Completing the Paperwork for Steel Buildings Projects

Steel buildings are often the ideal solution for homeowners who need garages, storage buildings or kennels and farm properties in need of barns. In most cases, you’ll need a building permit before you can start putting up your metal building project and you’ll have to comply with regulations throughout the building process. This process will require that you keep up with all sorts of paperwork associated with your steel building project. If you thought putting up a steel building was a simple matter of bolting things together like a giant steel Erector set, you’re forgetting about all the paperwork you may need to do. If you want to get your building erected and in use on time without any problems, make sure that you have all the paperwork and drawings you’ll need before you get started.

First Steps First

Before you ever place an order with a manufacturer of steel buildings, check with your local code office to be certain that it’s permitted in your area. In some cities, prefab metal buildings are only allowed in some zones or not allowed at all. Where they are allowed, you may still have to meet certain site requirements before you can build. If you put down a deposit on a steel building kit only to find out that your city won’t allow you to build it where you want to build it, you’ll be out a lot of cash.

Check the Building Specs Against the Local Code

Get the building specifications from the manufacturer and check them against the local building codes. The easiest way to do this is to get a copy of the final purchase contract before you make your purchase. At that point, you can bring the purchase contract to the local building office and have an inspector look it over. With the contract in hand, the inspector will be able to determine if the building will meet local building codes and tell you what changes need to be made so that it will.

Get Certified Permit Drawings

Your code office will probably also require certified permit drawings drawn up and stamped by an engineer. Most reputable steel building brokers and manufacturers will supply you with a set, though you may have to pay an engineering deposit to get them. Most metal building manufacturers will ask you for this deposit.

Paperwork for Your Contractor

If you’re engaging a general contractor to pour a foundation, your contractor will need a copy of the anchor bolt diagrams in order to ensure proper placement of supports and connectors in the foundation. Your code office may also need these, as well as any computer generated drawings showing every connection and a cross-section diagram of your steel building.

If you’ve never erected a steel building before, make sure that you ask a lot of questions to find out everything you need to know. Steel buildings are an affordable solution for storage, garages and other uses, but they’re not exactly cheap. Making sure you do things right the first time can cut your costs and keep your new metal building affordable.