The Costs of Steel Buildings

So you’re interested in putting up a steel building but you’d like a little more information about pricing before looking more seriously. You’ve heard that steel buildings are more economical than more traditional construction, but are wondering just how much more economical. These facts can help you understand the factors that affect the pricing of steel buildings and how choosing a metal building for your construction project can save you money.

Developer Involvement

One of the factors that will affect the price of your steel building is just how involved you want to be in the design and construction. The final cost of your building will depend heavily on what services are required in its manufacture. Some owners want a turn-key project, where everything from design to finish work is done for them. Some are content with a base design, while others want to be involved in working with the designer and engineer to customize the design completely. You may choose to purchase a steel building kit and do all the work yourself, or employ a local general contractor to do the actual construction work. Each of these choices will affect the finished price of the steel buildings you choose.

Size

Obviously, the size of your building will affect its price, but larger buildings may actually end up costing less per square foot than smaller buildings. The complexity of the project will actually have more effect on the finished price than the size. Steel buildings that require more engineering and design work will cost more than a simple Quonset steel building, for example.

Finish and Trim Options

The price for steel buildings will also be affected by the trim and finish options you choose. Many manufacturers of metal buildings offer standard trim packages that are economical, but you may choose to customize your building with more expensive options. Your local building codes may also affect the trim and finish options that you choose. Some localities, for example, require that metal buildings have non-metal exterior walls in order to fit into the environment around them. That kind of finish option will add considerably to the price.

Accessories and Extras

In many cases, standard steel buildings don’t include the actual doors or windows, so you’ll need to add their cost into your estimate. The cost of the foundation will be another additional cost – and most experts recommend that you engage a professional contractor to pour your foundation for safety and structural reasons. You’ll also have to figure in the cost of any interior design work and materials – interior walls, flooring, plumbing and wiring will all add to the price for your finished steel building.

Final Pricing

While the price for steel buildings varies widely, you can usually figure on paying between $20 and $25 per square foot for a residential-sized metal building suitable for use as storage buildings, sheds or garages. Shop around among the many dealers and manufacturers to find one that offers the best combination of expertise, service and price to get the best deal.