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Picture this scenario with me. I was recently standing in line at a local supply store, just waiting to check out. That’s when I saw it, just sitting in a case near the front of the store. Like many local auto shops and general stores, several items lay in rows at the checkout area, just waiting for these types of ‘impulse-buy moments.’ For me, the item that caught my attention was a Smith & Wesson pocket knife. There were a ton of different options from which to pick. After checking out the prices and the quality, I made my selection. Did I pick the most expensive utility knife? Or the cheapest one? Does it really matter?

When you’re debating what kind of impulse-buy to make in a checkout line, there might not be a big difference between the most expensive knife and the least expensive one. Maybe a few bucks at most? Either way, whatever route you choose isn’t going to make a big impact on your day, or your wallet. There is no hazard associated with either choice. In fact, you might get a big kick out of selecting the cheapest option and saving money for the amount of time you’re actually going to use it.

If you think that you can apply your pocket knife logic to all your purchases, then you’re sorely mistaken. When it comes to steel buildings, the cheapest price can often be a trap.

We’re not talking in absolutes here. There will be times when the cheapest steel building price turns out to be the best. There will be times when the most expensive building turns out to be the worst option. I understand that. Nevertheless, if I were a betting man, I’d do my research, and realize there is a significant risk by choosing the cheapest option.

When I say ‘cheap,’ I’m obviously referring to price and quality. Most of the time, the cheapest price will result in the lowest quality. If you buy a low quality building, you might be saving on the initial cost of the steel, but you’re setting yourself up for failure down the road. When it comes to quality, the devil is in the details. Quite often, it’s the small details that can make or break a steel building project, or define if it’s of high quality, or low quality.

With cheaper buildings, you might find problems with the way it was designed. In order to save the manufacturer or broker money, the building was engineered as quickly as possible. I often hear from contractors who are sick and tired of erecting cheap buildings. They’re the ones on the job site, dealing with the consequences of poorly engineered structures. When holes don’t line up the way a drafter intended, or when pieces are missing, causing costly construction delays, the cheapest building ends up being the most expensive. The initial prospect of saving a few thousand bucks isn’t worth it when those savings vaporize thanks to labor and construction costs rising because you, or a contractor had to spend extra time on a job site to fix a problem that should have been prevented in the first place!

When it comes down to it, there are tons of ways to save money on your steel building project. You can erect the building yourself. That will save you on labor expenses. You can rent your forklift, cherry picker, or crane instead of buying one. You can talk to your project manager about more cost effective accessories. Do you want the thickest insulation possible? Can you select a more economical door or window? Maybe you can find a local builder with more inexpensive options. Sometimes, there are even discounts for simple designs.

Worst of all, cheap buildings might not be structurally sound. They have the potential to break or collapse. Now we’re talking about your safety, your family’s safety, or the general welfare of your business. You put a lot of stock into those parts of your life, and you shouldn’t trust it would function the way it’s supposed to because you got a deal, a handshake or a wink. I’m not saying that a quality project can’t be inexpensive; I’m just advising that you shouldn’t accept anything less than a 50-year structural warranty. Believe me when I say this – cutting corners for the sake of profit in construction is one of the most misguided approaches to an industry that hinges on the safety of its products and the overall concern for its customers.

The hidden danger of the cheapest steel building price isn’t a loss of money. It’s can be much worse.

Photo courtesy: darkday

Search Results for: project manager

I can honestly say this industry is like none other. Working for a steel builder supplier as an engineer, you truly have to appreciate the work that goes into every single steel building project. I’m hard pressed to find another trade that puts as much focus into their product as a manufacturer. Does a fast food joint pour over every single hamburger that leaves the building? What about every computer from a big box store – does it get as much, ‘tender love and care’ from the people that design and assemble them?

A company puts its reputation on the line with every single piece of product they make. That means every building, every component gets the meticulous attention to detail it deserves. In my position, I get the pleasure of seeing drawings of our product cross my desk or the desks of the other detailers and drafters in-house at our offices. As I design steel building after steel building, you start to see what’s trending, what’s popular with the masses. I see barns, garages, workshops, and riding areas every week, but I’m also starting to see another type of building a lot more frequently.

Steel building churches.

When one steel building church drawing is brought to your attention, you take notice. But when a flood of steel building churches are ordered, you start to pay attention. In a sense, I’m designing someone’s dream or his or her spiritual home for the next 50+ years. I like to think about the pastor or minister, the families and the congregations that will be benefit from a particular steel building project. I think it’s what brings me the most joy.

More people are utilizing steel building churches for a variety of reasons. One of the biggest reasons is money. Think about your church for a moment. Is it difficult to raise funds? How big is your congregation? Could you depend on your worship group to completely pay for a new church building? Some churches that are struggling in the growth department depend on the core of their membership to guide them in the right direction. In the Armstrong Steel Network, we constantly give advice on expansion and growth opportunities, but you might find yourself in the, ‘chicken or the egg’ loop. You want more members, but you don’t have enough money. If you get more money, only then do you have the potential to grow and gain more members. It’s a vicious circle.

This is where the attributes of a steel building church can break your church group out of a never-ending cycle. Steel buildings, churches included, are generally half the price per square foot of traditional construction. While a steel building church will have several preliminary costs, it’s much more inexpensive over the building’s lifespan than constructions with wood or brick.

We recently had an octagonal church designed in our engineered department. One of the reasons the pastor said he decided to go with steel was because of the construction time. Steel buildings can be erected in days or weeks, not months. In addition, you might not need a professional builder to erect the structure. There’s an art to getting your congregation on board with a new steel church building, and our pastor with the octagonal church knew it. He also knew that in order to get everyone in agreement, he needed to move quickly. He didn’t want to hold church service in a different building, or rent a basement for a few months. He knew that if he made it difficult for people to attend worship services, then they just wouldn’t attend. It’s a scary thought, because once you lose worshipers, you never know if you’ll get them back. Lucky for our pastor, his building was erected quickly, and his congregation made the leisurely transition into their new steel church building.

Another boon for steel is its flexibility. There is no rule saying you need to pick out a boring, boxy building. You have the ability to customize the building to the specifications of your church building committee. Are you the leader of a cowboy church looking for a place of devotion? Or are you a healthy congregation in the city? Either way, you’ll be able to accomplish the look you want, with a price your congregation can get behind. Take it from me; custom designs can get expensive, especially when you design with an architect. You’d be surprised on how much an intricate line on a piece of paper can cost. You can still design the steel building church of your dreams with an in-house project manager and engineer like myself, usually for less.

Finally, church is where we go to feel safe. Some use it as an escape from real life, while others need it to replenish their ‘spiritual cup’ for the coming week. But whenever you walk into a steel building that’s been erected properly, you know you are physically safe from harm. Pre-engineered metal buildings are some of the most durable structures on the planet. When I engineer each building, I go through the process of checking each area’s specific codes and loads. That means if there is seismic activity, or the risk of wind and weather events, the building can withstand those types of repeated events. We’re taking this scientific knowledge and applying it to your building system so it stands the test of time, every time.

Sometimes, the popularity of an item or idea doesn’t last. People pick up different trends or adopt the flavor of the month. But steel building churches? They’re here to stay. Literally.

Photo courtesy: gutierrez

Search Results for: project manager

I get it. I really do. Everyone in the country wants ‘easy.’ It’s the reason why fast food is so popular. Evidently you can learn a language in 10 days now, or so an advertiser would have you believe. We’ve got robot vacuum cleaners, grocery store delivery services, online degree programs and the ability to talk to a friend or relative halfway around the world at the drop of a hat. With the advent of better technology, the increased spread of knowledge has exponentially helped the world embrace newer, improved practices in medicine, engineering, farming, and much, much more.

The point is there are so many inventions or processes in this day and age designed to make our lives easier. With that being said, there should also be an easy way to buy a steel building.

Armstrong Steel has made it easier than ever for first time builders, small business owners, farm families and the general public to buy a steel building directly from the manufacturer. It’s called the Direct Buy process, and it’s helped thousands of people realize a dream of owning a steel building.

A steel building isn’t a tuff-shed or a storage space you’d purchase at your local hardware store. It’s not an item you can pick up on your way home from work. It’s a structurally sound building, based on your specific area’s loads and building codes, designed to stand at least for 50 years. This is an once-in-a-lifetime purchase, and quite possibly a huge milestone in your life. Sounds difficult right? Even a big project like this can be made easy.

The Direct Buy process starts with you locking in your steel order with a small engineering fee. By locking in your steel order, you’re also essentially paying for drafters and designers to get to work on your steel building blueprints. No engineering fee, no drawings; it’s as simple as that. When it comes to your design, this process all revolves around your drawings. Like I said before, every building is customized to guarantee it counters the elements successfully and endures the test of time.

This practice might be standard with several steel building suppliers. But I like to think this company goes a step further. After you buy a steel building, you’re assigned a Project Manager like me. I have years of steel building experience. I’ll be your unofficial guide through the Direct Buy process. I’ll walk you through each set of plans – your approval and permit drawings – and make sure your steel building meets all of your city or county’s permitting requirements and meets your needs and specifications too. We’ll talk about different finishing options if you don’t want your building to have the outward appearance of steel. Plus we’ll talk about accessories, like your doors, windows, gutters and insulation. Just by selecting the Direct Buy process, you can pick each type of add-on based on your budget and individual need. Don’t let someone else pick out your doors and windows for you! There’s too much risk associated with that route. That’s where salesmen can hide the markup.

You’re bound to have questions, but that’s what I’m here for. If you want to make changes during the process, I’ll talk to the designers in our engineering department. Once you complete the revised approval drawings phase and you get your permits, you will look over your plans once more. If everything is correct and you’ve made all of your selections, we’ll send your plans to our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

At this point, you can relax. All that’s left is to make arrangements with our freight and logistics department. You’ll prepare your job site for delivery and determine when your steel building will arrive on location.

All that’s left is to take delivery! Sound easy? It’s extremely simple and trouble-free to buy a steel building.

Do you qualify as a candidate for the Direct Buy process? Contact a building expert today if you have any more questions.

Search Results for: project manager

In 2015, more and more people aren’t going into an office to work. Telecommuting is clearly on the rise. You might think most people that work from home are millennials, or even just stay-at-home moms. But according to the U.S Census Bureau, now the typical telecommuter is a 49-year old man or woman – who earns an average salary and belongs to a company with more than 100 employees. That number seems to be growing. Since more and more people are working from home, they need a place to actually work. We all know that the house just won’t cut it sometimes. You need a secure space where you won’t be interrupted.

That’s why one of, if not the biggest building trend this year is some sort of “Shed-quarters,” or “Pub Sheds,” as they are called. We’re talking fairly small spaces, perfect for a home office, man-cave, artist workshop or place to relax during the day. But these types of buildings only look small on the outside. Inside, there’s plenty of room for anything you need. And it can be accomplished with steel.

Who would have thought garden sheds would be grabbing headlines these days? These types of buildings don’t take up much space in your backyard, but are everything you might need in a backyard oasis. You won’t need to spend money on an expensive remodel to your actual home. This is a cost effective way to redesign your style without having to change the look or the house.

A shed-quarters is the perfect place to operate when you want to avoid the spare bedroom, but you still want to separate your work from your life. Plus, if you’re into hosting outdoor events at your house, this could be the ultimate solution for accommodating your guests.

So how do you get a shed-quarters? Start with a steel building.

I think this trend isn’t going anywhere. Many people can benefit from this type of building, no matter how they intend to use it. Need a centerpiece for the yard? The modern look of steel gives the owner the appearance they want, with all the functionality and purpose they need.

You’ll want to go into your backyard, and measure out a spot for your shed-quarters. A 10’ x 10’ space might suffice, but you can definitely go bigger. Be sure to check with your Homeowners Association before building, because you might have to follow some strict covenants. Each city and county will have their own set of building codes when it comes to backyard buildings and construction.

Next, it’s time to call a steel building supplier. You could decide to go with a wood shed because of the initial cost, but you’d have to worry about the constant upkeep and maintenance every year. Rodents, insects, termites and mold can’t harm steel. Do you want to spend the money to replace paneling every year because it rots, twists or warps? Your shed-quarters will be a huge source of pride and quite possibly the centerpiece of your backyard. Anyone can buy a tuff shed or cheap wood building, but this shed isn’t for storing your lawnmower. It’s going to be the place for the guys to get a drink after a round of golf, or for the ladies to enjoy a good book. It’s really an extension of the house, not a place to dump your tools. Of course, if that’s what you want to use your shed-quarters for, then you can do that too.

You might want to work on a design that matches the general theme of your house. Go for the contemporary look of distinguished steel, or talk to your project manager about a different exterior. Basically, you can have your steel building look any way you want it to look. Pick a stucco finish or a faux brick veneer. It’s your choice. When I stay steel building, I’m not just talking about a structure covered in steel sheeting. I’m talking about a steel rigid frame configuration with a 50-year structural warranty.

Once you have a shed-quarters, it’s time to decorate it. When you put your shed on a concrete foundation, think about adding a porch or an extra sitting area. The porch really advances your building to another level. Now it seems more like a place where you’d actually like to spend your free time. Maybe your shed-quarters will serve as a pool house? Design a space for all your pool toys and equipment, plus an area for people to change clothes.

In the design process, you’ll also need to think about your framed openings and doors. I’d recommend a self-framing window for your shed-quarters. The difference between a self-framing window and traditional windows is the self-framing window doesn’t need to alter the frame of your building. A regular window might require the frame of the building to support the entire window. A self-framing window could lower your building cost because you don’t have spend more money to accommodate a specially designed space for your openings.

Steel buildings come in every shape and size, and serve many different purposes. If you’re looking to spice up your backyard with your very own shed-quarters for work or for play, talk to a steel building expert and they’ll get you on your way to some good backyard living!

Photo courtesy: Solar Decathlon 2007, Jeremy Levine Design, Mark Barry

Search Results for: project manager

I was on the phone with a buddy of mine the other day. It’s the same conversation you’ve had with your friends before. We had a quick chat about our wives, kids and careers. He asked me how my job was going, having recalled I worked in the steel building industry. That’s when he said it.

“Did you know they sell steel buildings on eBay?”

Honestly, I didn’t believe him at first. Don’t get me wrong; I think eBay is pretty awesome. You can find autographed sports memorabilia, discounted electronic equipment, clothes, collectables and even cars! Want a cheap new dining set for your house? Go to eBay. Want some toys for your kids? Yep, you can find it all on eBay. All you have to do is throw in a bid, and be lucky enough to win.

So, calling his bluff, I went right to the computer, called up eBay, and typed in ‘steel building.’ Sure enough, listings for hundreds of steel buildings appeared.

Right now, you’re probably thinking I’m trying to tell you not to buy from a competitor. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, you’re violating the very core of what a steel building is.

The proper term for a steel building is ‘pre-engineered metal building.’ These building structures are touted for their durability and speedy construction times. While the construction of a traditional wood building might take a few months to complete, a steel building can be erected in a few days or weeks. That’s because it’s ‘engineered’ to be that way. All major connections bolt together with pre-punched holes, and your components are pre-cut to correspond with your construction drawings.

Pre-engineered metal buildings are also engineered to handle a specific weight. The way we determine the weight a structure can endure is one of the most basic principles of structural engineering. When we engineer a steel building in our in-house design and engineering department, our drafters take a look at the area in which you live. For a steel building to be structurally sound and livable, it has to withstand snow, seismic activity (earthquakes) and different wind events. Because of this, identical-looking steel buildings at different ends of the country can likely weigh completely different.

For example, picture a steel building in the city of Los Angeles. LA sits on the San Andreas Fault line, so a building, in order to be considered structurally sound by the Los Angeles County building code and permitting department, must be able to withstand extra seismic activity. The same building might and will most likely stand in Norman, Oklahoma. However, buildings in Norman, OK must be engineered (there’s that pesky word again) to endure gale force winds and tornados. When we design a building, we don’t design it to merely ‘stand.’ A steel building has a job to do. It must perform 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Engineering makes that possible.

Now, I’m all for customers getting a deal on their steel buildings. There are many ways to save on many different types of buildings, but sacrificing design and engineering isn’t one of them. People who buy steel buildings on eBay need to know that they might be getting a cheap building, but often times, cheaper isn’t better. Plus, how do you know the building isn’t used? Do you have a guarantee that each building comes directly from the manufacturer?

When you buy a steel building from a steel building supplier, you’re ensuring that the parts line up and each piece fits together. You’ll receive a custom garage, workshop, barn or even home that was engineered with your area’s specific codes and loads in mind. Armstrong Steel buildings come with a 50-year structural warranty, 40-year paint warranty, and 35-year roof warranty. You won’t get that same guarantee, that same peace of mind from any seller on eBay, even if they have 100% positive feedback or a perfect reputation.

What’s more – you’ll get a project manager to work with you throughout the process. Want to change the dimensions by just a few feet? Would you like to pick the color yourself? How about selecting your own doors and windows? You can make those personalized selections with your project manager. Steel Buildings on eBay come as they are listed. Be sure to check the fine print, too. Doors and windows might not be included in the “deal.”

On eBay, you’ll see a list of advertised prices. As you shop around (and don’t worry, we encourage you to do so), you’ll see steel building suppliers offering to give you quotes. The steel market constantly fluctuates, and prices are usually on the rise. Plus, because of the engineering that goes into a steel building like I talked about before, we’re unsure of how much steel your building will need until you tell us where the building will be located, and how much steel you plan to use. Engineering isn’t guesswork. It’s an exact science. When you cut corners, people don’t get what they want, but more important, they’re not safe.

In an auction, the item in question goes to the highest bidder. You might have to fight off a buyer or two to get the final prize. Isn’t that pretty telling right there? If a steel building is up for sale on eBay, then that must mean the same product is good enough for the next guy?

I’m fine with you buying a new watch on eBay. Heck, go ahead and shop for a new wardrobe on eBay. These items aren’t tailor-made for you. A steel building is uniquely designed and exclusively planned for your personal use. A steel building should last for decades, protect your family or even your prized possessions. Invest in something that is distinctively yours, customized by you and guaranteed to keep you safe.

Photo courtesy: Lindsey Turner

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To build or not to build – that is the question. It’s obvious a steel church building program is a investment money-wise, but it’s also an investment in people’s time. For that reason alone, a building program shouldn’t be started until your congregation is fully committed to the project, and you have a clear plan.

When you’re ready and decide to go full steam ahead, you’ll need to outline a steel church building program. As I mentioned before, the most important question you’ll need to answer has to do with the people in your church. As their leader, you must be able to speak for them and make the hard decisions, and to accomplish this, you must talk with them. Hit the pews. Make phone calls. Get invested! It’s very odd and off-putting to hear that many churches make principal decisions without consulting their congregation first. When the congregation has carefully considered the complications and implications of a new building, then it can truly move forward with complete conviction and faith.

Understandably, a building program is done in steps. Don’t jump the gun or skip any steps in this endeavor. The road ends at a building your congregation can share for decades. I’d like to suggest the first step in a steel church building program is to get the right people in the right positions to facilitate a move into a new building. Characteristically, this step might involve contacting members of your congregation, and seeing if anyone has any experience with architecture or construction. These people might have already approached you if you’re seriously considering a move into a steel building. The more people on your side in a building program, the better off you’ll be. However, make sure these members understand they are in a support role, and not in charge of the entire steel church building program unless you put them in change of it. Some worshipers might feel they are too close to the situation, or it might be the most authority they’ve ever been given. You don’t want a member of your congregation to hurt or lose his relationship with the church if problems arise, and they feel like they’re the root cause of any issue. Just be sure you choose your support staff judiciously.

Now that you have the right people in the right roles, you can move your steel church building program to the next phase.

Next you’ll need to think about site planning. How big should your church be? You don’t want to over-build, but you also want to account for the spatial needs of the future. If you realistically have 200 members, you won’t need a building at supports 5,000 visitors. Think about total building size, additional space for gardens, cemeteries or parking. Think you might want to expand in the future? Account for this in the design phase.

Each church building is different, with different character and people who walk through the doors on a daily basis. As a church leader, you have the option to talk to an architect to design the building, and then ask for multiple bids from general contractors in the area. This option has its advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the size and complexity of your project, and architect might be an unnecessary expense. When an architect designs a building, hopefully he’s doing it with your budget in mind. Here’s an insider secret: When it comes to construction, it’s all about the drawings. Unless you can draw blueprints yourself, you’re going to have to pay for them. With an architect, drawings can get pricey, especially if you want an elaborate design. However, if you decide to go with a steel building supplier, you can avoid the added expense of an architect and get your drawings from an in-house engineering and design team. You’ll pay a small engineering fee and receive steel church building drawings, and in addition, you’ll lock in your steel order. Designers, engineers and a project manager come included in the cost of your project if you choose a steel building supplier. Project Managers are wholly concerned about the schedule, budget and scope of your project, and bring years of steel building experience and knowledge. For the most part, a project manager at a steel building supplier will take a lot of the administrative and design role off your own shoulders, and walk you through the process at a speed with which you’re comfortable.

One of the benefits to a steel church building is the quick construction time. Steel building components are pre-cut and pre-welded in the manufacturing facility, leaving your or the construction crew with parts ready for assembly on your job site. A steel building can be erected in days or weeks, not months like some traditional construction methods. You won’t be without a place of worship for long if you choose steel.

Do you still feel like you’re missing something? The answer will never be ‘help.’ There are professionals in place to assist you at every step of your steel church building program. You don’t have to go through this process alone. Create a master plan, continue to think long-term, and God will put you and your congregation in a position to enjoy your new church building for years to come.

Photo courtesy: Hans

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Your steel garage or workshop is your protection from the outside world. It keeps you safe from the elements and let’s you surf the Internet or run your business without interruption. Who protects the building from the outside world? Well, the answer is simple. You do.

Protecting your building is obviously important and is something that needs to be done before your building is even built. In the planning stages, you need to make the decision of whether to build with steel or other materials such as timber or brick and mortar. All materials have distinct advantages and disadvantages, but you want the most quality and cost effective product. I would suggest a steel building.

A steel garage or workshop is generally delivered ready to assemble and is more durable in the long run. Of course, this doesn’t mean that steel buildings are indestructible or that you don’t need to plan properly. You can even help it become stronger with a few choices.

The sun is something that we all rely on for life to exist on our planet. It is our greatest ally in this universe. It can also be a building or human’s biggest foe. Lay out in the sun and you might get a nice tan, but stay out too long and you’ll end up as red as a lobster. You have the option to avoid the sun, but your building will always be catching some rays.

When speaking to an in-house Project Manager, ask for ways that you can protect your building and help it stay stronger longer. For example, painting your roof white can help your roof stay strong by reflecting the UV rays from the sun. When you price your building online, you can select a light color for your roof. The sun and its UV rays are the biggest threat to your metal roof and if you put a dark colored roof on your building, you could be unknowingly contributing to its negative health. Dark colors absorb the sun’s UV rays and could cause your roof to weaken and split. This weakness could eventually cause leaks in your building. The reflective properties of a light colored roof can also allow you to keep your building cooler and thus keep you from spending money on air conditioning. However, no matter the color, you can rest easy knowing your building comes with several roof and paint warranties, and will remain strong.

The proper insulation will also keep your building cool and protect it from the outside elements. There is insulation on the market that only exists to protect from high temperatures and this insulation will keep the radiant energy from the sun out and keep your building cool on the inside. Insulation will protect your building on the inside, and thermal coatings and fireproof sealants can protect your building on the outside.

Once your building is built, you can’t forget to maintain it. Even though a steel garage or workshop needs little to no maintenance, it’s not like you should just build it and forget about it for the next 50 years. Give it a good wipedown or spray the dirt off of it from time to time. That’s much easier than replacing timber boards or internal poles every few years because they warp, crack or split in the sun. Insulation sometimes needs to be replaced periodically. These are only some of the responsibilities that come with the owning of a steel building, but with proper planning, these responsibilities are easy and even faster than any home repair. Remember, your building protects you and you protect your building.

Photo courtesy: Bertram Nudelbach

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Is your church in need of an update? Do you want to ‘wow’ the congregation, but are afraid of upsetting your long time followers? Don’t hold back your dreams and desires of improvement and advancement because you’re afraid of losing the personality of your church. Keep your church healthy by planning ahead and building with the right materials.

Historically, churches were built with stone or timber. Many churches today still decide to build with those traditional forms of construction. There are several advantages to stone and timber churches. For example, rock is a very dense material that provides protection. Timber has the advantage of being relatively flexible and cheap. In contrast, timber is susceptible to fire damage and termites. Stone is usually awkward to build with and doesn’t keep heat in as well as other materials such as timber or steel.

In this modern age, steel church buildings are generally more reliable than timber or stone. When you build with steel, there is typically a shorter build time since the steel beams are transported to the job site and are immediately ready to assemble. With proper care procedures, a steel church building can last longer than stone or timber and can be much more cost-effective over time. Termites don’t attack steel beams and with proper insulation and sealant, steel buildings don’t have much trouble with regulating temperature.

I know what you’re thinking; you’re not looking for the hard-sell. You’re looking for a new steel church building. You’re not just interested in any old building; you want a healthy church home that will last for decades, and house the people of your worship community for many years to come.

As I stated earlier, the soul and personality of your church is what you need to maintain throughout any upgrades or improvements. How do you do that? You could design your church to look a certain way. Include any amount of amenities that your congregation could benefit. It could be as simple as just decorating properly. Looking for lots of open space? Also, the involvement of the congregation is certainly a must. They are the people that show up for services and they should have an opportunity to have a say. You also have the freedom to design your new steel church building any way you want. An attractive church design could bring in more followers. You could use an architect to design your new steel church building. Or you could use the services of a steel building supplier. With an architect, you might achieve some of the most beautiful models or drawings for your church. However, architects can be an expensive part of your budget, and you haven’t even paid for raw materials yet. With a steel building supplier, you’ll be able to acquire plans from an in-house steel building engineer, and work with a project manager to sketch out your building and make additions. It all comes included in the engineering payment when you lock in your order.

This is where those practical things I wrote about earlier come into play. If you build for the long run, you will only increase your chances of being able to give your new church the soul and feeling that your congregation felt in your old church.

Executing a successful church building program will typically offer a few luxuries. First, if you plan properly, you usually will have less of a headache in your building process. There should be less problems and a smoother building process, especially if you receive some help from a builder or steel building supplier. Second, if you plan properly, there shouldn’t be any mistakes, which could cost extra to fix. Every piece of steel is designed correctly the first time, every component is manufactured to the right specifications and the building is erected quickly.

Money is usually a type of taboo topic when it comes to churches and budgeting. It’s not usually proper to discuss with with your congregation, but unfortunately, sometimes it can’t be avoided in some circumstances. When building your church, you may be working with a limited budget, and a congregation wants to be clued in to the entire process. All the more reason to plan ahead and really research your options thoroughly before you build.

There is a lot of work that goes into building your healthy church. Don’t set yourself up for failure by planning for the structure alone. You can usually make your new steel church building feel like home when you plan ahead and involve your congregation. Keep the congregation happy and you can practically worship anywhere, especially in the new church you’re planning to build.

Photo courtesy: Zoltan Voros

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You did it. You finally built your new steel building. Now the business that you started in a small room with 10 people has finally grown and expanded. Now the workshop you’ve wanted for the last 30 years is finally standing. You’re on top of the world and ready to work even harder. Maybe you’re still deciding if a new steel building is right for you. You understand in construction, “you get what you pay for,” and often times, the cheapest building might be a trap.

If you come to notice part of your steel building’s roof bulging out, or taking on an appearance of wrinkled metal, your roof and building might be experiencing what we call “oil canning.” Oil canning is what happens when steel buckles under stress.

What actually causes the steel to buckle under stress? Oil canning can be caused by an attachment of a panel system that prevents the natural tendency to expand and contract. Oil canning is also fairly prevalent in poor quality or poorly constructed buildings.

These are also other small, individual causes of oil canning. In one case, it could be the thickness (or thinness) of beams, and the stress the beams receive in the manufacturing process. In another, it could be due to over fastening your material in the erection process, again putting more stress on it than necessary. The major category that these individual causes fall into is simple: poor craftsmanship, poor planning, and poor engineering.

I understand you want the best building for the best price. You may want to shop around for the lowest price when you’re buying a computer or designer clothes, but that isn’t always the best idea when it comes to a steel building. Quality should be your concern. A quality new steel building could cost more upfront, but save you more in the long run.

The main way to prevent oil canning is to have the proper knowledge when handling the steel system, or using the proper paneling. For example, choose a steel building provider that knows how to properly take advantage of the science of creating your steel and reducing internal stress points. It all comes back to engineering. During the erection process, you need to properly handle and work with your roofing material and paneling as well.

A project manager will guide you through the process of designing your building, but an in house engineering team will also insure the quality of your new steel building. When you keep the design of your building with a company focused on single source responsibility, the chance of miscommunication is severely reduced. That generally also means that the need to spend money to fix your building later is usually reduced, if not eliminated completely.

Sometimes in our world, appearance can be everything. If your building looks like it’s poorly built, then it most likely is, and that can be dangerous. When thinking about your building options, don’t take the cheap way out; instead learn about the hidden dangers of the cheapest price. Find a supplier that will handle your building project with the proper knowledge and care that you deserve, and do your research on specific materials.

Since so many factors are involved, its almost impossible to eliminate all the effects of oil canning on any building material. However, with proper engineering, design and handling, the appearance of oil canning is capable of being greatly reduced.

Photo courtesy: Festool Owners Group

Search Results for: project manager

Steel is one of the most durable, flexible and energy efficient building materials on the planet. It might be the perfect building material for you. Think about it – steel buildings can be assembled quickly, are cost-efficient and extremely versatile.

Steel buildings are designed to withstand the elements. Fire, rain, wind, snow and more natural forces will attempt hurt your steel building, but for the most part, your steel building will survive the initial onslaught of these forces of nature with the right protective coatings. You can do your part to fight off the damages from the forces of nature by planning properly and providing easy general maintenance to your building. If you provide the proper maintenance, you can even fight off damage from the sun.

Often, one element tries to give steel a bad name. Yep, we’re referring to rust. Not only does rust look ugly on your building, but it has the potential to damage its structural integrity. If you have a rusty building, your building could fall victim to the negative side of the court of public opinion. If your steel building business looks old and run down, a customer may think your product is poor, even when it isn’t. You learn as a child to not judge a book by its cover, but many still will judge. More importantly, rust can cause structural damage to your building. Think of it this way – Your steel building is an investment. When you look for purchase options, comparing a steel building to a pole barn – you want to get the most out of your money. We all know money is hard to come by and when you invest your hard earned money into something, you want it to last. Rust is doing everything in its power to prevent that from happening.

This isn’t a doom and gloom scenario. I have good news. You have the power to combat rust, even the potential to keep rust from rearing its ugly head.

My first tip; don’t settle for a red primer on your rigid frames and steel components. A red primer is cheap and cheap may appealing to your wallet, but not your eyes and definitely not your brain. The only thing that red primer is going to do for you is hide rust. This may solve the problem of the rust showing to the public, but it doesn’t matter what your building looks like if it collapses. Red oxide primer can actually encourage corrosion. There are many ways to save money on your steel building project, but don’t cut corners by sacrificing in the engineering and design process. Plus, your project manager may have some ways to reduce your final costs.

To protect your building, you want to choose pre-galvanized secondary framing. By coating your roof purlins, wall girts, and C-sections with zinc at the mill, you can prevent rust and ugly rust streaks. Incorporating a galvanized base angle in your building will also protect from rust by completely sealing the base of the building from all leaks. If moisture finds its way into the base of your building and you used red iron steel or a red primer, you could most definitely find your is building a victim of rust. Incorporating a galvanized flange bracing is another act you can take to protect your building from rust.

Just by doing your research puts you in a good position to make an educated decision. The right building supplier should offer structural, paint, roof and wall panel warranties, and galvanize and protect certain and components on your building to help prevent rust from the very beginning of your steel building’s life. Now, “industry standard” isn’t good enough. You have a choice in the matter.

The fear of rust shouldn’t stop you from building with steel, but it should stop you from cutting corners in the design process. You have the power to eliminate rust before it even begins.

Photo courtesy: Shelley Freedman

Search Results for: project manager

In your time as a small business owner, I’m sure you’ve worn your fair share of hats. You were the first official employee and now you probably manage a whole team of employees. As your business and number of employees continue to grow, so should your building. That could come with its fair share of problems.

Wouldn’t you like to be able to sit back and relax during your proposed expansion? I mean really put the expansion on autopilot and let someone else take care of all the intimate details? You might think it’s impossible giving up control. Believe me, it’s not impossible.

Maybe you just need a small upgrade to a pre-engineered metal building that could greatly expand your business. Let’s take a look at one of my favorite success stories. We’ll travel to Texas for this particular instance, and visit the Cobra Kai flight school. The owner of the Cobra Kai Flight Academy, Martin, was looking to expand his academy with a steel airplane hangar for a fleet of planes. Martin, like most small business owners, had a set budget to work around. I know every small business owner understands the feeling of being a manager, salesperson, and janitor all rolled in one, but there is another important mantle you’ll take when you’re a small business owner – accountant. Taking the reins of your business’s books is just one of those hats that small business owners are used to wearing. In this case, Armstrong was able to take Martin’s initial designs and adjust them to fit his budget without harming the core design. Often times, many people have an idea in their head of exactly what they’d like to accomplish, and staying true to their vision is vital.

Steel companies with an in-house engineering team are able to quickly and efficiently make changes to the design of your pre-engineered metal building, should they be necessary. Don’t trust your expansion plans with overseas engineering departments. If you need to change something with them, it may be too late. In Martin’s case, he was also able to add to his savings by taking advantage of direct pricing, securing a foundation engineer and the proper permits in an efficient manner. When you place your order and complete your purchase, your file will move to the engineering department. The engineering team will draw up an approval drawing that takes into consideration the codes of your area while maintaining the specifics that you requested. This will ensure that you will receive a quality pre-engineered metal building and not a pile of wasted materials.

There’s something to be said about managing every aspect of your project. I remember, you’re a small business owner! If you want to add another hat and find an architect, an engineering team, a general contractor, a foreman, a bunch of subcontractors and a superintendent, you’re free to find them or take care of everything yourself. Of course, if those hats just don’t fit your head quite right, you could always ask your project manager (the one assigned to you at no extra cost) to give you the proper advice.

Your project manager is a great resource in the steel building process. I’ll walk you through the process and go over your approval drawings with you. If you need to change something, this is the stage to do it. Just let me know, and I’ll make all the necessary changes with your guidance. After you agree to the approval drawings, you will move to the permit phase. The permit phase requires you to send the drawings Armstrong provided to your city or municipality. These drawings will be used to acquire the correct permits. Your project manager is also your point of contact in the entire building process, and I’ll make sure to go over the final details like colors and to make sure you are happy with your design. This will continue the process of turning your expansion dreams into a full fledged reality. Then we’ll confirm your freight and shipping, and you get to wait for your building to arrive!

Once your building ships, you can put on your hard hat and erect your building yourself or hire a construction team to do it for you. A pre-engineered metal building is designed to fit together easily and this will usually allow you to expand in the most efficient way possible. After your building is delivered, you can still contact your project manager to ask questions and inquire about anything else that may arise in your erection process.

It wasn’t difficult to stay in touch throughout the erection process of the Cobra Kai steel hangar either. I do it all the time with everyone! So go ahead and put your pre-engineered metal building expansion plans on autopilot, and let me take care of everything you need!

Photo courtesy: JL Johnson