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

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

Steel building cost

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

Quick erection time

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

Energy efficient

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

Design

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

Easy maintenance

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

Ease of expansion

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

Much more space

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Architect

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

Lower construction costs

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

Low maintenance costs

Pre-engineered metal buildings require little to no maintenance over the course of its lifetime. Steel is the most durable construction material on the planet, and is the most suited to stand up to Mother Nature. When you’re shopping, look for buildings with long structural warranties and extended warranties on roofing, paint and wall panels. Warranties speak to the faith a company puts in its products. Compared to wood buildings and pole barns, steel is infinitely stronger and will last longer. Steel doesn’t warp, twist, rot or decay like wood. Steel isn’t an organic material and doesn’t encourage the growth of mold, or provide sustenance for termites or other little critters. Do you want to replace wood parts every few years, or do you want to purchase a product that will last for decades? Speaking of durability and standing up to the elements, did you know that steel is considered a noncombustible material? According to the International Building Code, “a noncombustible material will not ignite or burn when subjected to heat.” Steel is permitted in fire resistive (Type 1) and noncombustible (Type 2) levels on the relative fuel load scale. The other three categories are considered combustible and contain more wood and more combustibility as they are ranked further down the list. For example, a wood frame (Type 5) building will be the most combustible and will have the least resistance to fire. Of course, it’s a good idea to have proper fire safety equipment on hand, but should a fire break out, your metal building won’t encourage the spread of fire.

Lower insurance rates

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

Tax incentives for a metal building

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

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

Photo courtesy: Pictures of Money

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

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

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

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

If you’re expanding onto a current building, you may need to make plans for your interior build out. These plans could be as simple as moving all of the office equipment out of the way to establishing a floorplan. Whatever steps are necessary for your interior build out, now is the time! Generally, if an architect is needed for any interior work, have them design around the steel building design rather than have the steel building supplier design around architectural plans. Some architects aren’t familiar with the engineering or design criteria of specific steel building suppliers.

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

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

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

Photo courtesy: Pete

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

Strength and durability

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

Green Energy

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

Easy to erect

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

Uninterrupted space

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

Easily expandable

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

Resistance to mold and termites

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

Energy efficient

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

Manufacturers make it easy

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

Different finishing options

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

Cost

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

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

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Talk to any contractor, building erector or construction specialist, and you might hear a mention of the term “building season.” They’re most likely talking about the 6-8 months of the year, depending on location, when building a steel building is ideal. It goes without saying that parts of the spring, summer and fall are ideal for any builder because the weather is conducive for construction. Poor planning can lead to costly delays and an increase in labor costs, and if a first time builder can prevent those problems by proper planning, they should! While a construction project of any kind might be the furthest from your mind in the winter time, it can be the perfect time to buy a steel building.

Several of our experts gave their reasoning why buying a steel building in the winter is a smart move.

Get the lowest price

“Many people associate the summer as the time to start a project, but the savviest shoppers make a plan to have their project delivered during the spring and summer months. To get that delivery time, you need to start your project before building season. It’s a smart move because, with some companies, demand can be lower in the winter months. You might have an opportunity to get a better price as suppliers look to keep business booming during the bitterly cold months. Steel buildings are also extremely easy to erect yourself, but if you decide to engage a contractor, the winter is also a great time go through candidates and pick the right fit for your steel building project. Find a contractor you are comfortable with, and start the discussions about budget and timeline. You’ll most likely have your choice, because contractors could be chomping at the bit to give you a bid for future work.” – Tree Archibeque, Director of Sales.

Develop a budget

“In the summer time, every builder is scrambling to get their “ducks in a row.” As each day passes, you’re running out to time to get quotes from a reputable steel building providers, figure out your timeline and develop your own budget. The smartest builders, whether they are novice or experienced builders, do their homework ahead of time. Steel prices are constantly on the rise, too. In fact, the prices of all individual metals are influenced by a variety of factors like supply and demand, globalization, and the manufacturing process. Experts forecast steel prices will constantly escalate over the next four years. What does that mean for your steel building project? The barn, workshop or garage could be more expensive, no matter who supplies it. Unfortunately, due to current market conditions, you cannot lock in a steel price” – Tyler Doty, Project Manager.

Your location matters

“Like any sport, there is always an off-season. But depending on your location, you might be able to build year-round or most of the year. Due to warmer climates in the south, people in those southern US states can build when there isn’t an opportunity to do so for people in the north. Since peak season for fabricating and delivery are usually in the spring and summer, when you investigate buying a steel building in the winter, you might be eligible for some kind of off-season pricing.” – Kayleigh Chambers, Building Consultant.

Erection is easier

“It’s possible to erect a pre-engineered steel building in the winter, but you could end up spending more money due to possible setbacks and challenges the winter season may present. Sometimes, the permitting process can be lengthy as well, but it won’t delay your project if your local municipality or permitting offices are working during wintertime. With all your design, permitting and engineering needs taking place during the winter, you can ask to schedule your delivery for the very beginning of building season. All that’s left is to erect your steel building in the warm weather.” – Kitty Uhle, Director of Client Services.

There are only a few steps to purchase a pre-engineered steel building directly from the factory, and it’s called the Direct Buy Process. If you’re on top of your game and fill out all the paperwork and sign drawings when they arrive, it’s possible you can speed up several steps to your pre-engineered steel building purchase. Remember, it takes time to design, engineer and fabricate a quality pre-engineered steel building. Every building Armstrong creates is designed to your specific specifications. Follow the Direct Buy process, begin your project in the winter and be ready to build in the spring when the ground thaws. Avoid the cold weather, the higher utility bills, the cluttered work sites, and the extra work it takes to combat the cold. Timing is everything.

Now is the time to begin your research. Take a look at our online resources and get started today!

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When you make the decision to purchase a steel building for your home, farm, business or property, you’re choosing the most flexible, durable and versatile construction solution on the planet. But while arguably the hardest decision is out of your way, you still have an opportunity to hit a few speed bumps throughout the process.

So, your next choice hinges on from whom you choose to buy.

Back to the choices, right? Now you need to settle on a steel building broker or a steel building manufacturer. So how do you know if a company is a broker or a manufacturer? You ask them!

Very simply put, buying direct from the manufacturer means you will receive the best price possible, with additional opportunities at savings down the road. As you can guess, Armstrong Steel is a manufacturer of steel buildings. Armstrong Steel is not a broker of steel buildings.

Brokers might refer to themselves as a “contract manufacturer,” but they don’t actually manufacture anything! They are simply in the business of outsourcing. Brokers don’t employ personnel to design, engineer and fabricate a pre-engineered steel building. Instead, the main function of a broker is to take your desired dimensions and shop them around to manufacturers. Think of it like this – Brokers are only working as ‘middle-men’ who want to sell you the cheapest building. They are essentially mediators between contractors, manufacturers, companies, and the customer. But you want windows, maybe a roll-up door, an awning or a canopy. You want to put your individual flair into every bit of the design process Brokers are rarely concerned by anything beyond finding the cheapest structure, and outsource the engineering and design to others.

Buying directly from a manufacturer allows you to have direct control of everything, like adding your own accessories and controlling your own costs. When you buy a steel building from Armstrong Steel, you will communicate directly with your project manager, who is working with estimators and engineers in-house instead of overseas. Armstrong experts are looking at ways to save you money by getting you the safest and best quality steel building in the industry. We’ll manufacture it in our very own state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, too. No middle man required! Brokers might not be able to offer the same services.

So how does the Direct Buy process work? Once you place your order you’ll begin working with your project manager. Start the customization process by red lining your building. Make any changes now! Choose your accessories, like doors, windows, gutters and insulation too. Now it’s Armstrong’s turn to get to work. We’ll make the design and you get to approve it. We’ll get you your drawings and everything necessary to submit for permits if you’re going that route. During this time, you’ll work on your site, foundations, and other aspects of your project while waiting for your permits.

After this process, you’ll get scheduled for delivery. Our logistics personnel will contact you and give you a window for when your building materials will be delivered. Once we get closer to the window, we’ll give you a hard and fast date, so you’ll be able to schedule a forklift or cherry picker to unload the building once it arrives to your job site.

Buying direct does not mean you must erect your building yourself. However, many customers choose to do so because steel buildings are extremely easy to erect. They don’t call them ‘giant erector sets for adults’ for nothing! The holes line up and every piece bolts together. It’s really that easy. But since we understand construction projects may not be your forte, you can always hire a general contractor for building erection and other aspects of your project. You’ll also most likely need a local foundation engineer to lay concrete. If you do want to hire a professional erector, search the Internet for the ways to pick the best contractors with the best reputations. You can search The Better Business Bureau for BBB Accredited businesses and contractors in your area.

Buying direct also does not mean you’ll get everything you want for one all included price. But that’s a good thing! While that sounds like a great idea for a car, it’s not good practice for a steel building project. When you shop for a car and get an all-included price, it means that Bluetooth, power locks, air conditioning, and all the extras are lumped into the price. You don’t bat an eye. Why is that? Those accessories are what’s expected and common in new cars, and usually don’t significantly increase the price. But ‘all-included’ in the steel building industry is a little different, and here’s why. Steel building accessories can be expensive, and steel building brokers and contractors selling turnkey buildings know it. You want to be able to select your own doors, windows, gutters and other add-ons, and have a say in what goes on your building. If you let someone pick these accessories out for you, you might be in for extra markups that you didn’t even know existed. Don’t let a building salesman pick out your doors and windows for you! How do you know if they’re just putting the cheapest window or door in the building without letting you know how much it costs? Manage these certain aspects on your own so you can have better control over costs, and get exactly what you want.

Whether you’re a tried and true do-it-yourselfer, or plan to let someone do the work for you, buying direct lets you get a building directly from the manufacturer for the best price. Click here if you’re ready to get started!

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For first time builders, there might not be a more meaningful word than “budget” when it comes to your construction project. Whether your budget is a hard number or a fluid boundary, you’ll find a steel building project to be extremely affordable. Still, regardless of what you’re purchasing, there are always opportunities for cost saving techniques.

Every steel building budget is different. Some builders are looking for a custom workshop while others are interested in a large commercial building. The goal is always to get the most ‘bang for your buck,’ and a steel building can provide some of the most savings in a construction project, compared to other traditional building materials. In fact, steel buildings are usually half the total cost of constructions with wood or brick, and they can be erected in half the time. That’s a huge advantage for do-it-yourselfers.

When you’re starting your research, it’s important to look at your overall finances and understand what they’ll go towards. In a typical steel building project, you’ll need to include a budget for the actual building itself, accessories like doors, windows and gutters, a foundation or concrete slab, and construction. Many builders opt to erect the building themselves, therefore saving thousands on construction and labor costs!

First, take a look at the building dimensions you want, and cross reference with the dimensions you’re allowed to have on your property. It’s essential to check on your easements, setbacks and distances from other buildings, and you can get that information from your local planning department. Pro tip: Be flexible with your design! If you’re open to different dimensions, there might be opportunities for additional savings! After you have all the applicable information from your building authority, including your building address and elevations, you’re ready to talk to a steel building supplier.

When preparing your budget, think about your project as a whole. Many first time builders only think about the money they’ll spend or save at the time of purchase, and not for the entire project. You’re buying a structure – a formidable combination of durability, versatility and aesthetics – that’s engineered to last for decades. The prospect of saving a few thousand dollars on a cheap building isn’t worth it if those savings evaporate on the back end of a project, or a few years down the road. When parts are missing, or pre-punched holes don’t line up, you could incur delays or massive repair bills during erection. Cheap buildings are, often times, a trap that first time builders routinely fall into. There isn’t an easier, safer or more cost effective way than getting your building directly from the factory. Trust your project to professionals who are dedicated to getting it done right the first time.

When you decide to purchase a pre-engineered steel building, lock in your order. This is another huge cost saving tip! Steel prices are always on the rise because of supply and demand, China’s appetite for steel, globalization of the commodity and several other economic factors. But you have the opportunity to shelter yourself from the volatile steel market. Unfortunately, due to current market conditions, you cannot lock in a steel price

When you choose a reputable steel building supplier, look for one with an in-house engineering and design team. First, you’ll save some of your budget that could have gone to an architect to design your building. Most of the time, an engineer at your steel building supplier is likely all you’ll need to devise drawings for your projects. Architects are extremely talented individuals, but complex lines on paper can really start to add up. An in-house engineer also works directly with project managers and other designers, instead of having to communicate with an engineering firm overseas.

Another budget saving procedure would be to select your own accessories yourself, instead of opting for an ‘all-included’ package. This is one of the defining features of the Direct Buy process. By customizing your steel building to your exact specifications, you’ll be able to choose which doors, windows, gutters, downspouts or skylights go into your building. You’ll be able to manage your budget directly by selecting those accessories directly from our catalog. If you choose an all-included package, you’re leaving yourself open to unseen markups, or worse, you risk purchasing low quality accessories.

More factors that can influence your budget are the weather, your specific site location, costs for land grading or soil composition and actual structural intricacies. The steel building itself is priced by weight, so the heavier and more involved the building is, the more expensive it will be. If you want a custom exterior finish, make sure to include it into your budget as well.

Most important: make sure you know what is included in your purchase. There are many different companies that sell different products in the steel building industry, and not every company is created equal. There are generally two different types of steel building suppliers. Do you know the difference between a steel building broker and a steel building manufacturer? Brokers are just expensive middlemen who are simply in the business of outsourcing. Brokers usually don’t employ personnel to design, engineer and fabricate a pre-engineered steel building. Instead, the main function of a broker is to take your desired dimensions and shop them around to manufacturers – and aren’t concerned with who provides the building. Manufacturers actually engineer and design the product they fabricate. Pay attention to your quote, ask if the company uses American steel and if they make their own product, or if it’s outsourced from another company.

Why wouldn’t you choose steel for your next construction project? It’s versatile, it isn’t difficult to erect, it requires little maintenance over its entire lifetime, it can be assembled in days or weeks rather than months – and it’s less than half the cost of traditionally built buildings. Get more out of your steel building budget.

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For the past decade, the steel industry has undergone many transformations, and in effect it’s changed the way the construction industry views steel buildings. While the steel itself has been around for hundreds of years, designers and owners of metal buildings are seeing many increased benefits. Because of streamlined processes at manufacturers, energy saving paints and coatings, insulated panels and much more innovation, steel buildings are much more cost efficient for consumers. In fact, a steel building is generally half the cost when compared to traditional constructions methods, and can be erected in half the time.

But how much does a steel building cost? Anyone who has ever priced a building online or worked in construction has likely noticed price fluctuations from one building to the next. But there is no such thing as a standard steel building pricing list. We wish it were as easy as publishing some kind of list for people to view, but pre-engineered steel buildings are much more complicated than a tuff shed or a lumber package from your local hardware store. Actual cost is dependent on several other important factors.

Location and design

A steel building is an engineered structure, and it is specifically designed for the end user’s exact location. This isn’t merely an educated guess. It’s an exact science. There are snow loads, wind loads and seismic factors unique to every job site, which in turn affects how the building is engineered and fabricated. For instance, a building in Southern California will need to be engineered for the seismic activity along the San Andreas fault line, as well as Pacific Ocean trade winds from the northeast. Plus, California has much stricter regulations when it comes to seismic activity and designs. Engineers take this information, and calculate the building based on weight. The same is done for a building meant to go in Vermont. New England winters can be harsh on any structures, but those same engineers will determine the correct snow loads for the building. Even though both those buildings might look similar or have comparable dimensions, they will cost differently.

A steel building is completely customizable, and can come in every shape and size you can imagine. The bigger they are, or more complex, translates to more money. If more steel for reinforcement is needed, naturally you’ll see a rise in cost. However, the larger your building, the more cost-effective it is, especially compared to pole barns. Based on price per square foot, steel buildings, especially those with large spans, are almost always less expensive than any other clear span construction method.

Supply and demand

Not unlike oil and gas, steel is also a marketplace commodity. Its price is affected and determined by supply and demand. Simply put, steel prices are lower if the supply is high and the demand for it is lower. By the same rules, prices increase when supply is lower and the demand is high. It’s a simple principle I’m sure everyone grasps. The market can be volatile and changes almost daily, and now steel prices are constantly on the rise.

Armstrong Steel offers some protection from the steel market. By placing a small engineering payment, you secure your steel price for a term of 90 days. You’ll receive drawings and begin working on your project with a dedicated project manager, and when prices rise, you’ll be sheltered from the increase in the commodity.

Buying from a broker or a steel building manufacturer

Another factor that can be a huge difference in cost is who is responsible for fabricating and delivering your steel building. Are you looking at purchasing from a broker or a manufacturer? Brokers are purely expensive middlemen who don’t actually manufacturer anything other than a contract. They are simply in the business of outsourcing and will take your desired dimensions, shop them around or bid them out to actual manufacturers. They might only be concerned with getting the cheapest building on the market, arranging the purchase for you, and outsourcing the engineering and design to others. Steel building manufacturers, like Armstrong Steel, are able to engineer and fabricate a steel building to your exact specifications with no middleman necessary. Armstrong Steel is not a broker. You’ll work directly with the factory and you have more control over the quality of your building, as well as the accessories you choose to add. Sure, ‘all-included’ sounds nice, but do you know what is going into your building? Do you know about the quality of the steel or where it comes from? What about doors and windows? Are you able to calculate the actual costs on your add-ons, or were you given a choice as to what was supplementary? Don’t let any company include those accessories, because that’s where the markup is hidden. Control your costs and your budget by picking exactly what you’d like to add and knowing the price before hand. You can make those choices with a manufacturer.

Who is erecting the steel building?

Steel buildings are pre-cut, pre-welded and come with bolt together connections for easy assembly. Wooden pole barns usually come to your job site as raw lumber and must be cut and put together after delivery. Even if you’re a first time builder, you can erect a steel building yourself. Many of our builders elect to spare the expense of a contractor by putting together themselves.

If you do decide to turn over the erection of your building to a local contractor, make sure do to your research. There are a lot of resources on the Internet, and it’s easy to find a guide, like a do’s and don’ts of hiring the right contractor for your specific project. Best practices include asking around your local area for referrals or searching the Better Business Bureau’s list of accredited contractors and erectors.

Take all these factors in account when you begin your steel building project. Click here when you’re ready to get started!

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What is the first step of a steel building project, or any construction project for that matter? After you decide to add a new garage, agricultural or commercial building to your property, you’ll most likely start contacting steel building manufacturers for steel building quotes. From there, you can create a timeline for yourself and develop a realistic budget for your project.

Getting a quote from a steel building supplier is relatively easy. However, you’ll want to do your research first. Are you getting a quote from a steel building broker or a steel building manufacturer? What is the difference between the two? Brokers typically are called “contract manufacturers” because they don’t actually manufacture their own product. A broker will take your dimensions and shop them around to different building manufacturers. For instance, if you contact broker A, B, or C for a quote, those companies will turn around to manufacturer 1, 2, and 3 and request a building price. Brokers are simply expensive middlemen between you and the manufacturer – but you don’t get to pick the manufacturer! You’re stuck with the decisions, the quality, the price and the craftsmanship the broker chooses for you. Why not speak to a manufacturer first and cut out the expense of a middleman? In addition, you’ll get to deal directly with the manufacturer, so you know exactly who is fabricating your building, and the specifications and quality to which it is made.

The next step is to fill out a form online, or give your steel building supplier a call. It’s recommended that you know your building dimensions, or have a good idea about what you’d like to build – even a rough square footage estimation– before you contact your supplier. Also take the time to contact your local building authority. Your county, municipality or possibly even homeowner’s association will have knowledge of building guidelines and rules of your area. Understanding of these zoning regulations will also help you understand what you can build on your property.

I wish it was easy as publishing a list of building prices for people who are curious about costs, but pre-engineered buildings are much more complicated than a tuff shed or a lumber package at your local hardware store. There are no set prices like you’d be accustomed to seeing at Home Depot. There are snow loads, wind loads and seismic factors unique to ever job site, which in turn affects how the buildings are engineered and fabricated. For that reason, we ask that you speak with a building consultant.

Next, your steel building consultant will provide you with an accurate quote based on the information you provided. That’s why you’ll be asked for an address, zip code and county information early in the process. Again, all pre-engineered steel buildings are engineered for your specific area, elevations and loads and codes. Think about it this way: Look at two identical 40×60 buildings, one designed for Los Angeles, CA and one designed for Miami, FL. While both buildings might have matching appearances, they are extremely different in the way they were designed and engineered. The Los Angeles building will be engineered for the appropriate seismic codes of Southern California, and the Miami building will need to be designed to resist the heavy winds of the Florida coast. In the steel building industry, prices are determined by location, design, weight and current supply and demand, and several other factors.

When you receive a spec sheet from any company, your first instinct is to look directly at the price. That’s natural. Your second instinct should be to look and see what is included in your purchase. Review it carefully. I realize you’re looking out for yourself, and that might mean getting multiple quotes. Remember, not all steel buildings are created equal. Sure, your quotes might have different prices – but ask yourself first why the quotes are different. Are the columns painted with gray oxide or are they cheap red iron? Is the secondary framing galvanized? Is a 50-year structural warranty offered? Will a U.S. manufacturer fabricate your building? Is one product genuinely better than the others? These choices matter! Your spec sheet or quote will describe exactly what you’re buying. A better quality building might require a slightly greater investment upfront, but does the prospect of saving money upfront really matter if you’re forced to spend more over the product’s lifetime?

So how to you identify a cheap building? While a poor quality building might not be as evident on paper, there are a few details you should stick out. First, consider the source. Brokers who work, buy from or are owned by overseas companies might use Chinese steel in its products, which is almost always inferior to American steel. Chinese, or any foreign steel, isn’t subjected to the rigorous testing and quality assurance protocols as American steel, and often contains additives, which often compromise the integrity of the product. Secondly, pay attention to the details. Again, see what type of warranty is offered. Usually, cheap buildings have shorter warranties for a few reasons. If you’re not buying a building from a manufacturer, your broker or contractor can’t pass along a warranty for a building they didn’t manufacture. Product warranties are pretty good indications of how that product is expected to perform. A shorter warranty doesn’t speak to the faith a company has in its steel building. Armstrong Steel buildings have a 50-year structural warranty.

If you decide to take advantage of the factory Direct Buy process, your next step is to lock in your order. Due to the current market conditions, you cannot lock in your steel price. Your engineering payment serves a variety of functions. It freezes the price of steel for your project for a period of 90 days. If steel prices rise, you’re protected for that time frame. Rising prices are fairly typical in the industry, but a chance to protect your purchase from unseen or unpredictable price hikes isn’t standard of every manufacturer.

Lastly, when determining your costs, look and see who gets involved in your steel building project. You generally don’t need an architect to draw blueprints because engineers and designers from your steel building supplier can provide them. Save yourself the added expense. Plus, project managers at steel building manufacturers offer their assistance at no extra cost. They’ll help you source components and provide you with an estimate for your costs on accessories, like steel building doors, windows and insulation. Check your quote to see if the building comes with an erector as well. Armstrong Steel buildings are bolt-up buildings and come precut, pre-welded and numbered for easy erection. Steel building materials are ready to be erected as soon as they arrive on the job site, so quite often, first time builders choose to erect the building themselves and save a great deal of money on labor costs. In addition, steel buildings go up in days or weeks, not months like other forms of traditional construction. If you can eliminate several unnecessary expenditures, why wouldn’t you?

Finish your budget by estimating costs for land grading (if necessary), accessories, foundations and permits. Each project will have different costs based on your unique requirements.

Estimating your costs correctly is the key to defining a realistic budget. Your steel building quote contains the information you need to begin. Ready to get started? Contact a building expert today!