Answers to Questions About Steel Buildings

If you’re considering the advantages of steel buildings for your storage, home office, manufacturing building, garages or other construction project, you’re likely to have many questions about the buildings in general and the process of purchasing one. These are some of the most frequent questions asked of steel building suppliers and manufacturers.

 Why Choose Steel Over Wood for Building Projects?

The biggest reason most people choose steel is strength. A steel building can withstand high load conditions like heavy snow. Steel doesn’t warp, shrink or rot, and the expansion and contraction over time is minimal. Steel buildings are not susceptible to damage from insects and are not flammable, so they are safer – and cost less to insure.

Do Steel Building Kits Include Everything Needed to Construct a Building?

In most cases, your steel building order will include everything you need to erect your building with the exception of anchor bolts. Those will be provided by the contractor you hire to pour your foundation. If you do the foundation yourself, you’ll need to supply the anchor bolts.

Are Steel Buildings Painted?

In most cases, the components of your steel building will be painted at the factory using a method called powder-coating, which results in long-lasting, durable color. Most buildings are available in standard house colors. A few manufacturers may custom blend a paint color for you.

What Kind of Warranty Can I Expect With a Steel Building?

The warranties vary from one manufacturer to the next, but most carry a limited lifetime warranty on the structure itself and a 20 to 25 year warranty on the paint.

Do I Need a Building Permit?

The need for building permits varies from one locale to the next. In most cases, you will need a building permit to construct your steel building. Check with your local building code office to review all the requirements for steel buildings in your town or county before you commit to purchasing one.

Will I Need Permit Drawings?

That depends on your local building codes. If you do require permit drawings, simply notify your steel buildings manufacturer, who will supply the necessary drawings. You’ll generally have to put down a deposit before you can get permit drawings.

Does my Metal Building Need a Foundation?

Again, your local building code office may require a foundation and may even specify what type of foundation you’ll need. The most common foundation for a steel building is a poured slab foundation, though some people choose a dirt or gravel floor. On smaller steel buildings, concrete piers are all the foundation your may need.

If you have other questions about steel buildings, your supplier or manufacturer will be happy to answer them for you. All you need to do is ask.