Who Do You Buy Steel Buildings From?

When you start shopping around for a steel building, you’ll quickly find that there are a number of different ways to buy steel buildings. There are a number of different types of suppliers that sell steel buildings. The type of supplier you choose will make a big difference in the type of buying experience you have. Specific types of steel building suppliers are better options for different types of buyers. The more you know about the process of buying and erecting steel buildings – and about your own needs – the more likely it will be that you’ll get the kind of building you need and the type of supplier that will be best for your needs.

Essentially, there are three types of businesses from which you can buy a metal building: steel buildings manufacturers, brokers of steel buildings and general contractors. Here’s what you can expect from each type of metal building supplier.

Manufacturers

As you might expect, manufacturers actually design, engineer and fabricate all the components of steel buildings. Most manufacturers sell their buildings through brokers or contractors, but some deal directly with consumers. If you’re not experienced in the construction industry and have never bought a metal building before, dealing with a manufacturer may put you in over your head unless you’re working with a manufacturer used to working with laymen. The advantage of working with a manufacturer is money. When you deal directly with a manufacturer of steel buildings, you cut out the cost of the middleman, which can be quite considerable. If you’re going to erect the building yourself as many people do with steel garages and barns, look for a manufacturer that works directly with consumers.

Steel Building Brokers

Most of the businesses that sell steel buildings online are steel building brokers. They’re distributors who work with many different manufacturers. Because they frequently work with consumers directly, metal building brokers are a good choice for people who want to buy smaller steel buildings – storage buildings, garages and the like – and handle the building erection themselves. If you want to buy from a broker but don’t have the capacity to put up the building, most brokers can put you in touch with general contractors in your area.

General Contractors

Some cities or communities require that you work with a general contractor if you’re putting up a steel building. Buying your building through a general contractor can make the entire process simple for you. The contractor will handle all the paperwork and arrangements, help you make decisions about the design and structure of your building and handle all the necessary permits. It’s the easy way to buy a steel building, but it can be more expensive. If you’re planning to put the building up yourself, you’ll want to buy from a broker or manufacturer.

If you’re shopping for steel buildings, it helps to understand what to expect from the different types of suppliers. Once you know what you’re looking for and how much work you intend to handle on your own, you can make an informed decision about the type of supplier to buy from.