Are DIY Steel Buildings the Right Choice for You?

People considering the purchase of DIY steel buildings often have unrealistic expectations and understanding of the process of purchasing and erecting a steel building. While metal buildings are very popular for use as garages, storage sheds, barns and garden houses, DIY steel building kits do require some skill and ability to put up properly. If you’re considering the purchase of a do-it-yourself metal building kit, it’s important that you understand the realities of purchasing and erecting a steel building.

You Will Probably Need a Building Permit to Put Up Your Building

Every city and county has its own zoning laws and building codes. Before you make up your mind that you want to put up a steel building on your property, check to be sure that it will be permitted on your property. Once you’ve put down a deposit on a building, you won’t be able to get it back, so check first to avoid being disappointed later.

You’ll Need Some Sort of Foundation

One of the major draws of steel buildings is the fact that smaller metal structures don’t usually require a dug foundation. That reduces the cost of putting up the building and makes a steel building easier to erect than most wood frame buildings of a similar size. On the other hand, most steel buildings do require a poured concrete foundation or concrete pier footings. Getting the foundation right is vital to the safe construction of your building, so if there’s one place to call in a pro, this would be it.

You’ll Probably Need to Unload the Steel Building Components Yourself

In most cases, when your steel building is delivered, you’ll need friends on hand to help you unload the components yourself. Generally, trucking companies will not be responsible for unpacking your steel building. You’ll have to unpack the components and check the order to make sure that everything is there as ordered.

Steel Building Components Are Heavy

About those friends – you really will need them. The walls and other components of your building are pretty hefty – too hefty for you to lift and cart around yourself. In fact, you may want to rent a forklift at least for the unloading and possibly a jack or small boom crane to help you get larger pieces into place.

A Metal Building Kit Really Can Be a DIY Project

Despite all that, many homeowners put up their own steel buildings with little trouble. As long as you understand what you’re getting into and are prepared for the realities, putting up your own steel building is totally doable if your project is small enough.