs. Workshops made from steel framing will last multiple decades, if not longer. You’re most likely to have a steel workshop sit on your property for as long as you own it, so you want to mull over your options. This doesn’t mean you have to outfit your workshop with the best technology now, but design a place for it, if necessary, if you think you might use it in the coming years. You’ll most likely install lighting and electricity to run your tools, but even if you only have battery-powered gizmos now, maybe in the future, you might need a place to plug them in.

You can accomplish all your goals with a pre-engineered steel building. From the basics to the more advanced developments, your perfect steel workshop is waiting to be erected, and finished with tons of possibilities.

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There comes a time in every company’s lifespan when the owners and leaders need to make hard decisions. It happens all over the country everyday, and it even happened to us a few years ago. As our company started to grow and our workforce expanded, it was apparent a new setting was needed to help us move to the next level. Armstrong Steel needed a new facility, one with more offices for project managers, more space for our growing in-house engineering team, and more room for our employees. It was extremely apparent everyone needed to collaborate without literally sitting on top of each other.

Does this sound like your situation? Are you running out of workspace for your employees? Are you in the process of building your fleet of trucks and don’t have a place for them? Maybe you are operating a successful home-based business and you think it’s time to move to a new location. Perhaps you should look into the cost of a metal building.

metal buildingThis isn’t a project you need to rush into quickly. Grow too fast, and your business might not be able to control all the increased costs. But if you grow too slowly, you might miss out of some valuable openings in the marketplace.

First, determine all the reasons why you think a move to a new facility would be beneficial. Accurately assess your facility needs and what you need to do to maximize your effectiveness. Will there be cost advantages to moving to a new facility beyond the money you’ll save by erecting a metal building? What additional costs will you incur? Think about extra equipment costs or financing. How do you plan to pay for your metal building?

How much does the change cost? – Look into getting multiple estimates of how much a move would cost you. If you ditch the rent for building ownership, you won’t have to worry about playing a lease every month. Instead, you gain equity as your own landlord.

Does this mean there are no additional costs other than the building? No. Sadly, change can have costs associated which a new location can’t constrain – collateral changes, for instance – new business cards, letterhead, and signage; advertising, and even the cost of the move, itself. You’re going to need trucks, man hours to move, and set-up time, which could mean lost business. But if you’re smart and plan ahead of time, the losses or expenses you experience will be more than made up for with a renewed vigor, a new energy, and a boost to your momentum.

You’re likely thinking about expansion so you can serve more people. Will this expansion into a metal building expose you to a new customer base, while allowing you to keep your old clientele at the same time? Will you still be able to offer the same quality of service? You’ve built or are still in the progression of building a brand, and you need to be able to provide the same superiority to which your customers are familiar. Here’s a small business story I like to tell about customers. After a consumer leaves your store, hangs up the phone after they speak with you, or closes their web browser after visiting your website, would you say they’re done with you?

Absolutely not!

Your business, or any business for that matter, isn’t an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ operation. The way you interact with consumers, whether it is directly or indirectly, affects how they think of you. An expansion should foster and strengthen the relationships your company has already made and make your business more visible and appear like it’s growing. People tend to buy from businesses they think other people are also buying from.

metal buildingSome of the previous decisions can be made based on the location of your expansion site. Think about the new community. Is it located in a big city, or a small town? Can people get to the new location easily? Are there plenty of able-bodied people willing to join your workforce, and can they travel easily to and from the expansion site? Your new location must be at a strategic location that makes your business profitable, as well as rewarding to your employees.

A new business facility comes with a lot of work but has its fair share of rewards, like the ability to control your costs, expand and serve more customers while increasing your profitability and visibility.

Don’t let the process of expansion scare you! You can complete a successful expansion into a metal building if you allow yourself to make a game plan and analyze all the risks first!

Photo courtesy: Startupstockphotos, AlexanderStein, joergelman

 

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This day and age, all the information you’ll ever need is literally at your fingertips. Fire up your computer, tablet, or smartphone, and punch a few keywords into your favorite search engine. Now you’re sitting in the driver’s seat on the information superhighway, traveling as fast as your fingers can carry you.

That’s really all it takes to do research. So how do you pick what you want? In this particular case, you think you might want a new building on your property. Now you have even more choices. What kind of building do you want? How about you tell us! Which building from the choices below – without knowing, which is which – would you rather have? Will you choose a pole barn, or a steel building? Take our “Construction Taste Test!”

Building A – Is this a steel building or a pole barn?

‘Building A’ is a lightweight structure, and the components used to put the building together are readily available and popular for construction projects in the United States. This building is adequate for small structures, but requires more framing for structures that have longer spans. ‘Building A’ doesn’t come with any structural warranties and comes with several extraneous costs associated with it. It costs more to insure ‘Building A,’ and it costs a significant amount to build and design, ‘Building A’ (and both the building and design processes have separate costs). Plus, ‘Building A’ comes with a high labor cost. Contractors for this building type are expensive, and an architect might be needed if you plan to build your own version of, ‘Building A.’

‘Building A’ is an organic product and can be recycled, but is susceptible to deterioration from moisture, rot, mold, fungi, and all types of insects and termites. Unfortunately, ‘Building A’ is very combustible and doesn’t prevent the spread of fire. ‘Building A,’ works in residential and agricultural ventures, however, could require a lengthy installation period, sometimes covering several months or more. This building type also requires multiple trusses and interior columns to support the structure, rather than utilizing open, usable space. Lastly, ‘Building A,’ isn’t easily expandable. Also, sometimes this building doesn’t require a foundation, and might actually cheapen the land on which it sits.

Building B – Is this a steel building or a pole barn?

‘Building B’ is very durable, and also uses components available and native to the United States. This building can be as small or as big as the user necessitates, with lots of open space and no interior poles for support. In fact, this building can span hundreds of feet and still won’t require interior columns.

‘Building B’ comes with 50-year structural warranties, 40-year paint warranties, and 35-year roof warranties. It has significant cost advantages over, ‘Building A.’ Labor costs are kept in check because anyone is able to erect it, and you can manage the design and engineering process with the help of an in-house project manager. That’s right, this building doesn’t always involve the talents of an architect.

‘Building B’ isn’t an organic product, but it is a, ‘green’ product because the construction components can be recycled. It is immune to rot, cracking and termites. ‘Building B’ is classified as, ‘non-combustible,’ and will not encourage the spread of fire.

‘Building B’ can be erected in days, or weeks. It’s easily expandable and requires little to no maintenance over its lifetime. Finally, ‘Building B,’ appreciates over time, and will most likely increase your land value as well.

How was your blind taste test? At this point, you’ve probably guessed, ‘Building A’ is made of wood, and, ‘Building B,’ is a steel building.

Which building would you rather have?

Photo courtesy: Zepfanman

Search Results for: project manager

What makes some businesses successful, while others are less so? It has nothing to do with these companies wanting to be effective. That can be said about every business. It has everything to do with creating good habits, and turning them into everyday processes that are woven into the very fabric of an organization.

Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, and your values become your destiny.” –Mahatma Gandhi.

Just as Gandhi articulates, a belief can easily become your destiny. This quote can be applied to certain business practices as well. Taking this quote, and making it relevant to your company isn’t a big jump. Steel building providers, like Armstrong Steel, are available to make sure our customers gets exactly what they want, down to nearly every detail. But companies can’t create values without developing some good thoughts and habits first.

Before you go out and make a decision on which steel building provider to buy from, make sure they possess these values and integrate these practices into their business model. These habits are the customary, instinctive practices of the top steel building providers in the industry.

Commitment to Quality

steel buildingThe best quality buildings aren’t built on an assembly line. A commitment to quality means every building is designed by engineers with an obsessive attention to detail and components are fabricated in state-of-the-art facilities. Quality doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a pre-planned, coordinated effort. Quality is a guarantee and promise that a building with a 50-year structural warranty will last, no matter the size or the shape. Steel building providers with superior standards and guidelines are the difference between mistakes and excellence.

Detailing

What is detailing? Detailing is the process of designing each structural piece of steel, ensuring that every piece of primary and secondary framing lines up correctly and all the necessary components come in the correct quantity. The steel building provider should do all the detailing in America, as opposed to overseas, to prevent communication and accuracy errors.

Assistance at Every Step

Choose a steel building provider that makes it a habit to give support at every step of the process. Instead of just telemarketers and a website, look for a company with expert building consultants, in-house engineers and project managers. These specialists will have intimate knowledge of every project, and will continue to provide feedback for first time builders to improve the product and the erection experience.

Logistics Department

Getting a building delivered on time to your job site, of course, is one of the most important steps in the process. The top steel building providers will be able to arrange for delivery, and work through any problems a customer might have.

Fabrication Facility

steel building providerSome successful companies own and operate their own manufacturing facilities. Other companies use multiple fabricators across the country. No matter how the business operates, the focus needs to be on the customer’s schedule. Most important, choose a company that offers the best geographic coverage to cut down on delivery costs, travel time, and other miscellaneous expenses.

No matter what kind of steel structure you plan on building, do your research first. Plan on how much space you’ll need, and then pick out which steel building works best for you. Then, ask your steel building provider what your other options are.

Photo courtesy: Nicola

Search Results for: project manager

What’s the hardest part about being a contractor? I know it’s a tough question, but can you, ‘nail down,’ the answer? From earning new business to erecting the structures themselves, it’s a tough job. But above all else, you do what you do because you love it, and you enjoy seeing your customer happy.

Since that’s the attitude that constantly drives you and gets you up in the morning, your aim should focus on satisfying your customers AND save them money. While money isn’t the most important thing when you submit your request for proposals (RFP) on a project, it’s often going to get the lion’s share of the attention. Each customer is different and has his own set of ‘deal-breakers’ when reviewing those RFPs, but lots of people don’t realize that they could be making a mistake that costs them hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars.

Get the facts straight. In the bidding process, don’t make a mistake and forget to include a pre-engineered metal building in the proposal to your customers.

Pre-engineered metal buildings offer cost savings at nearly every stage in its lifecycle. Steel structures just cost less than traditional construction. In the erection process, the framing goes up very quickly, and therefore construction delays are minimized. No waiting on parts to be built. Since the building can be erected with ease, there aren’t any surprise cost increases associated with steel buildings. The parts fit together, and the pre-punched holes line up perfectly the first time.

steel buildingBecause steel buildings are designed in-house at Armstrong Steel, there isn’t any leftover waste on the job site. All the members and components are specifically engineered so every piece fits together, and the erector only receives what they need. With wood built structures, at the beginning of construction, a massive amount of lumber is delivered to the property. Then wood trusses and framing can be constructed at each location, and the wood is potentially left unused after field fabrication. The customer still has to pay for that lost lumber.

Further in the design process, the cost savings is evident. Tell your customers how they won’t need an architect to design the building. An Armstrong Steel project manager is available at no extra charge to the customer, along with a whole team of engineers who work directly with every project and will be familiar with any changes or additions are made in the approval process. Really, that’s the beauty of working with one provider.

Now the savings are really starting to stack up for the consumer. Add energy efficiency to the list. Pre-engineered metal buildings can be insulated far better than wood frame steel buildings. That, in turn, leads to a building becoming more energy efficient and leads to added savings on heating and cooling costs. On top of that, there might be energy efficiency standards that customers are legally required to follow.

DSC_0004After the cost savings compared to conventional construction, the amount of money saved on design, engineering, and in the actual erection process, there is still another fact to consider. Steel buildings that require permits and some kind of a foundation generally appreciate with time. Other methods of construction have the potential to depreciate, as they get older and weaken. A building is supposed to be an asset, not a liability!

If your customer chooses a stick-built pole barn or brick and mortar structure, they could be making a thousand dollar mistake. Convince them a pre-engineered building is the right way to go. They’ll save more hard-earned money and you’ll reap the benefits of erecting the building. It’s a clear win/win for all parties involved.

Photo courtesy: Steven Depolo

 

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Whether you’re looking for a new sturdy barn for your farm, a place to park your classic cars and trucks, or a space to work on your hobbies and pet projects, a steel building is the complete solution to your desires. As with any purchase, you’re looking to get the most for your money. Since steel building prices are volatile, sometimes it’s tough to know how to save money. Most people see the word, ‘volatile,’ and automatically think, ‘scary,’ or intimidating. But there’s nothing intimidating about building with steel. In fact, just by making the choice to buy a steel building instead of other traditional construction methods, you’ve already saved yourself a sizable chunk of cash. That’s the first step to getting a great price on your next building. Read on for more tips on how to score a deal on a steel building.

Know What You Want

When you talk to a steel building expert, if you have a good idea of what you want, they can assess your situation better. What is your schedule? What can you afford? How many square feet do you need? Having an answer to some of these questions can get your plan in front of an in-house project manager sooner. Then the project manager will be able to concentrate on your individual project, and apply as many cost saving measures as they can in the design process.

Buy Direct

Up until recently, direct pricing on steel buildings was only accessible to the nation’s largest contractors. That’s not the case anymore. With the Direct Buy process, you can qualify for special pricing if you have your financing in place, your job site is ready, and you’re prepared to pay a small engineering fee to secure your steel price. Sometimes, only one of the conditions needs to be met in order to qualify. Talk to your building expert for more information on exclusive pricing in your specific scenario, or if any short-term pricing options are available.

K.I.S.S.

You know the old acronym ‘Keep It Simple, Stupid?’ Well, since I don’t think you’re stupid, I want to put a new spin on this old acronym. For steel building purposes, you need to, “Keep It Structurally Simple.” steel buildingYou can add all sorts of bells and whistles to a steel building, but understand that’s going to drive up the price. If a building is structurally simple, there even might be discounts available.

Also, the bigger you go, the more steel is needed to shore up the building. What kind of room do you have on your property? Did you know a building’s location could greatly affect its price? If you live on the coast, for instance, there will be specific codes and wind loads with which the building will need to adhere. If more steel is needed in the engineering process, then obviously the price will increase. Conventional wisdom would say, ‘the thicker the steel, the stronger it is.’ That’s just not true. Remember, when it comes to steel, the thicker it is, the more it will weigh, and the more expensive it will be.

In-house Engineering Department

Another way to guarantee a deal on your steel building is to find a provider with an in-house engineering department. Don’t deal with a company that has an overseas engineering department! Communication is key in the process of planning and designing your steel building. Instead of emailing and calling detailers across the pond, you want the ability to have all the employees connect with each other in person and collectively work on your project together. Communication errors lead to problems, problems lead to delays, and delays lead to money out of your pocket. Another benefit of an in-house engineering department: you have the ability to call the company, and work with someone who has intimate knowledge of your project. If you have a question, at any stage, you know your question can be answered quickly and effectively.

Use this tips to score a great price on your next steel building!

Photo courtesy: 401(K) 2012

 

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I guess you could say it was a ritual of sorts. Every time I drove in and out of the town I used to live in, I’d have to pass by an old sign shop, right off the highway. I’m sure you’ve seen these little shops around your town. They’re everywhere throughout the country. This particular little wood shop wasn’t any different than the others, I imagine. It must have specialized in some really cool designs and logos for hot rods, businesses, and trucks. I never went into the shop, but I always recognized it every time I passed by it. Sometimes at night, you could make out the glow from the shop’s several neon signs in the distance, growing brighter in your windshield on approach, almost as if it were the unofficial ‘welcome sign’ to the town entrance.

A few months ago, I got the opportunity to head back to my little hometown. I jumped in the car, and made the hundred-mile trek back to pay a visit to my extended family. As I got closer to my destination, I felt an odd sensation. The landmark I always saw – the little sign shop – was a shell of its former self. I hardly recognized it. Run down and decaying, it barely looked like it should be standing. Honestly, saying the building was ‘standing’ is a very generous statement.

I later found out the owner was practically forced to relocate if he wanted to keep his business alive. I don’t think this situation should have to happen to anyone. In all actuality, it doesn’t have to happen at all.

If steel prices are low, it might be a good time to relocate your business now. Think about it – you want your business to last just as long as you do, and with the structural warranties steel building providers offer, they will. In fact, one of the defining features of a steel building is it doesn’t require much maintenance. Focus on running your small business, not worrying how many years you can still get out of your current construction.

06Do your research when you plan for your new building. You’ll want an extremely durable structure, something that has long been used in commercial and residential construction projects. Steel structures aren’t vulnerable to rot, decay, or termites. Since it’s not an organic product, it won’t entice any type of pest. These pests can be a huge detriment to wood buildings. And unlike wood framed structures, steel won’t warp or split with age.

In what part of the country do you live? Do you live in a disaster zone, or an area that has extreme weather? Because of precise engineering, steel buildings have the ability to resist most of what Mother Nature throws at them. No matter what type of business you decide to run inside your steel building, it’ll be protected. During the engineering process, engineers look at snow, wind, and seismic loads, and plan for each building to withstand the forces of nature.

Maybe our story struck a chord with you. If you’re the owner of a business, much like the sign shop I told you about earlier, there’s still hope. There are a ton of benefits to relocating on your terms, instead of waiting on your current structure to collapse and force an unwanted move.

What kind of business do you run? Do you own a sign shop, auto repair shop, or tint store? Or do you rent your building? Maybe it’s time to relocate. Choose a steel building provider that lets you work with a project manager in the design phase, pick out your add-ons and accessories, and tailor the building to your exact provisions. Will you need multiple man doors, or how about several overhead doors to keep a steady stream of vehicles coming in and out of your business? Make sure you have plenty of uninterrupted space with room to make repairs, or navigate around other employees. Will you have need of extra office space, as well as room to work?

I know you might not want to, ‘upset the applecart.’ I understand relocating can be a huge hassle, something of which you don’t willingly choose to do often. Now that you have a choice in the matter, choose to move and pick a structure can be erected in days, or even weeks. Since a steel building costs less than conventional construction, you’ll be able to pour your extra profits into your business, and concentrate on hiring more employees and making more of your product or expanding your services.

Don’t be like the sign shop owner, and be forced to relocate before it’s too late.

Photo courtesy: Matt

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When you plan for your steel building, you’ll want to think about insulation. The first question you need to ask yourself: Do I even need it? For residential structures or garages and workshops, usually people spring for some kind of insulation. When it comes to commercial or agricultural buildings, it might not be necessary depending what you are storing or housing.

While steel structures are some of most durable, cost-effective and flexible building solutions on the market, they’re also susceptible to moisture. That’s why I suggest using some kind of insulation, regardless of your building type, to create some kind of moisture blocking system in your building. Plus, you want your building to stay warm in the winter, and cool in the summer, right? Insulation will go a long way to making that happen, and provide a cozy atmosphere all year round. Coupled with the right kind of ventilation, insulation can help defend your steel building against the elements.

How can insulation protect my steel building?

Insulation provides a vapor barrier for your steel building. Not only that, but since steel conducts heat, a building made of steel will transfer heat energy in and out of it. This may cause condensation to occur inside a steel building when there is a considerable temperature difference outside the building. Insulation delivers a material and vapor barrier, protecting the inside of your building – and most importantly – and all the equipment inside it. Insulation also prevents the buildup of condensation, which could eventually lead to rust or mold growth. Work with your project manager to protect your investment by determining the best type of insulation for your building.

What kind of insulation is best for my steel building?

There are quite a few options of insulation to pick for your structure. Your choice depends on your building type, budget, and unique specifications. You want your insulation to have a good R-Value. R-Value is a measurement of the effectiveness of an insulator to retain or impede the loss of heat flow. Think of R-Value like this: the higher the number, the better it will insulate. Pick your R-Value based on your steel building location and climate conditions. As I stated before, good steel building insulation also reduces condensation, installs easily, and reduces the effect of humidity on the insulation. Some of the best insulation is recognized for its energy saving features, or endorsed by Energy Star.

Types of insulation for a steel building

5147816806_2c94f1ca57_mBlanket insulation – This is most common and widely available type of insulation, and it comes in rolls or ‘batts.’ It is made up of flexible fibers, most commonly fiberglass. There are also batts and rolls made from minerals, like rock and slag, wool, plastic fibers, and natural fibers, like wool and cotton. It’s usually the cheapest insulation option, but many people use it to protect their building against condensation. Most people who own a steel building use blanket insulation for its ability to be easily replaced if necessary.

Loose Fill – This type of insulation consists of small particles of fiber, foam, or other materials. These small particles form an insulation material that can take the shape of any space without disturbing frames or finishes. Its ability to fit in every nook and cranny makes it appropriate for locations where it would be difficult to install other types of insulation. Loose-fill insulation is generally made from fiberglass or cellulose, and is relatively also inexpensive.

sprayfoamSpray Foam – Spray foam insulation is often times the most expensive options for steel buildings, and sometimes used with different interiors. The liquid foaming agent is sprayed, and expands to fill into any space or cavity, forming an air barrier. Some installations of spray foam insulation can have twice the R-Value per inch or traditional blanket insulation.

Rigid Board – Rigid board insulation consists of either fiberglass or mineral wool and is generally used to insulate air ducts in buildings. This type of insulation is also used because of its ability to withstand high temperatures. It’s one of the easiest types of insulation to install, and is typically made from polyurethane or fiberglass. This insulation type can be cut to a desired thickness, and possibly increasing its R-Value if doubled up. One drawback of rigid board insulation is that some types do not provide an adequate vapor barrier.

Which type will you pick for your steel building? When you work with a project manager and determine your steel building accessories, you can determine which insulation works best for your location, your plan and your budget.

Photo courtesy: Anne Swoboda, Dunktanktechnician

 

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If you have questions about steel buildings, then you’ve come to the right place! I’m always eager to help the first time builder learn the benefits of building with steel. Let’s get right to it! Here are detailed answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

What should I do before I buy my steel building?

So you need more space and you have a good idea of what you’re going to be using, right? The next step is to call your county building and zoning office. You’ll want to check for things like variances, setbacks and floodplains. There are also load requirements you must follow. Check with your homeowners association as well to get specific colors and sizes that adhere to your neighborhood’s covenants if applicable. Have an idea of details like your budget, dimensions, timeline and land conditions. Once you’ve secured your steel price, your project manager will give you an idea of what kinds of questions to ask and what resources you will need to get those additional questions answered.

Aren’t all steel buildings the same?

Barn-17All steel buildings are not the same; in fact, some steel buildings are designed to be as cheap as possible in an effort to increase profit. Some suppliers use inferior paint and coating systems or require the erector to attach each clip by hand. Other companies use zinc fasteners and some even use 29-gauge wall and roof panels with little or no warranty. That’s not what you want! The BEST steel building providers fabricate buildings that come with structural and paint warranties. Keep in mind, those same great steel building providers will use top of the line materials and coatings, like pre-galvanized secondary framing and rust proof long-life fasteners. The steel building you want will come factory welded so you don’t have to spend any time welding in the field.

Should I shop based on price alone?

Absolutely not. For many people, buying a steel building is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. With a decision this important, it’s imperative you know what you’re buying. There are plenty of ways to save money when constructing a steel building, but sacrificing quality design and attention to detail isn’t one of them. These factors contribute to the ease of assembly; on-site delays can get expensive quick. The cheapest building might sound like a deal, when it’s quite the opposite. Those on-site costs outweigh your savings when you’re forced to hire a welder, custom fabricate missing parts, or worse yet, be stuck waiting months for replacement parts.

How strong is the steel used in my steel building?

When it comes to steel, thicker doesn’t necessarily mean stronger. Steel strength is a combination of thickness (gauge), hardness (strength), rib height and spacing. On top of that, you want your building to ‘bend’ slightly, not be immobile. This is called ‘deflection;’ an engineering term meaning the degree to which a panel is displaced under a load. Ideal panels are 26-gauge, full-hard, high-yield strength panels with close rib spacing. Basically, what you want are panels that provide the greatest structural integrity.

How do I design my steel building? Will I need an architect?

for-constructionNot always. In fact, structural engineers at steel building suppliers design most of the steel buildings you see today. For simple buildings, a project manager will be able to help you with all of the required elevations and drawings of your new building. Project Managers are experienced in helping customers like you plan your building from the ground up. You’ll find that most of your needs can be met by a structural engineer or a designer. Architects are usually only needed for designs like multi-level office building or structures with complex interior designs. Architects are rarely concerned about cost and even simple designs can be expensive. Prepare to shell out for ‘custom designed’ buildings from an architect. 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.

How difficult will it be to erect my building?

Most people with a basic knowledge of construction are able to assemble pre-engineered steel buildings easily. We do recommend a professional erector for projects that have a clear span width of 80 feet or more. Good steel building providers will provide easy to understand construction drawings, with each part numbered and labeled clearly on your plans. In addition, there are rarely special tools that you’ll need to get your job done. The erection of most buildings simply requires the tools you’ll find in a standard tool kit. The truth is you don’t need to be a construction expert to build a steel building! You just need to be able to read and follow straightforward instructions.

Have more questions about steel buildings? Head over to our FAQ section, or contact a building expert today.