Top Tips and Tricks for Steel Building Shopping

Investing in steel buildings is a big decision, and it’s important to get it right. You want a steel building kit that ticks all the boxes: it has to work well, look good, and fit your budget. The good news is that these structures are not only cost-effective but also highly customizable, especially when you work with an experienced fabricator like Armstrong Steel.

But while there’s no doubt that steel buildings are some of the best options in the market today, buying one can be challenging, especially if it’s your first time. There are several things to consider that can affect your purchase. This guide will walk you through those considerations and offer tips and tricks to help you find the perfect steel building that meets your needs, preferences, and budget.

Buying a steel building: tips for a smoother shopping experience

We understand how exciting it is to buy a steel building, but we also know it can be overwhelming. Taking these steps will ensure you’re prepared to make your purchase and handle any other important details that come up later.

Buy directly from the metal building fabricator.

Buying your steel building directly from a manufacturer like Armstrong Steel can save you both time and money. Doing this cuts out the middleman and eliminates all the extra costs of markups, commissions, and handling fees. Buying direct also ensures that your needs are fully understood because you will be communicating with our team instead of a third-party sales representative.

To get started, simply fill out our secure contact form, and one of our Building Experts will get in touch. We’ll work with you to understand your goals and help you determine if our steel buildings are the right fit for your project.

Do your homework

Taking the time to do some research can go a long way. Start by thinking about why you need a steel building and what you’ll be using it for. Look at different designs for inspiration and ideas on how to customize your own building. It’s also a good idea to research any specific requirements or potential challenges related to your location or building site.

Stay away from “all-included” deals. These packages might force you into a pre-designed model that doesn’t fit your needs. You could end up paying for features you don’t want and missing out on customizations that are important to you.

Check permit requirements

Some cities and regions require that you get specific permits before your steel building kit is delivered to your job site. These requirements vary and can impact where and how you assemble and erect your structure, so it’s important to ask local authorities. If you don’t have the right building permits, you could face hefty fines and risk delays. Worse, you might be allowed to continue your project.

Choose the right steel building fabricator.

Steel buildings aren’t one-size-fits-all, and experienced fabricators like us understand that. The manufacturer you choose plays a huge role in the quality, craftsmanship, compliance, and lifespan of your building, so it’s crucial to pick the right one.

At Armstrong Steel, we don’t do cookie-cutter designs. Even though our metal building kits are prefabricated, they’re fully customized to meet your specific needs, so you can be sure your building will look and function exactly how you envision it.

Set your budget

Once you know what you want and have found a reputable fabricator, it’s time to create a clear budget. Get quotes from different manufacturers and compare them to know how much you can afford and which supplier can offer the best value for your money.

Don’t immediately choose the cheapest steel buildings unless you are confident in their quality. A slightly more expensive option might actually save you money down the road, especially if it comes with guarantees of durability, structural soundness, and flexibility.

Extremely low prices often indicate that the fabricator may have cut corners somewhere. This can lead to structural problems and premature wear and tear. Worse, it may create safety hazards down the line, ultimately costing you more in repairs or replacements.

Explore customizations

Steel buildings are highly customizable, so be sure to work with a fabricator that offers many options to configure the look and feel of your structure. At Armstrong Steel, our in-house building consultants and engineers will work with you and ensure a smoother customization process. Our steel structures support all wall and roofing designs and materials. Plus, they can accommodate any interior or exterior finish. This means your building can meet your aesthetic and won’t look too industrial.

Ensure your job site is ready.

Before placing your order, check if your job site is suitable and start doing the basic preparations. While each project has its own nuances, certain fundamental steps apply to all sites — you must level the ground, remove obstructions, address drainage concerns, and establish a solid foundation. With these basics in place, you can then address any additional requirements specific to your project.

Determine your square footage.

While analyzing your needs, take the time to identify the necessary square footage for your building. Don’t be afraid to go bigger, as pre-engineered steel buildings offer enormous savings over traditional constructions — usually up to 40%.

But don’t worry if your budget only allows for a smaller building right now. Thanks to its modular design, your steel building will be easy to extend sideways or upward, providing infinite expansion options later on.

Get help for your steel project.

Not sure how big your building should be? We’ll provide the resources to help you plan and design your structure. Once you place your order, our drafting and detailing team will start working on approval drawings for you to mark up and approve. Additionally, we will prepare the permit drawings and have them signed by a licensed engineer in your state for a smoother permitting process.

Shop steel buildings at Armstrong Steel

Click here to see our steel building types and get inspired to design your own with our seasoned consultants. You may also call 1-866-963-2410 for more details on direct pricing and locking in your order.

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