One of the biggest frustrations in the fabricated steel building
industry is dealing with the few unprincipled sellers of steel
buildings. These metal building brokers give the entire industry a bad
name and leave customers confused and uncertain – and, far too often,
owning steel buildings
that don’t really suit their needs. Reputable sellers know that the
more you understand about the product you’re buying, the more likely it
is that you’ll end up with exactly the metal building you need.
How
do you know you’re dealing with a reputable dealer and not a
high-pressure salesman who is more interested in increasing his
commission than serving your needs? First, familiarize yourself with
these deceptive practices that some sellers use.
It’s Ready to Ship
Any
time a salesman tells you that they have an inventory of buildings
ready to ship, be very skeptical. Even garden sheds and garages, which
come in standard sizes, are nearly always manufactured to order. That’s
because all buildings must meet the building codes and standards of the
site where they’ll be erected, and of course, your needs. As a general
rule, the engineers will not even begin the design
process until they have an order in hand. If a dealer makes it sound
like he has a warehouse full of metal buildings that can go out on the
next truck, chances are he’s pressuring you to buy something that
doesn’t yet exist.
Canceled Sales
People do put down
deposits on buildings and then cancel the sale or fail to take delivery
on the building they’ve ordered. It would be a lie to say it’s never
happened. It is, however, awfully unlikely that it happens as often as
some sellers would have you believe. Keep in mind that even if the
salesman does have a canceled order that has been partially paid with a
non-refundable deposit – a common explanation for a LOW, LOW SLASHED
PRICE – that building will still have to meet the codes and standards
for your building site.
High Pressure Sales Tactics
Just like any other business, the steel building
industry has its share of high-pressure salespeople who will tell you
anything to make the sale. They may bully, cajole or demand. They may
ask you for a credit card number as a “good faith” gesture, or imply
that you’re wasting their time if you don’t put down a deposit to show
you’re “serious” about buying. They may tell you that the price is only
good until closing today, or that they only have one building left in
the model you want and – well, you read the cautions above, right?
When
confronted with a seller of steel buildings who engages in any of these
tactics or deceptions, just walk away. There are plenty of reputable
dealers and manufacturers who will treat you with the care and honesty
you deserve as a valued customer.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Thursday, July 25, 2013
The Origins of the Quonset Hut
During World War I, the U.S. military got a good working look at a
style of building known as Nissen huts, which were used by British as
barracks. Their unique structure consisted of a ribbed skeleton covered
with a thin, flexible metal skin. When fully constructed, they look like
a cylinder cut in half and laying on the ground. They were lightweight,
easy to transport, easy to put up and easy to break down.
When the U.S. Navy needed a building that was easy to ship and easy to put up without any skilled labor, they turned to the design of the Nissen buildings. The original Quonset buildings were made of steel with a galvanized coating. Later, the military started painting them olive drab or camouflage to make them more difficult for the enemy to see from the air. It wasn’t just the exterior and the strength of the arch design that the Navy liked, though. The construction method used left the interior completely unobstructed because there is no need for support posts, which allowed for virtually unlimited floor plans. Over the course of the war – and others that followed – these versatile steel buildings served as barracks, mess tents, command centers and just about every other purpose possible.
When the war ended, the military was left with hundreds upon hundreds of surplus Quonset buildings, many of which were sold for scrap – but at least as many were purchased by civilians for other uses, such as agricultural uses. The same wide-open interiors that made these steel buildings attractive to the Navy also made them ideal for use as barns, heavy equipment storage, grain storage, airplane hangars and so many other purposes.
Of course, the old-fashioned Quonset buildings weren’t the most attractive structures ever erected, so while farmers and industrial owners adopted them widely, steel buildings were not very popular with the general public – until recently. Today, steel buildings are as attractive as they are function. Many of the styles chosen for use as garages and residential storage sheds are based on the old Quonset buildings, but with modifications, such as pitched roofs and straight walls, that make them more aesthetically appealing.
If you’re in the market for a new garage, storage building or just about any other type of structure, consider the features and benefits offered by steel buildings for your project.
When the U.S. Navy needed a building that was easy to ship and easy to put up without any skilled labor, they turned to the design of the Nissen buildings. The original Quonset buildings were made of steel with a galvanized coating. Later, the military started painting them olive drab or camouflage to make them more difficult for the enemy to see from the air. It wasn’t just the exterior and the strength of the arch design that the Navy liked, though. The construction method used left the interior completely unobstructed because there is no need for support posts, which allowed for virtually unlimited floor plans. Over the course of the war – and others that followed – these versatile steel buildings served as barracks, mess tents, command centers and just about every other purpose possible.
When the war ended, the military was left with hundreds upon hundreds of surplus Quonset buildings, many of which were sold for scrap – but at least as many were purchased by civilians for other uses, such as agricultural uses. The same wide-open interiors that made these steel buildings attractive to the Navy also made them ideal for use as barns, heavy equipment storage, grain storage, airplane hangars and so many other purposes.
Of course, the old-fashioned Quonset buildings weren’t the most attractive structures ever erected, so while farmers and industrial owners adopted them widely, steel buildings were not very popular with the general public – until recently. Today, steel buildings are as attractive as they are function. Many of the styles chosen for use as garages and residential storage sheds are based on the old Quonset buildings, but with modifications, such as pitched roofs and straight walls, that make them more aesthetically appealing.
If you’re in the market for a new garage, storage building or just about any other type of structure, consider the features and benefits offered by steel buildings for your project.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Options for Steel Buildings as Garages
Many older homes were built without attached garages.
Steel buildings are an excellent option for those homeowners who want
to add a garage to their property to protect their vehicles. If you’ve
decided that you want to add a garage or carport to your home, you have
many options from which to choose if you decide that a metal building
makes sense for your needs. Here are just a few of the decisions you’ll
have to make.
Freestanding Garages vs. Lean-tos
The most common choices for garages is a free-standing steel building, but it’s not the only choice. Some homeowners who prefer an attached garage so that they can exit their car and go into their house without getting wet in the rain might prefer a lean-to style of steel building. With a lean-to, the house provides one of the building walls. They’re an especially popular option when the homeowner decides on an open carport rather than a full-scale garage.
One-Car, Two-Car, Three-Car More
Steel buildings can be built in a wide range of sizes so you can build your garage to park as many cars as you want. Generally, you can build a metal building in widths from 10 feet to 100 feet wide, and the length is only limited by the amount of land you have on which to build. A 100-foot steel building would give you the space to install 5 separate standard-size garage doors – if you put the doors on the front or back of the building. That’s not your only option, though. You can also opt to install the doors on the side of the building, which gives you even more choices for garage configurations.
Classic Styling Available
Steel buildings don’t have to be ugly. When it comes to residential garages, most people want a metal building that fits the style of their home. Luckily, steel buildings can fit just about any style of architecture you want them to match. Most steel buildings sold as garages have straight sides and pitched roofs, but are built using arch-frame construction similar to Quonset buildings. That combines the style and space available in typical buildings with the economy and strength of Quonset buildings.
To make it even better, steel buildings now come in many colors, including the most popular house colors in different parts of the country. When you choose a metal building for your car storage needs, you’re making a choice that is economical, durable, safe and attractive. Who could ask for more than that in a garage?
Freestanding Garages vs. Lean-tos
The most common choices for garages is a free-standing steel building, but it’s not the only choice. Some homeowners who prefer an attached garage so that they can exit their car and go into their house without getting wet in the rain might prefer a lean-to style of steel building. With a lean-to, the house provides one of the building walls. They’re an especially popular option when the homeowner decides on an open carport rather than a full-scale garage.
One-Car, Two-Car, Three-Car More
Steel buildings can be built in a wide range of sizes so you can build your garage to park as many cars as you want. Generally, you can build a metal building in widths from 10 feet to 100 feet wide, and the length is only limited by the amount of land you have on which to build. A 100-foot steel building would give you the space to install 5 separate standard-size garage doors – if you put the doors on the front or back of the building. That’s not your only option, though. You can also opt to install the doors on the side of the building, which gives you even more choices for garage configurations.
Classic Styling Available
Steel buildings don’t have to be ugly. When it comes to residential garages, most people want a metal building that fits the style of their home. Luckily, steel buildings can fit just about any style of architecture you want them to match. Most steel buildings sold as garages have straight sides and pitched roofs, but are built using arch-frame construction similar to Quonset buildings. That combines the style and space available in typical buildings with the economy and strength of Quonset buildings.
To make it even better, steel buildings now come in many colors, including the most popular house colors in different parts of the country. When you choose a metal building for your car storage needs, you’re making a choice that is economical, durable, safe and attractive. Who could ask for more than that in a garage?
Thursday, July 18, 2013
DIY Steel Buildings for Home Workshops and More
Why are steel buildings the perfect choice for so many uses? There are so many ways to use a metal building
that they’re almost impossible to count. Steel buildings make great
workshops, garages, home offices, storage buildings – in-law apartments
and, for those who really want to benefit from the safety, economy and
comfort of a steel building – homes.
Why Choose Steel Buildings?
Steel buildings are ideal for many residential building applications. They’re easy to customize, engineered to meet all the safety codes in your area and provide years of low-maintenance use. Best of all, they’ll save you thousands of dollars on construction costs, whether you choose DIY assembly with a metal building kit or choose a local contractor to erect your building.
How Can You Use a Steel Building?
You can use steel buildings in any way you’d use any other type of construction – but a whole lot more economically and easily. Build a home workshop for your woodworking or pottery hobby, set up a music studio in your backyard or add a storage building to your property to hold all of your lawn and garden equipment. Turn a metal building into a mother-in-law apartment or set up a small steel building as a professional office without compromising the privacy of your home.
Best Features of Steel Buildings
Steel is strong and lightweight. It’s stronger than wood, but a steel building weighs less than a comparably sized wooden building. Every steel building can be (and must be, actually) custom-engineered to meet or exceed all of your local building codes. A metal building won’t warp or sag. The paint won’t chip or crack, so it looks new longer. High quality steel buildings feature a powder-coated paint job that resists corrosion and won’t fade in the sun. Steel garages, barns and storage buildings look new and fresh far longer than a painted wood structure.
Because metal buildings are engineered to your local building codes, you can expect them to stand up to the worst weather and environmental events your region will throw at it. Your new building will deal with heavy snow loads, high winds and even earthquakes without structural damage – and you’ll never have to worry about termites and other pests that love to munch on wood and cellulose.
In short, no matter what kind of building you need on your property, steel buildings are nearly always the best solution. Check out the options available for metal buildings in your area.
Some Fast Facts About Quonset Steel Buildings
Today’s steel buildings are descended from the well-known Quonset buildings developed for use by the U.S. military during World War II. The arched building design offers a combination of strength and efficiency that is nearly impossible to beat. Quonset buildings – named after Quonset Point, Rhode Island, where they were originally manufactured, these steel buildings have a long history of reliable service.
Why Choose Steel Buildings?
Steel buildings are ideal for many residential building applications. They’re easy to customize, engineered to meet all the safety codes in your area and provide years of low-maintenance use. Best of all, they’ll save you thousands of dollars on construction costs, whether you choose DIY assembly with a metal building kit or choose a local contractor to erect your building.
How Can You Use a Steel Building?
You can use steel buildings in any way you’d use any other type of construction – but a whole lot more economically and easily. Build a home workshop for your woodworking or pottery hobby, set up a music studio in your backyard or add a storage building to your property to hold all of your lawn and garden equipment. Turn a metal building into a mother-in-law apartment or set up a small steel building as a professional office without compromising the privacy of your home.
Best Features of Steel Buildings
Steel is strong and lightweight. It’s stronger than wood, but a steel building weighs less than a comparably sized wooden building. Every steel building can be (and must be, actually) custom-engineered to meet or exceed all of your local building codes. A metal building won’t warp or sag. The paint won’t chip or crack, so it looks new longer. High quality steel buildings feature a powder-coated paint job that resists corrosion and won’t fade in the sun. Steel garages, barns and storage buildings look new and fresh far longer than a painted wood structure.
Because metal buildings are engineered to your local building codes, you can expect them to stand up to the worst weather and environmental events your region will throw at it. Your new building will deal with heavy snow loads, high winds and even earthquakes without structural damage – and you’ll never have to worry about termites and other pests that love to munch on wood and cellulose.
In short, no matter what kind of building you need on your property, steel buildings are nearly always the best solution. Check out the options available for metal buildings in your area.
Some Fast Facts About Quonset Steel Buildings
Today’s steel buildings are descended from the well-known Quonset buildings developed for use by the U.S. military during World War II. The arched building design offers a combination of strength and efficiency that is nearly impossible to beat. Quonset buildings – named after Quonset Point, Rhode Island, where they were originally manufactured, these steel buildings have a long history of reliable service.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Why Farmers Choose Steel Buildings as Barns
It’s not a new phenomenon, but it’s definitely growing. More and more farmers are choosing steel buildings
when they build barns, equipment storage, grain storage and livestock
housing. They have some excellent reasons for choosing metal buildings
over more traditional forms of construction. Steel buildings come in
many shapes and sizes, and they can be further customized to suit even
the most finicky of applications. In fact, steel buildings are among the
most customizable types of construction on the market today. Here are
just a few of the benefits that farmers get when they choose steel
buildings as barns and other functional structures on the farm.
Durability
Prefabricated steel buildings are durable. The combination of the strength of steel and computerizing engineering ensures that every metal building will stand up to the types of extreme weather often seen in the central farmlands. They’ll withstand heavy winds, hold up under heavy snow loads and refuse to buckle to earthquakes.
Fast Construction
Back in the day, farmers gathered all of their neighbors to erect barns in a day. Today, steel buildings make that a fairly practical expectation. The components of metal buildings are fabricated and assembled offsite at the factory and delivered ready to assemble. Depending on the complexity of the building plans, it’s quite possible to assemble a new steel building on site in just a day or two.
Affordability
Steel is a very affordable building material – far more affordable than wood and concrete, especially when you consider the fact that you probably won’t need to build a full foundation. Most simple steel buildings only require a poured concrete foundation or pier footings if you prefer an earthen floor.
Low Maintenance
The vermin and insects that infest wooden buildings aren’t terribly interested in steel. Farmers don’t have to worry about termites and carpenter ants, or about dry rot. In addition, steel is not combustible, and most steel building components are coated with anti-corrosive solutions to reduce the likelihood of rust and corrosion.
Flexibility
Steel buildings are among the most flexible types of construction available. Most of them, especially Quonset buildings and other types of arch construction, need no interior posts at all, so there’s plenty of interior wiggle room for heavy farm equipment, animal stalls or even a riding arena.
Farmers who are looking to replace old wooden barns, grain silos and other farm buildings would do well to consider the many advantages and benefits of steel buildings for agricultural uses. From cost to durability, metal buildings can’t be beat.
Durability
Prefabricated steel buildings are durable. The combination of the strength of steel and computerizing engineering ensures that every metal building will stand up to the types of extreme weather often seen in the central farmlands. They’ll withstand heavy winds, hold up under heavy snow loads and refuse to buckle to earthquakes.
Fast Construction
Back in the day, farmers gathered all of their neighbors to erect barns in a day. Today, steel buildings make that a fairly practical expectation. The components of metal buildings are fabricated and assembled offsite at the factory and delivered ready to assemble. Depending on the complexity of the building plans, it’s quite possible to assemble a new steel building on site in just a day or two.
Affordability
Steel is a very affordable building material – far more affordable than wood and concrete, especially when you consider the fact that you probably won’t need to build a full foundation. Most simple steel buildings only require a poured concrete foundation or pier footings if you prefer an earthen floor.
Low Maintenance
The vermin and insects that infest wooden buildings aren’t terribly interested in steel. Farmers don’t have to worry about termites and carpenter ants, or about dry rot. In addition, steel is not combustible, and most steel building components are coated with anti-corrosive solutions to reduce the likelihood of rust and corrosion.
Flexibility
Steel buildings are among the most flexible types of construction available. Most of them, especially Quonset buildings and other types of arch construction, need no interior posts at all, so there’s plenty of interior wiggle room for heavy farm equipment, animal stalls or even a riding arena.
Farmers who are looking to replace old wooden barns, grain silos and other farm buildings would do well to consider the many advantages and benefits of steel buildings for agricultural uses. From cost to durability, metal buildings can’t be beat.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Making the Right Decision About Steel Buildings
Once you’ve made the first and most important decision – to opt for a
steel building, you’ll have a lot of other decisions to make. Steel buildings
are very versatile and flexible. That’s a good thing, of course, but it
does mean that you’ll have to decide among the many options for steel
building design and utility – not to mention the choice of steel
building supplier. Here are a few of the factors to consider when you’re
getting ready to buy a metal building.
Locale and Laws
Before you set your heart on a steel building, check with your local building codes office. Some municipalities prohibit certain types of buildings, particularly steel buildings. If you belong to a homeowner’s association, check with the bylaws there, too. Some communities have an unreasonable bias against steel buildings. If you’ve already got your heart set on the metal building of your dreams, you may be able to get a waiver to permit your project, but you can’t do that if you don’t know that you need one.
Supplier or Manufacturer
Choosing the right steel building supplier will make all the difference in the world in your buying experience. There are two basic choices for buying steel buildings: direct from the manufacturer or through a metal buildings broker. There are advantages to either choice: working directly with a manufacturer can save you money and may offer you options you won’t have with a broker. Brokers, on the other hand, represent many steel building manufacturers and can shop around to help you find the best deal. More importantly, brokers are generally more familiar with customers who are outside the industry and may make your life easier by using layman’s language and offering more explanation that you’d get from most manufacturers.
Style
Steel buildings come in many styles, ranging from the iconic Quonset buildings with their hoop supports and dome shape to buildings with straight sides and gambrel roofs that are indistinguishable from traditional construction. The best choice for your needs will depend on a variety of factors, and appearance is only one of them. Quonset buildings, for example, tend to offer the most floor space and highest clearance at the center point. Buildings with straight walls, on the other hand, give you more usable space along the walls, and tend to fit into neighborhoods and communities visually.
Steel buildings are nearly always the right decision for your storage and space needs. Once you’ve decided that a steel building is right for you, be prepared to make lots of other decisions to ensure you get precisely the building you want and need.
Locale and Laws
Before you set your heart on a steel building, check with your local building codes office. Some municipalities prohibit certain types of buildings, particularly steel buildings. If you belong to a homeowner’s association, check with the bylaws there, too. Some communities have an unreasonable bias against steel buildings. If you’ve already got your heart set on the metal building of your dreams, you may be able to get a waiver to permit your project, but you can’t do that if you don’t know that you need one.
Supplier or Manufacturer
Choosing the right steel building supplier will make all the difference in the world in your buying experience. There are two basic choices for buying steel buildings: direct from the manufacturer or through a metal buildings broker. There are advantages to either choice: working directly with a manufacturer can save you money and may offer you options you won’t have with a broker. Brokers, on the other hand, represent many steel building manufacturers and can shop around to help you find the best deal. More importantly, brokers are generally more familiar with customers who are outside the industry and may make your life easier by using layman’s language and offering more explanation that you’d get from most manufacturers.
Style
Steel buildings come in many styles, ranging from the iconic Quonset buildings with their hoop supports and dome shape to buildings with straight sides and gambrel roofs that are indistinguishable from traditional construction. The best choice for your needs will depend on a variety of factors, and appearance is only one of them. Quonset buildings, for example, tend to offer the most floor space and highest clearance at the center point. Buildings with straight walls, on the other hand, give you more usable space along the walls, and tend to fit into neighborhoods and communities visually.
Steel buildings are nearly always the right decision for your storage and space needs. Once you’ve decided that a steel building is right for you, be prepared to make lots of other decisions to ensure you get precisely the building you want and need.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Five Ways to Customize Residential Steel Buildings
Erecting a steel building in a residential neighborhood can present a
challenge. It’s not enough to have a sturdy, useful metal building –
when you’re building garages or storage buildings in a nice, homey
neighborhood, you want steel buildings that look good, too. Luckily,
today’s metal building manufacturers offer lots of options for
customizing your new steel building
so that it fits in with the surroundings – or stands out in a very nice
way. Here are five ways you have to customize a steel building so that
it isn’t an eyesore in your neighborhood.
Style
Steel buildings come in many different styles, from the traditional Quonset buildings with their distinctive hoop profile to straight-sided models with pitched roofs that look just like any other building in your area. Each style has its own benefits and drawbacks, but if appearance is one of your major criteria, you’ll probably want to choose a steel building with a pitched roof.
Color
Once upon a time, your color choices for steel buildings were fairly limited. For the most part, you could have any color you wanted, as long as it was unpainted galvanized steel or white. These days, most steel building manufacturers offer a range of about a dozen colors as standard choices, including most of the most popular exterior house colors. Most people will be able to match their home color without resorting to custom paint jobs, but if your house is an unusual color, many metal building manufacturers will custom-blend paint for your garage or storage building. Be prepared to pay a pricey fee for that customization, though. Developing the pigments for powder-coating can be expensive.
Trim
Most steel buildings come with a trim kit that includes the roof seam, wall trim and gutters. You can choose them to match or contrast with your building, giving you a few options for customizing your metal building.
Accessories
In addition to the trim, you’ll also want to add “accessories” to your building. In the metal building trade, accessories include things that laymen consider to be part of the structure – doors, windows, vents and louvers, for example. You can choose standard windows and doors, or get fancy with picture windows, skylights, walk doors, half doors and more.
Cladding
You can sheath your steel building in just about any material you want. Some companies that manufacture steel buildings can design your structure with the cladding, or you can have a local company cover the walls with brick, stone, wood, stucco or just about anything else.
Steel buildings can fit right into any neighborhood or community. Talk to a manufacturer or broker to find out about your choices for design and style.
Style
Steel buildings come in many different styles, from the traditional Quonset buildings with their distinctive hoop profile to straight-sided models with pitched roofs that look just like any other building in your area. Each style has its own benefits and drawbacks, but if appearance is one of your major criteria, you’ll probably want to choose a steel building with a pitched roof.
Color
Once upon a time, your color choices for steel buildings were fairly limited. For the most part, you could have any color you wanted, as long as it was unpainted galvanized steel or white. These days, most steel building manufacturers offer a range of about a dozen colors as standard choices, including most of the most popular exterior house colors. Most people will be able to match their home color without resorting to custom paint jobs, but if your house is an unusual color, many metal building manufacturers will custom-blend paint for your garage or storage building. Be prepared to pay a pricey fee for that customization, though. Developing the pigments for powder-coating can be expensive.
Trim
Most steel buildings come with a trim kit that includes the roof seam, wall trim and gutters. You can choose them to match or contrast with your building, giving you a few options for customizing your metal building.
Accessories
In addition to the trim, you’ll also want to add “accessories” to your building. In the metal building trade, accessories include things that laymen consider to be part of the structure – doors, windows, vents and louvers, for example. You can choose standard windows and doors, or get fancy with picture windows, skylights, walk doors, half doors and more.
Cladding
You can sheath your steel building in just about any material you want. Some companies that manufacture steel buildings can design your structure with the cladding, or you can have a local company cover the walls with brick, stone, wood, stucco or just about anything else.
Steel buildings can fit right into any neighborhood or community. Talk to a manufacturer or broker to find out about your choices for design and style.
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