Search Results for: project manager

Search Results for: project manager

One of the biggest reasons I love my job is because I get to talk to different people, from all backgrounds and walks of life everyday. It doesn’t matter if you’re a first time builder, do-it-yourselfer, or experienced builder, I take every project seriously. That’s exactly what a Project Manager does. But not all project management is created equal.

pre-engineered metal buildingWhen you decide to buy a building of any kind, you’re going to be given a choice. You can plan, budget, and erect the building yourself with little to no help at all, or you can take advantage of the assistance a supplier gives to you. As with some companies, that support comes at a certain price. Others, like Armstrong Steel, include trained Project Managers at no extra cost to the buyer. There isn’t a wrong way to go when it comes to managing your project. Some people like to have a contractor take care of everything from start to finish. Others like to control every little part of their project by using the Direct Buy process, where they investigate discounts and pick their own accessories, colors and finishes. Some folks, who know exactly what they want, but don’t have the time to handle their circumstances at all, have a retail option as well.

Now that you’ve made your purchase and locked in your steel order, your project management experience begins. Your file moves to our engineering department, where our in-house designers get to work on the specifics of your structure. I know you’re excited, but have a little patience right now! Our engineers keep your location and different loads and codes in mind at this part of the process, and you want them to do it right. It’s the reason you bought a pre-engineered metal building in the first place!

After the first round of drafting is finished, I’ll contact you, and we’ll walk through the process together. This is your opportunity to ask me questions as we go over your approval drawings. Think of approval drawings as the ‘rough draft’ to your building. These are structurally sound blueprints with the dimensions you ordered. Now, because none of us are perfect (that I know of), if you want to make any changes, you can do so in the revised approval stage. I want to caution you, don’t sign your approval drawings right when they arrive in your mailbox or email inbox. If you do, the building could be fabricated in our manufacturing facility as it appears on the drawings. I don’t want to scare you, but I’d rather have you know now, than be surprised later.

pre-engineered metal buildingThere is an art to being a Project Manager. In any endeavor in your life, especially one that you will spend a substantial amount of money, wouldn’t you like to have a safety net? You obviously can’t go through life with someone directing you at every turn, giving you best odds on each decision you make. But, if you could have some kind of assistance, wouldn’t you think that would be in your best interest?

Ok, back to our plan. Yes, I said “our.” No longer is this just your pre-engineered metal building project. We’ve entered into this together, and I’m going to help you see your way through it until the very end. You’ll see the phrase, ‘from conception to completion,’ a lot on the Armstrong Steel Network.  Once you have and agreed to final revised approval drawings, we’ll move on to the permit phase. These are drawings that Armstrong Steel provides, and are submitted to your county for review and permitting. Keep in mind; you’ll want to add this part to your budget planning. There are usually certain taxes, from your city or municipality you must pay to receive your steel building permits.

Once that step is complete, we’ll go over your plans one more time and review your project. Did you choose your colors? Are you happy with everything? Sign your fabrication release form, and let’s turn a set of engineered drawings into a real building!

After you complete all these steps, you’ll plan to take delivery of your building.  Our freight and logistics department will provide you with information to help you plan your shipping and prepare your job site. If you would rather not erect the building yourself, you can investigate a partnership with a local builder of your choosing.

Once the building is delivered, you can erect your building whenever is convenient for you. Pre-engineered metal buildings are designed so the rigid frames and parts fit together seamlessly. Again, that’s why we spend so much time in the engineering process. The engineers understand your time is valuable, and you want your building to go up just like an Erector set. At this point, we’re finished! However, you can still feel free to contact me if you have any issues with the erection process, or any part of the project.

pre-engineered metal buildingWhen it comes to managing your pre-engineered metal building project, you can be as involved as you want to be. Rest assured, I’m going to be there through every step of our project together.

Yes, it’s still ‘ours’. While you’ll exclusively use the building, I’m still your safety net. And I couldn’t be happier in that role.

 

Search Results for: project manager

The greatest reward of embarking on first time building project is the idea that you are able to do the bulk of the work, from concept to completion, on your own. This is especially true of the building and construction phase of the project. Few things are more satisfying than hammering in every nail, bolting every joint, and applying every fixture with some elbow grease and blind ambition. There are times, though, when you will need the services of a professional builder and choosing the right one will, literally, make or break your project. Beginning with cost of construction as your primary goal is starting at the end, however.

You need to decide first of all, how committed are you to doing the work. There are going to be challenges in any building project. Ask yourself some questions. Do you have a simple building project, less than 5000 square feet, can read simple instructions; are you confident you could construct a backyard shed you purchase at a hardware store; do you want to invest the time, patience, and willingness to learn new skills?

If you answered ‘no’ to any or all of these questions then you will likely need the services of a professional builder or contractor. This is not a failure, it does not mean that you have abdicated the right to call your building project your own. It means that you have taken an honest assessment of your skills, time, budget, and physical capabilities and you have decided that a builder will be needed.

To put it another way, there are times when you can and want to change your own spark plugs and oil, and there are times when you might want to take your car in to a quick lube shop and have it done for you. It doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your car, it simply means that you understand that someone with more skills will improve the car’s performance. This is the same with construction.

Your project manager will help you determine how much contracted construction you will need. You may need a contractor to lay the foundation or erect the frame but you can tackle the drywall or siding. There is no reason to pay for work which you can do yourself.

The next concern in builder choice is one of the most important – but one most first time builders don’t even consider. Proximity! If the builder is several hours away you can expect to pay for travel time and lodging the crew. If adjustments or final touches need to be completed post completion, a roof panel needs to be refastened or a door needs to be realigned, good luck getting that builder who drove eight hours to reach you initially to return within your budget or timeline.

Let us also talk about reputation, which is as important in the building industry as knowing how to handle a hammer. You are hiring someone to build a structure for you – this isn’t a birdhouse or a barbeque pit – this is a building, which people will enter, where you will store valuables, a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. You must do your homework. Check with the Better Business Bureau, ask for references, review websites such as angieslist.com, read reviews on yelp.com. Ask about a mechanics lien. In some states, anyone who supplied materials to your contractor can put a lien on your property if the contractor does not pay them. Does your contractor have any current liens on them? If so, it’s almost a certainty that your project is paying off the lien from the previous project, which means your supplier might not be paid right away.

Go with your gut. If you are uncomfortable with this person around your home or property, do not hire them. Find a contractor who specializes in the type of structure you are building. Put everything in writing ahead of time. Ask who will be doing the actual work and decide if you are comfortable with the division of labor. Give clear instructions on how your builder is to behave on your property, where they may use the restroom for example or store waste containers. Ask for a complete detail of what is expected of you, if you have to prepare an area, remove a fence and how much work space the contractor will need.

Finally, last but certainly not least, it boils down to cost. If you are going with a pre-engineered building or steel structure, it is imperative that you lock in your steel order ahead of time. You will also need your drawings in hand so your builder can give you an accurate quote.

I recommend you get several different quotes. If there are huge discrepancies in price, investigate why this is so. Perhaps the less expensive builder is cutting corners. It is possible the more expensive builder is including building options you do not need. Your project manager will help you when you get to this point. You always have the power to leverage your project into a lower cost, negotiate. In my experience, the terms are always flexible. In construction like most service industries, you get what you pay for, but paying a high price for options which are unnecessary is foolish. One thing I would like to stress here is that there are times, many times, when the more expensive builder is a better builder.

 

Ultimately it is your responsibility to find the right builder, not your project manager’s. This does not mean you are in this alone. Run all your information by the project manager and decide, as a team, what is the best choice. The right research will ensure you achieve the right results.

 

Please share this blog with other first time builders. If you have done the prep work on finding a builder, what are some of the questions you asked which helped you make your choice? Discover other First Time Builder resources at Armstrong Steel Buildings.

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As a contractor, one of the keys to success is diversifying your project line-up. This is important in every business, but the benefits to a construction and contracting company means that you’re able to bid on jobs you might not have considered during the slow season. Have you considered steel buildings?

Project diversity provides greater long-term security because of your ability to easily shift from one type of project to another in the event your core consumer segment is adversely affected by the economy.

Remodels and home improvement projects will only carry you for so long – the same can be said when you focus on rebuilds or small private projects.

One business segment you might overlook because you perceive it to be ripe with chaos and red-tape is government grant or government allocated projects. You might think these projects are only awarded to larger outfits, with more experience, and the corporate infrastructure to handle the process.

Not so, says Leah Mowery, Project Manager at Mowery Construction and Remodeling in Akron, Ohio. “We’ve been in business for 15 years, and in recent years, politicians have been very aggressive about getting small companies like ours on to the playing field,” says Mowery.

Indeed, according to a March 4, 2014 Washington Post article, the government’s newest budget calls for significant new spending in transportation and construction – including a $300 million line item specifically ear marked for new housing for the homeless. This is good news for contractors who, if prepared, will be able to bid on small to medium sized projects, leaving the bigger government projects to their larger brethren.

“We work primarily with the HISA grant which is awarded from the Veteran’s Administration. The kind of work we do is bringing homes for veteran’s up to ADA (American’s with Disabilities Act) regulations – building ramps, remodeling kitchens, projects like that,” says Mowery.

We’ve already explained that commercial construction is set to rise in 2014, but the government’s FY 2014 construction budget also includes over $1.2 billion in General Services construction and an additional $1.057 billion in Veteran’s Affairs spending. The two construction segments currently award over 8000 construction project grants and about 70% of those grant awards are less than $100K.

This is, of course, more good news for contractors. While larger contractors will likely bid on projects that will pay-out larger margins and justify increased operational re-location spending, the vacuum created in local areas will need to be filled by smaller construction and contracting companies.

There are some things that contractors need to be made aware prior to jumping into the government arena. While the bulk of Mowery’s business now comes from government grants, it was not an immediate transition from private to public projects. “It is a long process to get ramped up, a lot of paperwork and waiting and then more paperwork, contractors should be aware of what’s involved,” warns Mowery.

1. Register with Dun & Bradstreet.

The first thing contractors need to do before they are even considered for a government project is register for a Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) D-U-N-S number. This is a unique nine digit identification number assigned to each physical location of your business. The registration is free and may be done online. The good news – actually the great news – especially in the world of government bureaucracy is your number can be assigned in about 24 hours. Visit D&B’s D-U-N-S Request Service for US Federal Government Contractors and Grantees to begin the process.

2. Register for a SAM number.

Next, you’ll need a SAM number (System for Award Management). This number is also free to obtain and registration may be done online here. By registering with this site, you can consider yourself officially recognized by Uncle Sam. You will also have access to a complete database for open projects in your business area.

3. Have working capital!

“One thing most people don’t realize about the process is that the government will not pay a deposit, so you need to be able to front the materials and labor costs until you are able to receive a ‘draw’ from the grant,” cautions Mowery. Cash flow is critical to contractors! For more tips, check out Cash Flow Strategy For Contractors.

4. Be prepared to operate on government dictated timelines.

Once your bid is accepted by the government, which can take up to a year and a half or more, the grant money is placed in an escrow account. At certain stages of the project, assuming you have met deadlines and passed inspections (and there are many), you will be able to collect on some of the money to cover expenses. The periods and stages you may draw vary per project, so you need to understand the government’s timelines.

5. Ready for Referrals?

Uncle Sam is a pretty decent customer. It’s not uncommon for the awarding agency to offer referrals to your business if it feels that you have met your obligations and have done a good job.

6. Don’t get discouraged!

If you’re not a woman/minority owned contracting company, that’s OK. Although special consideration for certain grants is based on gender or minority designation, according to Mowery, the vast majority of projects are awarded based on the quality of your work. “If you’re on top of your project, and you follow the government’s guidelines, you will get more projects awarded to you,” she says.

And while government projects do require an increased level of accountability – plans need to be approved ahead of time; diversions or unplanned expenses are occasionally not covered without approval; and photographs of completed projects need to be submitted prior to payment – the most comforting part of the process comes when it is time to receive payment. The Feds are excellent at paying per terms, and contractors are often paid in full in 10-14 days upon project completion, according to Mowery.

But as a small business, even in government work, the pay-off isn’t necessarily the payment guarantee or the fact that the government is a notoriously big spender, the pay-off comes in other ways, in things which are less tangible. It comes from being part of national building projects, contributing to the fabric of America, completing showcase projects for attracting new customers, and even providing  your skills and talents to the beneficiaries of the construction grant projects.

“We do projects for Veterans, people who have sacrificed their bodies for our country. These aren’t just jobs to us; these Veterans become our friends, they are our neighbors. It’s a labor of love. When you approach it that way, you gain a lot in the process,” she says.

As a contractor, would you or have you considered bidding on government projects? Have you considered expanding into the arena of steel buildings? Do you think these government projects are worth the time? Can you offer additional insight into the grant award process? Let’s talk about it!

Search Results for: project manager

A Steel Building – the name alone sometimes sends the wrong message about the aesthetic possibilities. Some people envision a boxy warehouse. Some people might think of a rounded military-bunker, Quonset hut or a shed like structure. Sure, these are steel buildings, but are they your only options?  

Absolutely not!

Creative engineering has given rise to steel buildings which are nearly identical in shape to traditional architect planned buildings. They remain considerably less expensive and easier to erect.

But the shape of your first time building project isn’t where the process stops in terms of aesthetics. One critical component to consider in any steel building project is the ‘finish.’

Steel buildings from Armstrong Steel, for instance, are available in 20 different colors for walls and trim – standard. Choosing the appropriate color for exterior walls is the first step in finishing a building. While a standard colored exterior is adequate for a barn or a workshop, if you are erecting a Church, a home, or something that you want people to feel comfortable in, creative finishing is like the frosting on the cake.

There are some common exterior finishes – such as wood siding or stucco – but in terms of creativity, you have a wide spectrum of other options, and some are remarkably inexpensive.

If cost is an issue, consider the option of multi-colored panels. With this method of finish, you choose a creative design pattern which is ‘finished’ by the time your last panel is placed. Alternating colors, for instance, provide a striking exterior to your steel building.

Armstrong Steel Building Finishing Option 1
Multi-Colored Panel Example

Some first time builders choose wainscoting. This is another inexpensive option. Wainscot is a design element which provides for side panels of one color ascending the wall to about the half-way point where it meets with a contrasting upper wall color or texture. Think of a Shaker style dining room with wooden panels on the bottom portion of the wall and painted walls above.  The same concept can easily be applied to the exterior of your steel building.

Armstrong Steel Finishing Option Wainscot
Steel Building Wainscot Example

Another misconception about a steel building is that the walls must be steel. In fact, with a steel frame and communication with your project manager, the steel building might only need to be framed with steel while the exterior walls might be constructed of brick and mortar. With this method, you’re able to erect the frame with the steel building kit in a short amount of time, allowing you extra time and budget for the cost of brick. The steel can be engineered to provide greater durability and flexibility than a wood frame – at a fraction of that cost.

Exterior columns and facades might adopt an elegant look if you consider stone wall sides or even tile.

And while your options are pretty numerous, it is critical that you decide on how you want the steel building to be finished ahead of time. A steel building is engineered to bend slightly in the elements. This is called deflection. Reducing deflection increases cost, but it is necessary because if you choose to add a faux finish – stucco or drywall or brick for instance – and the building bends – even slightly – in the wind or cold weather, you’re going to end up with cracks and other unsightly failures in the finish.

No one wants that.

Interior finishes also need to be considered. Are you planning to include drywall? A sprinkler system? A drop ceiling? Are you going to want an HVAC system? Each of these systems weighs something and the frame of the steel building needs to be engineered to support this added weight.

The beauty of a pre-engineered metal building is that is can be adapted to support tremendous loads for little money. But I caution you, if you don’t plan ahead of time, you’re in for difficulty during a retrofit.

Even though you’re a first time builder, the good news is that you can probably apply most of your finishing options yourself. Of course, multi colored panels are a no-brainer. Even side paneling and faux brick walls can be easily erected by just about anyone with the skill set to erect the frame.

I have seen construction novices erect drywall with a quick online education and some steadfast determination. Taping, painting, and texturing walls are so simple that they hardly deserve a mention.

Some finishes, however, like a true brick wall, tile, or stucco, might require at least the assistance of a professional.

You need to consider a few things when it comes to finishes.

  1. Decide before your building is detailed what you want it to look like. What is it going to be used for now and how will it be used in the future. Planning is not only your best option, it is your only option.
  2. You do yourself a grave disservice if you don’t research your finishing options. You want your steel building to be aesthetically pleasing for its lifetime. Researching and spending a little time and money will provide you long-term satisfaction each time you look at the steel building.
  3. Cost is a consideration – not only in the cost of the finishing materials, but also in the structural materials – increased loads and more rigid deflection ratio – will increase cost.
  4. Consult with your homeowners association or county building zoning department for regulations in terms of color and acceptable finishes.
  5. Although an engineer can design and detail the interior and exterior finish, you may need an architect to put the finishing touches on an architectural drawing. Some counties, or residential  and commercial associations require architectural drawings for approval. As you learned in Architects – When to Draw the Line on Drawing the Line, when it comes to steel buildings, you should consult an architect after you have a detailed engineering drawing. This will save you time and money, believe me on that.
  6. Steel buildings are easy to erect, last a lifetime, but are not particularly easy to retro-fit or remodel. The structure is engineered for a specific use and design. Changing the design or look of the structure once the building has been erected is not easy.
  7.  Most finishes can be done by you, the first time builder, however, it is important you understand the process for your particular finish ahead of time and be real about your skill level. You might not be able to complete the finish on your own, but with some education, you just might.

As a first time builder, a steel building is a completely doable project. It’s very affordable. It can be erected with simple tools in a short time. Skimping on the aesthetic options is a mistake and unnecessary. Steel buildings can be engineered and designed to accommodate the types of finishes that will make you sure you made the right decision, each time you look at your completed project.

To learn more about steel buildings, check out the Complete Guide to Steel Buildings.

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Every day I get calls from customers who are excited to take the next step in the steel building process. It’s a lot of fun to focus my attention on each venture, ultimately helping each individual person see their dreams become a reality. In fact, the true beauty of Armstrong Steel metal building kits is exemplified by their versatility and flexibility.

Because of that, you have a ton of options when it comes to your steel building project. Now, a pre-engineered metal building has its limits, but can serve almost any purpose on your property. Everyday, we hear from folks coming up with new ideas and ways to build fantasy workshops, garages, barns, sports arenas, or gymnasiums.

But some people don’t know where to begin. They know they want a steel building, but don’t know how to maximize its use. That’s where a Project Manager’s expertise is most useful. There are a lot of trends in the industry that people might not know about, but can apply to their steel building.

Residential

Did you know a pre-engineered building is a great permanent residence? Many of our current and past customers have used their steel building as a living solution. It’s becoming more and more popular, and definitely worth a mention. So often, pre-engineered metal buildings aren’t thought of as personal or family domiciles. Builders take advantage of many significant benefits of building with steel over traditional wood frame or brick and mortar construction for their homes. Steel buildings offer stronger frame construction and have an aversion to pests, mold, and rot. With people intent on improving the environment, builders turn to steel because it’s considered a ‘green’ product. It can be recycled and used to create more steel at the end of its life cycle, which can be upwards of 60 years or more.

Agricultural Buildings

Drive down any county highway or dirt road, and you’ll most likely run into an old wooden barn that just plain fell apart. Farming communities and families are getting wise about building with wood, and making the smart transition to steel buildings. It’s been aBarn-19 growing trend for the past several years. Clear Span framing allows for easy storage of combines and tractors with no wasted space on the inside. You can’t afford to have your brand new harvester out in the open, or exposed to the elements in a wooden, decaying barn. Pre-engineered metal buildings are the perfect structure for animal shelters and feed storage as well. Several equestrian groups use pre-engineered steel buildings for horseback riding arenas; and commercial farmers might build hangars for small crop dusting aircraft.

“Barndominiums”

While it may sound like I made up this word, a Barndominium is a great solution for people who can’t decide between a residential and agricultural steel building. Trying to pick between a barn and a condominium? Two structures have the potential to be expensive, so why not use our in-house engineering and design department to really get what you want? One of our customers in Texas decided she wanted storage and livestock space with comfortable living quarters, and Armstrong Steel designed and delivered a unique Barndominium. She’s not the only person with a prepared vision. Barndominiums are popping up all over the country and are popular among those who want options without the hassle of doing everything twice.

Solar Power

In another effort to ‘go green,’ more and more people are turning to alternative energy. Solar panels and shingles are available to harness the power of the sun and turn it into sustainable energy for your pre-engineered steel building. During the design phase of your project, ask your project manager if you intend on adding solar panels or solar air and water heating systems. These systems will impact the weight and design of your building, so the engineers need to know this information as they are drawing up the plans to your pre-engineered metal building.

While these have been the most popular designs and trends among recent customers, there are many more types of steel buildings from which to choose. Check out our gallery to see which category is right for you, and then give a steel building expert a call!

 Photo courtesy: Jeremy Levine Design, Keoni Cabral

Search Results for: project manager

Something pretty neat happens in the next month. The weather gets nicer as we turn the corner from winter to spring, and people start to emerge from their houses, subdivisions, farms and properties with renewed excitement. It’s the time to head out to your kids’ ball games, time to dust off your old running shoes, time to plant some vegetables. It could also be time to get your steel building project underway.

Wintertime is the perfect time to order your building, and take delivery of it when the weather gets warmer. It’s much easier to erect your building when the weather isn’t a nuisance. Since steel buildings can be erected in days or weeks, you won’t run the risk of renting a forklift or a crane for an extended period of time, and you’ll be able to enjoy your new garage, workshop, or recreational facility sometime this summer.

In order to get your building erected by the summer, there are a few things you can accomplish to speed through your project while still spending the necessary time on it and ensuring quality. Here’s how you can help us…help you.

Know what you want

The best leaders will offer this analogy: “Sometimes half the battle is coming to the war room with a sound strategy.” While approaches and tactics change in your grand plans, coming to the table with a good idea of what you want will make the process much smoother. Certain aspects of your steel building project will be easy to ascertain by yourself. Find out what dimensions fit on your property and what kind of design is right for you.

Plan a realistic timeline for this project. Understand that you actually help determine how long this process will take. That’s why I listed this as the top way to accelerate your steel building project. If you come to a steel building supplier with the satisfactory knowledge of dimensions, timeline, and even your city’s building regulations, you’ll be able to speed up the process, and get you in touch with a project manager faster.

While deadlines aren’t always exact in a steel building project, knowing desired delivery, timeline limits, and communicating them with your project manager will go a long way to helping ensure the building doesn’t arrive too soon, which might require storage, or too late, which might impede the erection process or contractor scheduling.

Land & Financing

One of the questions I’m frequently asked is, “How can I pay for my steel building?” Your options are using your personal savings or financing and credit. You’ll need to come to the table with the funds, or money from a credit union, cash advance from a credit card, or construction loan. If you need drawings to secure a loan, you can take advantage of locking in your steel order with a small engineering payment, and then you can take your drawings to the bank and obtain a loan.

I know it seems obvious, but you must secure a lot for your building. As you plan for your steel building project, don’t count on taking possession of your land while you’re in the approval drawing phase. In fact, you might be hard pressed to find a bank that will give you a loan for a steel building project without the correct plans. Honestly, it’s tough (if not impossible) to plan to build without knowing how the structure is positioned on the property. You might be committing a land use violation in your county as well.

Foundation plan

Buying a steel building is a lifelong dream in the making. It’s a project that you’ve been thinking about for a long time, and you understand many of the things you should know before buying a steel building. One of those things is having a plan for where your building is going to ‘live.’ We’re talking about foundations. Whether it’s a concrete slab, or a pier system, this is something that usually needs to be completed before you take delivery of your steel building. It’s imperative to select the right style, because it could affect your budget and timeline if poured or laid improperly. On another note, you must budget your time correctly if using concrete, because concrete needs time to cure. Generally the longer it cures, the stronger it becomes. I recommend at least waiting a few weeks before you erect your steel building on top of your foundation, otherwise you risk cracking or poor performance in the future. Remember, a steel building provider has nothing to do with foundations. You must consult an independent civil engineer for information about a suitable foundation.

Get Documents back to Project Managers ASAP

I must admit, sometimes the process of buying a steel building  can become involved and take some time. It’s a building, not a tuff shed, so it requires engineering specific to your geography and use. The Direct Buy process is in place to make certain that you get exactly what you want. That being said, if you have a specific deadline, then a project manager will do their best to work with you and get your steel building project completed.

But it still takes time to go over approval drawings, revised approval drawings, and permit drawings. How you can help? Be prepared to work by email. You’ll be able to get designs back to project managers to work on faster. Remember, at first, project managers must coordinate with designers and drafters to engineer your structure, but the more able you are to work through the process via the internet, typically the faster it will go. Phone calls can be made to confirm information or speak about the process, but much of the process requires you signing documents, approving drawings, or communicating prices and codes – all these things can and should be done by email for record keeping purposes.

Purchase accessories before your building arrives

If you qualified for the Direct Buy process, you’ll choose your accessories from the Armstrong Steel catalog. You can control your costs and stay within your budget. But don’t just pick them out – work with the window or the insulation supplier and order them to be delivered to the site when you’re ready for them. If you wait towards the very end of your steel building project to order other accessories, you’ll be stuck doing the same thing – delayed down the road with an erected building, but with no windows and insulation to install.

Don’t just follow these tips – work with your building consultants and project managers closely. They can help you trim time and do certain things to speed up your steel building project, and they’ll be able to provide you with more ways to get you into the building of your dreams faster.

Photo courtesy: Tom Small

 

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A few days ago, I had a surprising conversation with our Director of Communications. He routinely sees me flying in an out of my office, helping our creative and marketing department with specific steel building language and working with the project managers and engineers. He even told me he knows when I’m at our manufacturing plant, because my office phone continues to ring with no one there to answer it. So he walks into my office one day and sees me pouring over some metal building quotes. He looks at me, laughs, and says, “What exactly would you say is your specialty here?”

Michael knows I’m the Chief Estimator here at Armstrong Steel, but he jokingly made the point that I’m always running around, helping employees and customers alike figure out all the intricacies of metal buildings. Also, as the Chief Estimator, I feel like I’m one of the most qualified to answer a question that I get A LOT.

I’m sure you realize this already, but buying a metal building might be one of the biggest purchases you ever make in your lifetime. We’re not just talking about the price of your steel building, but also the size. That means you need to do it right the first time. Before you go out and do your research on what type and style you want, it’s time to make a realistic budget. By knowing what goes into a building purchase, you’ll be able to refine your budget, and estimate your costs as closely as possible.

Building Dimensions

Dimensions might be the most important aspect of determining your metal building price, and some counties and HOA’s will only allow for a certain square footage on your property. I’ll look at your width, length, and height to determine how much steel will go into making your building. From there, I’ll generate a steel building quote by looking at the price per pound of raw steel, and give you an estimate. Once you’re ready to lock in your order with a small engineering fee, the engineering and drafting department will get started on your project and produce preliminary designs.

Foundations

metal buildingIt depends on exactly what type of foundation you’d like, but you must be sure to budget for something for your metal building to ‘sit on.’ You can pour your own concrete, but we definitely recommend you opt for a professional local civil engineer for this task. The engineer will have all the knowledge of your area’s seismic requirements, soil types, and geography. Plus, since this might be one of the more expensive facets of your metal building project, you want it done right the first time. You want your building to stand the test of time, and a poor foundation will lead to many problems down the road.

Grading/Land

Land grading or leveling reshapes the ground surface to a planned slope. This is very common in construction and other drainage projects. Grading is done to control surface runoff and soil erosion, and lends itself to the creation of a more suitable spot for a metal building. If your site is on an uneven slope, make financial arrangements for some kind of earthmoving equipment and grading permits.

Accessories

Are you interested in doors, windows, gutters or insulation? You can add several accessories to your building to enhance the look and the function of your metal building. If you utilize the Direct Buy process, you’ll be able to control your costs, and select your own doors and windows. Even if you go a different direction, you can always find a local supplier and buy your gutters or insulation at a later date. Keep in mind, your steel building quote will not include the price of accessories.

Permits and Taxes

This is one of the costs that people forget to include in their final budget. Obviously, building permits are required before beginning construction projects. Unfortunately, this process isn’t free. You need to be prepared to pay state and city filing, application and inspection fees, just to name a few. According to the website HomeAdvisor.com, the national average cost of a building permit is $800, with most people spending between $350 and $1,150. Of course, the cost differs across the country based on what type of construction you need.

Contractor/Builder

metal buildingRemember playing with Erector sets as a kid? Well, metal buildings are the grown up versions of Erector sets. They are very easy to erect, and many people, whether they have an extensive background in construction or not, choose to build these buildings themselves. Just remember to gather all the necessary tools and safety equipment for construction. However, if you don’t want to erect the building, you can find a local builder, or a professional who is experienced in metal building construction.

Once you add up the cost of all these items, you’ll be able to get a good idea about the total cost of your metal building project.  Ready to get started? Contact a building expert today!

Photo courtesy: Rick Kimpel, Wayne National Forest

 

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Starting a steel building project shouldn’t be hard. This is your dream steel building, the one you’ll own for 50 years and may even pass along to your family. Still, a pre-engineered steel building project is a bit more complicated than a Tuff Shed or lumber package like the one you’re accustomed to seeing at Home Depot or your local hardware store. There are snow, wind, seismic and collateral loads to consider, not to mention you’re investing in a pre-engineered building kit, designed to your unique specifications.

Have you ever read online testimonials and reviews on different websites, where customers just gush about their experience, and you think, ‘That’s exactly the kind of experience I want!’ Generally, those people practiced several habits, and I’ve tried to compile them here to help you execute a successful steel building project.

Patience

I’ll be honest. Designing, engineering and fabricating a quality pre-engineered steel building takes some time. If you want a building quickly, you can certainly have one. But you don’t want to risk it being hastily fabricated, which may cause your steel building project to suffer mistakes down the road. For example, one likely reason you chose to purchase a pre-engineered steel building is because erection time is relatively quick when compared to other building materials, like wood or brick. As I mentioned before, pre-engineered steel buildings are designed according to your specific dimensions and bolt together seamlessly. It’s like a giant, grown up erector set.

Steel building providers will work just as fast as you can to get your building designed, engineered and fabricated, but some parts of the process, like permitting, just can’t be rushed. And you wouldn’t want it to be rushed! What good is a building kit on on your property if it can’t be approved by your county or homeowner’s association? This may result in your dream building turning into a pile of wasted money, time and opportunity. Have the patience to give your steel building provider or contractor time to get your building designed right the first time and you’ll be happy for decades to come.

Don’t Chase the Cheapest Price

Time isn’t the only investment you’ll need to make if you want a quality pre-engineered steel building. Yes, I’m talking about money. If I’m grocery shopping, I’m looking for the best deal I can find. I might buy an off-brand can of green beans or generic bag of flour so I can save some money or maybe there’s a meat sale and I can stock steak in my freezer. That’s one thing. You don’t want to pick your steel building provider JUST because they have the cheapest prices. Sometimes the cheapest price is also the best quality, but that’s not usually the case. To provide the highest quality steel buildings, a manufacturer has to employ the best staff, use the best products, and hold the best designs the highest standards. And they have to actually make the product themselves. Beware a company who outsources design or manufacturing. A cheaper price usually means a lower quality steel and expensive problems in the future. The hidden danger of the cheapest price isn’t a loss of money. If the building isn’t structurally sound, rusts easily, or is poorly designed, it’s not safe for you or your family.

Prepared Job Site

Erecting your pre-engineered steel building can be done in as little as a few weeks, but it requires you to do some work while you wait for your pre-engineered steel building to arrive. Before you can erect your building, you need to prepare your job site. That usually starts with a foundation. The best time to lay your foundation is during the summer. You can lay a foundation during the winter, but your risk of making a mistake increases. Your cement could freeze before the curing process is finished, which could crack your foundation due to frost heaving. Your foundation is what you’re pre-engineered steel building rests on, and if your foundation is compromised, your pre-engineered steel building won’t stand much of a chance.

steel building projectsDid you get the proper permits? If you didn’t, you might not be able to erect your building on the site you planned. It might not be possible to change locations for your pre-engineered steel building because it’s designed specifically for your specific area. Elements like wind and snow are taken into consideration when designing your building and you may not meet the proper requirements to erect on a different site.

Once your foundation is laid and you have all of the proper paperwork, be sure you have all of the required tools to properly erect your pre-engineered steel building. Generally, you’ll only need a basic tool box to erect your pre-engineered steel building, but you could always ask your project manager just exactly what you need. A set of directions will come with your pre-engineered steel building and they’re vital to a successful steel building project. Don’t forget about site planning, survey, land grading, and making sure your site is accessible for large delivery trucks.

Take Inventory

Before you begin the erection process, inspect your order to be sure you received everything. It’s tough to erect a pre-engineered steel if you’re missing pieces and if you don’t take inventory, you won’t know if you’re missing anything until it’s too late. When your building arrives, you receive an inventory list and instructions via email with the above information. Go through each part of your inventory item by item, checking all bundles, bulk packages, concealed containers and special products. Each component will be labeled with your job number. Be sure to open the boxes and crates and look for parts that may be bundled together with straps. You should complete this step as soon as possible, regardless of when you are erecting the building. Taking inventory will save you time, keep you organized and prevent future problems.

Adapt

In life, change and the unforeseen is inevitable. I drop my keys on my way to my car multiple times a week. It’s annoying and extremely frustrating. Remember, this is a construction project. They can be frustrating too. Multiple staff members are working in concert with you to ensure nothing goes wrong, but if issues arise, you’re only a phone call away. A “can do” attitude is necessary to keep little setbacks from ruining your day and make your steel building project a success. You’ll see the attitude on the other side of the phone as well. We’re here to help.

Calling out to all construction professionals! How have you been able to ensure your customers have the best experience? Share them below! We’re all in this together!

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It’s true, pre-engineered steel buildings are generally half the cost of traditional construction methods, and can be erected in half the time. While there are multiple steps to any steel building project, if you want a project to be as efficient as possible, you’ll need to put some work in yourself. Keep in mind, you don’t want to sacrifice speed for quality. If you do decide to buy ‘cheap’ or agree to over ambitious delivery options, you may end up with a product that was manufactured quickly and arrives to the job site with holes that don’t line up or missing pieces.

So today, I decided to go to work for you. I figured the fastest way to get an answer was to go right to the source. I asked several of our steel building experts here to lend a helpful tip, and this is what they shared with me.

Have a plan

24348802973_b299dfc7d7_mOrganization is everything when it comes to a steel building project. Create a timeline and anticipate major milestones, like applying for your financing and planning for building erection before you receive your pre-engineered steel building. If you’re erecting your building with a group of friends or family, make a schedule to ensure their availability. Don’t scramble when your building arrives! Have a plan! Speak with a local civil engineer to develop a foundation plan. Be sure to apply for permits at the appropriate time because the permit process could be lengthy as well. You don’t need to wait until after you perform all of these steps to contact a steel building manufacturer. In fact, the sooner you contact a manufacturer, the better, because right now steel prices are low, but they are projected to rise in 2016. If you can plan it right, you’ll be ready for your steel building to arrive when you want it delivered. – Steve Barnes, Sr. Building Consultant.

Embrace technology

Make yourself available. Sure, you can’t sit by your phone all day. We get it – you’re busy. But you’re designing a custom steel building, and we need your input! You get to pick out your doors and windows, and you get to decide what color your building will be. We need you to make the choice, because we won’t make those choices for you, and you wouldn’t want a company to make those choices for you anyway! When you receive any papers from your building manufacturer, ask for them electronically and send them back electronically. If you have questions, at any time, shoot your project manager an email. Be ready to work through email. If you’re erecting your building yourself, a tablet on the job site could be beneficial to keep track of inventory and help you communicate with your crew. Pencil and paper is an old school, tried and true method, but if you can save files ‘on the cloud’ you’ll be much more efficient. – Drew Snyder, Director of Technology.

Review and sign drawings promptly

for-constructionThroughout your steel building project, you’ll most likely approve sets of drawings before you can move on to the next step. We can work as fast as you can, so get those drawings back quickly and schedule your building for fabrication! The first set of drawings are the approval drawings. These drawings are emailed to you and require your direct attention. This is where you’ll mark up your building, add or remove openings, change dimensions etc. You get it. Don’t let these drawings sit in your inbox or on your desk! Your building project won’t advance to the next step unless you review the drawings and send them back to us. After you sign off, engineers will begin to work on your permit drawings. This might take some time so sit tight! Afterward, you’ll receive the construction drawings used to erect the building! Remember, while it isn’t smart to rush this process, if you can get everything back to a project manager in a timely fashion, your chances of getting a favorable delivery date increases. – Shon Cochran, Project Manager.

Be ready for steel building delivery

Has your foundation been poured and allowed to time to cure? Is your building site accessible for the delivery truck? Is your land ready? Is your crew on site? Do you have a forklift to unload your building? You’ll need to answer ‘Yes’ to all these questions before you can properly take delivery of your steel building. When the day comes to take delivery of your building, there are only a few steps left. The building components will arrive banded in bundles. The driver will give you a load list that you will use to account for all the bundles that belong to you while you’re off-loading. You’ll give your cashiers’ check for the balance owed to the driver prior to unloading the building. After the driver is on his way, you will have a week to go through all the material, item by item, according to the inventory list that we emailed to you previously. Unload the building with the assistance of a forklift or different type of machinery that you arranged to have on your job site. – Trish Scully, Production Coordinator.

Learn from the Pros! Do you (or did you) have a special way to speed up a steel building project? Share it in the comments section below! We’re all about sharing secrets and stories to help the next person down the road.

Photo courtesy: HUHEZI

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In the Armstrong Steel Network, I’ve often said that the best, easiest, and most cost-effective way to get a steel building is directly from the factory. But what makes the Direct Buy process so easy?

Your role in the steel building project!

Sure, you’re going to have to do some homework beforehand, but that’s true in any purchase process. When you’re choosing a steel building provider, for instance, we recommend coming into the project with a little knowledge of the dimensions you want, a timeline of your project, your land and financing ready in hand, and of course (and this is a big one) your city or county building regulations. We always encourage every first-time builder to find out his or her area’s zoning regulations and elevations. You can find out this information by placing a call to your local building authority. After that, you can give your specifics to your steel building provider, and they can generate a quote based on your individual requirements.

How do you know what steel building provider to select?

Steel building providers are broken up into two main categories: Steel building brokers and steel building manufacturers. 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 oftentimes only in the business of outsourcing and finding the cheapest price to maximize their own profits.

steel building projectWhen you decide to buy a steel building directly from the factory, you’ll get access to significant savings 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 because they aren’t selling their own buildings. Plus, steel building manufacturers have much more control over the entire manufacturing 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. You’ll get to select your own accessories and budget more accurately for your project.

What is my role?

At this point, once you’ve decided on a steel building manufacturer, your next task is to fill out a contact form or call and discuss your needs with a steel building consultant. Once you’re ready to begin your project, you’ll place an engineering and drawings payment down to lock in your steel order. You’ll obtain steel building drawings and begin working on your project with a dedicated project manager. Once you’ve locked in your order, our engineering team will officially begin working on your drawings.

steel building projectNext, you’ll receive those approval drawings for your review in your email. Now it’s time for you to create your masterpiece! We suggest using a red pen or a computer program to make modifications or any desired changes. Now is the time to request accessories or add-ons like doors, windows or insulation. Accessories are considered extras to your building project, and if you plan on incorporating them into your building design, you should budget accordingly. Once you’ve reviewed your project and customized it to your liking, you’ll sign the appropriate paperwork and engineers will revise your drawings to your requests.

Keep an open line of communication with your project manager! If you have any questions about accessories, changes or modifications, feel free to ask! This is your project, and we want to help you get a steel building on time and on budget.

Once the approval process is complete, Armstrong will begin working on your permit drawings. Permit drawings are blueprints for you to take back to your city, county, or local municipality for your appropriate permits if required. Once this step is complete, you’ll submit your building for fabrication to the factory. Keep in mind; the permit process can be lengthy at times. It is in place to ensure a steel building is designed according to your municipality’s standards with regard to safety and approved zoning plans. However, there are several tasks you can accomplish while you wait, such as prepping your site or pouring your foundation.

Next, Armstrong will prepare your construction drawings, and you’ll begin preparing for delivery. Armstrong Steel buildings are all bolt together, pre-cut and pre-welded so there is little to no field fabrication necessary. Steel buildings are ready to be erected as soon as they arrive on your job site. Our logistics team will contact you, and depending on which delivery option you selected, you’ll schedule your delivery for your particular timeline. Be sure to rent a forklift or cherry picker to unload your building when it arrives, and pay the final C.O.D. amount.

All that’s left is to erect your building! If you have questions in the erection process, be sure to contact us and we’ll be happy to assist.

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The origins of the metal building history date back nearly 100 years. In the 20th century, steel companies began to mass-produce agricultural buildings, usually used as grain and feed bins. During World War II, arch-framed buildings, like Quonset or Nissan huts, were extremely prevalent for barracks and maintenance sheds because they were lightweight and could be shipped and assembled anywhere. Fast-forward to the present, and pre-engineered steel buildings have become the norm in construction. As we’ve mentioned before, the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) says that metal building systems account for over 50% of the total low-rise non-residential construction market. Thousands of people begin a steel building project each day.

Up until recently, there was only two ways to obtain a metal building. You could either work with a contractor or a steel building broker, who would buy your metal building from a manufacturer, and then pass it along to you. The broker or contractor would take care of the metal building purchase, but the finer details like engineering, detailing, choice of accessories or quality of materials was left up to whoever the contractor or broker chose. The end user was married to those decisions, as well as those costs. This is still the practice for many companies in the industry.

steel building projectNow, builders aren’t stuck with only those two options. The third and most cost effective option is to get a building directly from a steel building manufacturer. Builders who are eligible for factory direct pricing end up saving thousands on their steel building project. This is a good option for people looking for deeper discounts, managing some of the finer details of the project and really controlling their own costs by cutting out the middleman.

In order to participate in the Direct Buy process, you just need to meet one or more of the following conditions. You have your financing in place, you know and understand what you want, you have your land or some place to store delivered steel building materials, or you’re prepared to secure your steel price with an engineering payment and begin designing your steel building with a project manager.

How the Direct Buy process works

First, speak with your local building authority. They’ll have knowledge of all your zoning by-laws, regulations and permit requirements. The better you can determine your needs and objectives, the easier it will be for your steel building supplier to provide you with an accurate proposal. Next, talk to your steel building supplier. Seems simple, right? Many brokers might have similar programs, but you should know if you’re dealing with a broker or the actual manufacturer who will fabricate your building. There’s a big difference between the way they operate, and the end product they offer.

Once you’ve locked in your steel order you’ll begin your project. Allow a few days for the engineers and drafting team to prepare your personalized approval drawings.

An Armstrong project manager will reach out and you’ll receive building drawings. This is where your building project officially begins to take shape. You’ll start the customization process by marking up your drawings, placing openings, choosing your colors and adding accessories. You may also add insulation, cupolas, ridge vents, or anything that is offered in the Armstrong Steel Catalog. Remember to keep an open line of communication with your project manager. Their experience makes a huge difference when it comes to your project’s budget. If you have any questions, they are in place to help, and often times can even assist with cost saving plans for your specific project.

After the approval process is complete, you’ll receive your permit drawings. Along with your permit drawings, you’ll receive a fabrication release form. Your project can’t move along to the manufacturing facility until you sign this form. Next, you’ll be sent construction drawings once your fabrication release form is received. We’ll prepare construction drawings at this time, and you or your erector will use those drawings to build your building! It’s very possible you are the building erector, because pre-engineered metal buildings bolt together and fit together seamlessly with little to no field fabrication necessary, unlike a wooden pole barn.

steel building projectFinally, you’ll make arrangements for the delivery of your steel building. Make sure you’ve got your site prepped and ready to go, along with a proper foundation, if you plan to erect your building immediately. Don’t forget to have a forklift on site to unload your building when it arrives!

The Direct Buy process is in place to maximize savings by letting first time builders manage their own budget, vision and timeline. Getting a building directly from the manufacturer is the easiest and most cost effective way to build.