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It all starts with a wish. You’re looking for more space, and you need a building on your property. So you begin to fantasize about what you want. Are you looking for a pole barn, or would you rather have a steel building? As you continue to research the topic, you might start to initiate some kind of contact, and get price estimates or quotes.

Honestly, we wish pricing a building were as easy as publishing a long list of building prices for the public. It would go a long way to help people that are curious about steel building prices. Unfortunately, pre-engineered metal buildings are different than tuff sheds, or your basic lumber package. We, or anyone in the steel building industry, can’t put a set price on a building size like you’re accustomed to seeing at your favorite hardware store. If a steel building company gives you a concrete price BEFORE knowing your location and intended use of the building, it’s a big red flag. Most likely, that means you’re talking to a contract manufacturer, or broker. These companies are simply ‘middlemen,’ who sell you high, then order your building from someone else.

So you obviously have your computer, phone or tablet open right now. I’ll walk you through our Price a Building setup, and tell you everything you need to know to better understand the process, and help you get a more accurate steel building quote.

First, when you use the online price calculator, you’ll choose what type of building you want. Interested in a workshop, a barn, or commercial building? Knowing what type of building will help us know the building’s intended use. Now select your width and length. Most building widths are between 30’ and 150’, and lengths usually fall in the 40’ to 200’ parameters. If you think you need a building beyond those limits, pick what you think is the closest, or contact a building consultant for a more accurate steel building quote.

Then, you’ll select eave height and roof pitch. These are the two selections that bring about a ton of questions. Eave height describes the vertical distance between the floor and the top of the eave strut. The eave strut is the structural member that supports the roof and wall paneling. Basically, you’re picking how tall you want the building walls to be. Now you can pick your roof pitch. Think of what angle you want your roof to have. The angle of the roof, or pitch, is calculated by the number of inches it rises vertically for every 12 inches it spreads horizontally. For example, a roof that rises 2 inches for every 12 inches or horizontal run has a 2:12 pitch. The larger the first number is, the more sloped the roof will be. Do you want more of a flat roof? Pick 1:12 or 2:12. If you want more of a sloped roof, pick 4:12 or higher. Talk to your building consultant if you have anymore questions about your roof pitch options.

Next is zip code. We’re asking for the zip code county and state of the steel building site. This is because every location has different codes and requirements for erection. There are even snow loads, wind loads and seismic factors unique to every job site that affects how the building is engineered and fabricated. Estimators, engineers, and designers do a lot of work to determine all these influences and give you a precise proposal.

After that, you’ll pick your wall, roof, trim, and wainscot colors. All the colors listed are available for the exterior of your steel building. There are also a few different finishes you can select if you don’t want the outside of your building to flash the look of steel. You can pick from faux brick, stucco, vinyl siding, or even a wood exterior later in the process with the assistance from a project manager.

Once you’ve established the look of your building, you’ll have an opportunity to pick some accessories like gutters, skylights, cupolas, windows, doors and insulation. These add-ons will not show up on your building quote, but are in place to give a building consultant a better idea of your vision. Even if you’re not sure what you want now, you’re not married to any selection on this page. This is another benefit of the Direct Buy process. You’ll get to pick your accessories yourself, as opposed to letting a salesperson choose your additions, which could expose you to hidden markups. In addition, Armstrong Steel isn’t a door and window company, so you’ll never be obliged to buy those fixtures from us.

Finally, you’ve come to the end of this easy procedure. Review your selections, and feel free to make any changes if you feel like it’s necessary. Finally, fill out the remaining information. Once we’ve received this information, a building consultant will contact you. Our estimators will get to work. They’ll take all the information you’ve provided, assess the details and determine your codes, loads, and exposures, and provide you with a detailed steel building quote.

If you don’t want to wait, contact a building consultant now and get started!

Want more information like this? Visit the Steel Building Insider blog for tips and steel building advice.

Photo courtesy: thematthewknot

Search Results for: project manager

Let’s face it, when you set out to make a big purchase of any kind, it can be scary or frustrating. How do you know where to start? Are you paying too much? Have you comparison shopped enough? Are you really getting a deal, just because the company says you are? It can be such a nerve-wracking process! Basically, you want to accomplish two goals: get the best value for your money and have a stress-free experience.

Shopping for a steel building is no different. The trick is to be an empowered and knowledgeable consumer. So I have a few cold, hard facts to offer when you start shopping for your dream building.

A flashy website doesn’t always equal a good company

These days, anyone can buy a domain name with a couple bucks and slap a logo and a phone number on a web page. Forrester Research estimates that the U.S. online retail industry will be worth 279 billion dollars at the end of 2015. That’s because just over 80% of Americans have ever bought something online. Look over each steel building provider’s website, and make sure they offer reviews and testimonials, or ratings from organizations like the Better Business Bureau.

Don’t shop based on price alone

Being frugal is different than being cheap. Some people think that they are saving money by getting the cheapest steel building, but it can backfire. If you’re being frugal, you’re looking at getting more for your money. But if you buy cheap, you’re most likely getting a steel building that will need fixing or extreme maintenance down the road. One of the biggest benefits to a steel building is that, if it’s of quality construction, it will need little to no maintenance over the course of its lifetime. Unlike traditional construction methods, a steel building will last multiple decades. Armstrong backs that claim up by offering a 50-year structural warranty, 40-year Wall Panel and Paint Warranty, and a 35-year Roof panel warranty.

Project Managers should NOT be an extra cost

Most companies will not include a project manager when you make a steel building purchase. If they do, often times it’s an extra cost. Project Managers are focused strictly on your budget and your requirements, and they don’t care about profit. As a matter of fact, most of the time they are looking to save you money on your steel building. It’s imperative to choose a steel building supplier that provides you with a dedicated project manager. If they can’t, they are most likely a broker, or the same sales rep that originally sold you the building in the first place. With a broker, you don’t have a professional on your side, and you might not have any control on the design or engineering of the building.

An in-house engineering department makes all the difference

Why is it important to look for a steel building company with an in-house engineering department? Some companies farm the engineering and detailing duties out to other organizations that are halfway around the world. There’s nothing wrong with that, but wouldn’t you want to be able to talk to your engineer or detailer if you had any issues, or wanted to make any changes? When brokers work back and forth with contract dealers overseas, it opens up the risk for more accuracy errors, and quality control isn’t as closely monitored. The following scenario happens in our office frequently. A customer just like you will call or email us, ask a question, change the color of their building, add and subtract a few feet from the length of the building, inquire about an extra door or window, or have a hundred different requests pertaining to the process. You get the idea! So, instead of calling a different country and getting the ‘run-around’, our project managers stand up, walk out of their office, and step right up to our others engineers and estimators. The line of communication is open between departments, ensuring the precision of each request and order.

A steel building supplier with a manufacturing facility has a big advantage over those that don’t

Steel building suppliers that own and operate their own manufacturing facilities have a big benefit: control. They can focus on superior design, shipping, and plant efficiency. Companies that don’t have a manufacturing facility are subject to other factories or facilities making their product for them. As the demand for pre-engineered metal buildings continues to rise, suppliers with a manufacturing facility will be about to control the quality and direction of their product, manage their own costs, and adequately meet consumer demand.

You don’t deserve to be pressured into buying

From the moment you speak to a steel building supplier, you are going to be on their radar. After reading the Ultimate Guide to Understanding Your Steel Building Quote, you understand why you are asked for your information and location. You don’t want to be constantly pressured to buy once you provide that information. Still, Armstrong Steel will continue to send you helpful resources in order for you to make an informed decision. We even provide a checklist on your steel building quote, and invite you to compare our characteristics to others. Even after you get a quote, there is no obligation beyond that. Yes, this is a business, but Armstrong Steel is in the business of people, not pre-engineered metal buildings. We’re here to help you realize your dreams.

Once you’ve completed your research, you’ll know what type of steel building you want. When you want to continue that journey, we’re here to help.

Photo courtesy: Barta IV

Search Results for: project manager

Have you ever wondered if you can erect your own steel building? Is this a project that you can really do yourself?

You don’t have to wonder anymore. It is completely possible to erect a steel building yourself. Just ask Eric O. from Wabash, Indiana.

Eric had never assembled and erected a steel building before, but found that it wasn’t nearly as difficult as he first thought. “I had no big problems putting it together, all the pieces went together the way I saw in the [erection manual] and when I had questions, like on how to install the eaves, I called and was sent a sketch on how it was supposed to fit, no problem,” says Eric.

“I would work on the building in the evenings and on weekends,” says Eric. “It seemed like more of a hobby and less like work that way. It took me a few months, but I enjoyed doing all the work, myself.”

Eric’s story is just one of the many tales of people putting steel buildings up themselves. Sure, it took a few months, but he did it. Himself. You can imagine how he swelled with pride as he tightened the last fastener and gazed upon his 20-year dream in the making.

Pride isn’t the only reason do-it-yourselfers take on this pre-engineered challenge every day. I’m not sure I know anyone who isn’t in the business of saving a couple bucks here and there. Heck, we all are trying to save some cash when we can. When it comes to steel buildings, there are many ways to save. In fact, just by choosing to build with steel already saves you a bunch of money. Compared to other construction methods, steel is more cost-effective than wood or brick & mortar buildings, often times quoted at half the price. The savings add up when you start to add other factors.

When you first decided on a steel building, you noticed that you don’t usually need an architect to design the base building. Structural engineers at steel building suppliers eliminate the need for an architect, as well as the need for the extra expense. Since steel buildings are completely customizable, you can work with a project manager and engineer to pick out what your building will look like, and what function it will serve on your property.

Now, if you’re a red-blooded do-it-yourselfer, you can also save money on the erection process. If you decide to farm out the work to a professional, you’ll have to pay a construction crew to erect the building, along with a general contractor to manage your project. There is nothing wrong with hiring a crew and a general contractor, and it might be a necessary expense if you have an enormous steel building project.

Since you can erect your own building like Eric O., you’ll be happy to find out that you don’t need to do any field fabrication. All pieces – the rigid frames, wall and roof panels – are ready for erection. That’s what ‘pre-engineered’ means! All those pieces come with pre-punched holes and components are pre-cut and numbered to correspond perfectly to your construction drawings.

I’ve said it before; steel buildings are the grown-up versions of erector sets.

Now, honestly, how long does it take to erect a steel building? Since every steel building is different, it’s difficult to give you a definitive answer. I’ve heard of a 5-7 man crew complete a 40’x60’ workshop over a weekend. We’ve seen people erect their rigid frames in a few days, and then take their time on the wall panels and roof. Some projects take longer. It all depends on the amount of time you can put into your steel building project. One thing is for sure – erecting a steel building, even doing it yourself, is a heck of a lot faster than building a wood frame building.

It’s up to you. If your steel building project doesn’t require a ridiculous amount of customizing, it will be easy to erect, and the process will be rather quick. It’s the ultimate do-it-yourself project.

Search Results for: project manager

Do you have the next great idea? At one time or another, I believe that everyone thinks of starting his or her own business. One of the most attractive models out there is a self-storage or mini-storage business. According to the Self Storage Association, the self-storage industry generated more than $24 billion in annual U.S. revenues in 2014. They say that the industry has been the fastest growing segment of the commercial real estate industry over the last 40 years and has been considered by Wall Street analysts to be “recession resistant” based on its performance since the economic recession of 2008.

Sounds like the action you’d like to join? Would you like to throw your hat into the ring of the 48,500 other facilities in the U.S.? First, it starts with a pre-engineered metal building.

The SSA claims that nearly 9% of all Americans currently rent a storage facility. That might not sound like much, until you realize that equals approximately 11 million people. How do you tap into those people? First, you need some kind of business plan. You remember the 3 rules of real estate, right? Location, location, location! Find out where other storage facilities are in the area, or if there are new housing developments or apartment complexes being built in your region. People are going to need more room to store their belongings, and you need to be ready and able to help them with their storage needs. Try to find an area that isn’t properly serviced.

Most mini-storage facilities are pre-engineered metal buildings for a bevy of reasons. Steel buildings are extremely easy to take care of, and require little to no maintenance. Keep more of your profits or invest more of your money back into your business without having to worry about replacing lumber every 5-10 years because of rot, insects, or warping. Look at your startup costs. Budget for the cost of operating your new business, and for the erection of the self-storage unit. You’ll also need to account for marketing costs, employee salaries and other occupancy costs like security, landscaping and insurance.

As you prepare and refine your budget, you can work with your steel building provider to determine your overall costs. Don’t forget about foundation planning. Whether you use a pier system or concrete slab, you have to have your foundation ready before your steel building arrives to your job site.

When you talk with a project manager, explain that you’re opening a self-storage facility. I’m sure they will want to know for permitting purposes. Most mini-storage buildings have a narrow width, but a very long length. Since steel buildings can span great distances without the price in finished steel going through the roof. For example, a wood building could need supports, poles, struts, or trusses to stand up properly in any design of 40 feet long, or more. Engineers design each bay of a steel building to span particular distances, but the amount of lumber required continues to increase as spans increase. Wood, brick and mortar constructions have limitations, and the cost per square foot will rise exponentially. There comes a time when it’s not economical to continue building with anything but steel.

Next, you’ll want to confirm your job site is ready for delivery. The property must meet the needs of the storage facility. Is there enough space in between the storage buildings? Do you have a forklift or cherry picker ready to unload the building off the truck? For your information, the driver of the truck isn’t responsible for unloading of the building. That’s pretty standard in the industry.

Before you erect the self-storage steel building, be sure to set a timeline for the erection process. You want to start generating some business revenue as soon as you can. Enter yet another benefit of a steel building. Since these buildings are pre-engineered, all the parts come pre-cut and pre-punched, ready to literally be ‘put-together’ on the job site, no field fabrication necessary. It won’t take months to get your self-storage facility up and running, as it might if you choose a different form of customary construction.

When your building is erected, it’s time to get your name out there! Start advertising and get your employees ready for business!

Do you own or operate a self-storage business? If so, how was the process of getting your pre-engineered metal building up and running? Share your stories below! We’d love to hear about it!

Search Results for: project manager

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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.