27 Things to Know Before Buying a Metal Building

If you’re thinking about buying a metal building, here is what you should know first.

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Cost

Are metal buildings cheaper than wood?

Yes, metal building prices are lower than wood. The exact price difference depends on the current cost of steel versus lumber. You can generally expect the shell of a wood building to cost about twice as much as a metal building.

Are metal buildings cheap?

Metal buildings are cheaper than buildings made out of wood or other materials. But that doesn’t mean they are of poor quality.

Are repossessed buildings cheaper than new buildings?

We did our own study to find out if repo storage buildings were cheaper than new storage buildings. We found that the average discount on a used building was only 12%, and that the used buildings we found were on average 42% more expensive than the new buildings we sell.

Are metal buildings worth it?

Metal buildings are usually a good investment because of their low cost to build, their long lifespan, and their low cost of maintenance. Adding a metal garage or shop to your home will usually increase the value of your property more than the amount you pay for the building.

How much do metal buildings cost?

Prefab metal buildings cost anywhere between $8 and $30 per square foot. This includes the price of delivery and installation, but not the cost of permits, site preparation, and a concrete foundation. The total cost will usually fall between $14 to $45 per square foot.

How much does a concrete foundation cost?

A concrete foundation will usually cost at least $8 per square foot. In some areas the price will be lower, but usually it will be higher. The biggest factor is the local cost of labor. If you pour your own foundation, you only need to pay for the cost of the concrete and any tools and supplies that you need.

Can you finance metal buildings?

Some manufacturers offer financing for metal buildings. Some lenders like New Century Bank and Acorn Finance specialize in financing metal buildings. A metal garage can be financed with a second mortgage, a cash-out refinance, or a home equity line of credit.

Who finances metal buildings?

1. New Century Bank
2. Acorn Finance
3. Banks and credit unions (via a mortgage, second mortgage, cash-our-refinance, home equity line of credit, or personal loan)
4. Peer-to-peer lenders

Construction and Installation

What metal is used in buildings?

Steel and aluminum are both used for prefabricated metal buildings. Aluminum is softer and is more likely to scratch and dent. Steel is stronger and more durable, so it is more commonly used to construct metal buildings.

What is the best metal for buildings?

Steel is stronger and more durable than aluminum, so it is a better material than aluminum for metal buildings. Large metal buildings are often made out of red iron I-beams. Red iron is actually steel that is coated with iron oxide. Smaller buildings are typically made with galvanized steel framing and panels.

What are pre-engineered metal buildings?

Pre-engineered metal buildings are buildings that are designed and manufactured in a factory, and then transported and installed at the building site. Pre-engineered metal buildings are more cost effective than buildings constructed on-site because there is almost no material or labor wasted in the construction process.

How are metal buildings installed?

1. A permit is obtained
2. The building site is prepared
3. A foundation is poured
4. The building is manufactured at a factory
5. The building components are delivered
6. The installation crew assembles the metal building at the site

Who sells and installs metal buildings and garages near me?

Alan’s Factory Outlet sells metal buildings and metal garages in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

Quality

How long do metal buildings last?

Most steel building will last at least 50 years, with minimal maintenance. With regular annual inspection and care, metal buildings can last more than 100 years. Metal builds can withstand many extreme weather conditions without incurring any damage.

What are the best quality metal buildings?

Those who want the highest quality metal building should select the following features:

• Vertical style roof
• 12-gauge steel tubing for the frame
• 26-gauge sheet metal
• 170 MPH wind upgrade
• Woven R-17 insulation
• Weather stripping around windows

Safety

Are metal buildings hurricane proof?

Metal buildings can be designed and built to withstand hurricane-force winds. The strongest hurricanes are class 5 hurricanes, with sustained winds that are at least 157 mph. You can get a metal building with a certification for winds up to 170 mph, which can survive most hurricanes.

Are metal buildings safe in a tornado?

About 1% of tornadoes are violent EF4 or EF5 tornadoes, with wind speeds above 207 mph, sometimes reaching speeds above 300 mph. Very few buildings will survive a direct hit from these violent storms. Metal buildings can be certified for 170 mph winds. These buildings are safe in most tornadoes.

Are metal buildings grounded?

Metal buildings can be grounded with metal rods driven into the ground that are bonded to the metal frame of the building. If lightning strikes the building, the electricity simply passes through the metal framing and into the ground.

Are metal buildings safe from lightning?

A properly grounded metal building is safe during a lighting storm, provided no one is touching the metal frame, metal siding, or any conductive material that is attached to the metal shell of the building. Like any building, nearby lightning strikes may disrupt electrical systems that are not equipped with surge protectors.

Use as a Home

Note: Buildings sold by Alan’s Factory Outlet are not designed or intended to be used as homes.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Jiuyuan.

Are metal buildings safe to live in?

Metal buildings can be safe to live in. However, they should be designed and built as a home and properly insulated. Metal buildings that are designed as garages are not air-tight, and are not designed for use as a home.

Is it legal to live in a metal building?

Laws vary widely between locations. The fastest way to find the laws in your area is to call the zoning planning department for the city or county that you live in.

Can a metal building be used as a house?

Yes. A metal building may be used as a house if it is constructed to local codes for residential structures. Barndominiums are metal homes that have been gaining in popularity in recent years.

Customization & Insulation

Can metal buildings be moved?

Metal buildings can be disassembled and moved more easily than most other types of buildings. However, moving a metal building is still a complex operation. Obviously, the foundation of the building cannot be moved. A new foundation will need to be poured before moving the metal building.

Can metal buildings be painted?

The metal buildings we sell have the colors baked on. These colors last a long time and do not easily fade. If you want to paint your metal building a different color, you can use a metal specific paint, or paint the building with a metal primer before using an exterior paint.

Can metal buildings be insulated?

Yes. There are several ways to insulate a metal building:

• Double bubble insulation
• Woven insulation
• Spray foam insulation
• Fiberglass insulation
• Foam boards
• Insulated Panels

At Alan’s Factory Outlet we offer double bubble and woven R-17 insulation.

Do I need to insulate my metal building?

Insulation is optional, but offers several benefits:

• Moisture control. Insulation prevents water from condensing on the inside walls and roof.
• Temperature control. Insulation with a high enough R-value can help keep your metal building warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. If anyone will be spending long hours in your metal building, insulation is ideal.

How are metal buildings insulated?

Metal buildings are insulated by attaching insulation to the inner walls and ceiling of the building.

Have more questions?

Check out our Metal Garage Buyer’s Guide if you’re shopping for a metal garage.

10 things to consider when buying a steel building

10 things to consider when buying a steel building

We have put together a list of 10 things to consider when buying a steel building.  With so many options, styles and companies to choose from, we discuss the 10 things you should think about as your going through the process.

• Building Types

  Knowing how you are going to use your building can help determine the size and type of building you should consider.  For instance, a 12x12 shed for lawn maintenance may only need a light weight building whereas a 40x60 used for a garage/shop would need a more sturdy commercial style building.

  Red Iron I-beam steal building

  The only building we sellThe frame of the building is comprised of steel I-beam columns and rafters with cold rolled secondary members.  The main frame columns are engineered to be attached to the concrete foundation with anchor bolts.  We utilize 26 gauge metal panels for the roof and walls.  This is commonly referred to as a Pre-engineered or Red Iron steel building and is the only building product we sell.

  Pole Barn

  Wood frame building not sold by RenegadeThis building is framed by wood poles placed in the ground with wooden trusses and wood support for the roof and wall sheets.  Many times, thinner 29 gauge panels are used.  This building can flex and move under wind and snow loads which can affect the structure as well as the weather seal.

  Quonset Hut

  Arch style building not sold by RenegadeA rounded or arch style building with no internal framing similar to the old military style buildings.  The arch style makes this self supporting.   This design has limitations on width and the radius design decreases usable interior wall space.

  Tube Frame Carport

  Aluminum frame building not sold by RenegadeThis style building uses an aluminum square tube for the building structure. The building can be placed on concrete or gravel with nothing more than a mobile home anchor. Typically, thinner 29 gauge metal panels are used to sheet the building.

• Local Regulations

  Most areas have a variety of local regulations in regards to what type of buildings you can have on your property as well as any property line setbacks.  In addition to local codes, many HOA's also have clauses that can dictate what finish is on the building.  In some cases, you can customize your steel building with brick or stone wainscot or you may even have to finish a couple of walls with some other materials.  These regulations can not only determine the look of your building but can dictate the size as well.

  30x40

  Basic building with one large door and one walk door with 1:12 roof pitchThe same building can be made to look very different depending on your personal preference and any requirements needed to meet design guidelines.  Be sure to talk to your project manager to discuss your needs.

  30x40 with options

  4:12 pitch roof, wainscot, windows, sky lights and cupola

• Steel Building Size

  Working off of the regulations above, determining you building size not only requires thought on what you need to use the building for, but also what will fit on your property.   Aside from those constraints, deciding the size that fits your needs along with any room for growth is important.  When building a residential shop or garage, most customers only buy a steel building once.  When a business needs either their first building or additional buildings for expansion, the return on investment can be a deciding factor.  With all that in mind, lets look at a few things to consider.

  Basic building size chart

  This chart allows you to see a variety of building sizes up to 5,000 square feet.  At 30 foot wide, you have room to pull a car in, close the door and still have room to walk around the front of the vehicle.  40 and 50 widths allow for more room to work or more toys to store.  Of course the buildings can continue wider from there like 75', 100', 150' or even 200' wide.  Length wise, you can continue to add bays to get to whatever length you may require.

  40x60x10 steel building sketch

  Another dimension to consider for your steel building is the eave height.  Starting at 10' at the eave, steel buildings can typically go up to 40'.  A few common factors in determining the eave height is the size of your doors, whether you intend to have an automotive lift or storage racks, or wish to build out the interior to have a second story floor.  While we commonly reference the eave height, interior details often require considering the clearance under the haunch.  Be sure to talk to your project manager to design the building you want.

  40x60x18 steel building sketch

• Steel Building Project Timeline

  When do you want to have your building delivered.  In years past, we quoted most buildings to have drawings completed in 2 weeks and the building delivered 6 weeks after that for an 8 week total turn around.  We wish we could get back to those days.  With the huge demand on steel mills and steel products in general since , we have seen lead times continue to get longer and longer.  As of the end of July we can offer two options for when you will get your building.  In some locations we can offer 14-16 weeks, in other areas it's 30+ weeks.  Depending on your situation, this may give you the time you need to do your clearing, dirt work, and work through the permit process.  We are always up front with you on what to really expect so that you are not surprised later.

• Budget

  Knowing your budget is important before going into any project.  The cost of the building is only one piece of the puzzle.  You will need to include site prep, cost for your concrete slab and foundation, cost of the building, labor to erect, and any interior build out you may do.  Renegade Steel Buildings can help with the cost of the building kit, and your local contractors can furnish pricing for the other items.  Collecting all of these cost can help you stay on budget and determine what your ROI may be.

• Steel Building Permit

  Knowing what is involved in obtaining a permit is a very important part of the process.  In some cases, you may not need a permit, in others you will and on commercial jobs is all but certain that you will.  Renegade Steel Buildings is a nationwide supplier of American made, Red Iron, pre-engineered steel buildings.  We are not general contractors and do not get involved in the permitting or building process.

• Accessories

  There are a variety of accessories that you can add to you building for either added functionality or aesthetic appeal.  Knowing your options can help you get the building you want.

  Horizontal Sliding Steel Building Window

  A steel building sliding window offers both functionality and aesthetics.  Check out our standards to see why we like to provide a framed opening for windows.

  Steel Walk Door

  Every building needs access to get in and out.  A large roll up or sectional door may be great, but there are always times when you just need to walk into your building without opening a large door.  A walk door is just what you need.

  Interior Liner Panels

  One great way to finish the inside of your building and protect your insulation as well is with interior liner panels.  Made from the same material and panels as your wall panels, they provide a clean look for your interior walls.

  Hi R-Value Insulation

  We offer a few different options for insulating your steel building.  Our standard is a vinyl faced fiberglass insulation that can go up to R-19 value at 6" thick.  Beyond that we can also offer a liner system which allows you to increase your insulation R-38 or more.  Our metal building insulation page has much more information.

  Steel Building Vent Fan

  A great option for airflow in your steel building is to add a 36" or 48" vent fan.  With this fan placed high in the building across from a door opening or louvered vent can give you a nice cross flow of air to remove heat and ventilate your building.

  Wall Lights

  We are often asked about adding skylight panels to a steel building.  While the are great for adding natural light they have a couple of disadvantages as well such as sweating.  Another option that works well without the problems is adding wall lights.  This option allows light in your building without cutting holes in your roof.

• Warranty

  Don't be fooled by wild warranty claims.  The industry standard is 1 year structural warranty against defect in material and workmanship.  The warranty on panels is a finish warranty against fading and typically starts at 25 years pro rata.  You may see some claiming a lifetime structural warranty.  Be sure to read that warranty statement to see what it actually covers.

• Contract

  In many cases, your quote becomes your contract once signed.  The biggest thing we see when comparing quotes is that there is usually a good reason why someone has a cheaper bottom line.  Most times, something is missing from their quote whether it is doors, insulation or tax.  Once signed, you are only purchasing exactly what is on the contract so if a competitor verbally assured you they have something included, but it is not on their contract, you may end up paying more to get it later.

• Bottom Line

  The bottom line is that there are many steel building companies to choose from, some reputable, some shady and some just downright pushy.  We strive to be upfront and honest with our customers.  That's why we give you realistic lead times, tell you what we can and cannot do, advise you to check your local codes and loads and help value engineer your building to get what you want as cost effectively as possible.  Do your homework, check out each company your considering and let us help you get the best building at a price your happy with.

  We hope this list of 10 things to consider when buying a steel building helps you in your project.

Talk to one of our project managers to get the details you need for your pre-engineered steel building project.

Steel Building Information

Steel Building Kit

Steel Building Buyers Guide

Steel Building FAQ

Buying Process

Renegade Standards

Want more information on Agricultural Steel Building? Feel free to contact us.

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