Buying Steel Buildings: Choosing a Supplier

Once you’ve made sure that you can erect a steel building on your property, you can start looking for the best supplier for your needs. There are dozens of companies that supply steel buildings, but they fall into two basic categories: manufacturers and brokers.

Many manufacturers sell their own steel buildings through a website. The biggest advantage of working with a manufacturer is that you cut out the middleman, which can result in lower prices because there won’t be a broker taking a commission. On the other hand, many manufacturers are used to dealing with knowledgeable buyers who understand the ins and outs of buying and erecting steel buildings. They may assume that you know and understand things that are standard in the industry, which could lead to misunderstandings. If you decide to buy your metal building directly from the manufacturer, choose one that frequently deals with the end user – that’s you.

Brokers often sell buildings made by several different manufacturers. They often deal with end users who are buying small steel buildings for use as garages, hangars, storage buildings or barns. The better brokers will handhold you through the process, making sure you understand exactly what you’re buying and what you need to do during the ordering, delivery and manufacturing process. Of course, just as with any other industry, there are companies that will take advantage of unwary buyers. That’s why it’s important to research each company you’re considering carefully.

Before you choose a supplier of steel buildings, take these steps.

-          Check the Better Business Bureau listing of any company you’re considering to see if there have been complaints against them.

-          Do a search for the company name online to find any complaints or mentions of the company.

-          Look for contact information on the website. If the company doesn’t list a physical address and telephone contact number, look for another steel buildings supplier.

-          Narrow your choices down to two or three of the most likely suppliers. Request a quote from each of your choices. Most will have a contact form that asks you for basic information. Fill it out as completely as you can.

-          Ask each company to supply references from former customers, and check the references. If possible, try to get references from local customers that you can visit so you can see the quality of the buildings.

-          Once you receive complete quotes, compare them carefully to each other to make sure that they all include the same options. Don’t forget to look for the freight and shipping charges, which can add a considerable amount to the price.

Consider your entire experience when choosing which steel buildings supplier to work with. The price is an important factor, but it’s also important to work with a company that provides excellent customer service, so be sure to weigh that into your decision.