Assembly Tips for Steel Buildings

If you’ve never erected a metal building before, these assembly tips will come in handy for your steel building project. Keep in mind that, while steel buildings are a relatively straightforward construction project, the size, weight and scope may make it difficult for an inexperienced builder. Hiring a contractor to erect a steel building is far less expensive than you might think. If you have any doubts about your capabilities, your metal building supplier can put you in touch with an experienced local contractor.
Get a Preview
Before you decide to DIY your metal building, visit another steel building project in your area to see the work in progress. Chances are that your steel buildings representative can put you in touch with a project close by. You’ll get a better idea of exactly what’s involved in erecting your metal building.
If you do decide to go ahead and build your project yourself, these assembly tips will save you time and money, and result in a safer building.
Use Trained Workers
If possible, work with people who understand how construction works and have done assembly before. They’ll need less instruction, take safety seriously and work much faster.
Provide the Proper Tools
The work will go much more smoothly if you provide the tools and equipment needed to do the job efficiently and safely. That’s another reason to visit another job site before starting on the construction of your own steel building. You’ll see what’s working and what’s not.
Divide Up the Work
Plan before you dig into the job. Divide the work up into smaller tasks and assign each task to teams of workers. It provides accountability and ensures that everything gets done in the right order.
Bolt Items Together First
You’ll save time by assembling components on the ground and then raising them in one piece. Be reasonable, though – don’t put together more than you can safely raise at one time.
Build in Sections
Assemble the steel framework one section at a time, starting at one end and working your way to the other.
Complete the Heavy Work First
Complete the heaviest work first and put off finish work until after you’ve completed anything that requires the use of expensive lifting equipment. There’s no sense paying for it longer than you need it.
Keep the Site Safe at Night
Construction sites are tempting playgrounds for kids after working hours. Make sure you keep your site secure to avoid vandalism, or worse, a serious injury.
Steel buildings are a popular DIY construction project, especially basic steel buildings like garages and barns. If you decide to erect your own metal building, be sure you understand what you’re getting into before you start. It’s always much easier to hire someone from the start than it is to have someone come in to clean up after you.