Before purchasing a pre-engineered steel/metal building… you should know a little about its building components and the manufacturer or supplier to whom you are investing your hard-earned money with.  In this regard… doing your homework is important— manufacturer’s business practices differ in many ways!

The following simple steps, when taken, will make your steel building purchase an exciting experience:

First… most manufacturer’s steel buildings are similar in overall composition—each must meet rigid state and local building codes. In that respect, each manufacturer’s structural specifications and components must meet the prevailing building and structural codes for your specific area.  To remain competitive… each manufacturer’s steel thicknesses, coatings and component parts are, for the most part, pretty much the same—so the ‘Purchase Price’ becomes a primary factor to consider.  Always make sure the price you are quoted includes state and local taxes and shipping to your building site!

Second… Look to the manufacturer’s reputation, especially “After the Sale Service”, as this element differs greatly—so ‘Service’ now becomes another primary factor to consider!  Selecting a manufacturer from a website, yellow pages, craigslist, television or newspaper is ok, but should be carefully scrutinized, as these Medias are for advertising and do not screen for advertisers who are unlicensed in your State, have a history of customer complaints and/or poor business practices.  If you’re considering a manufacturer and steel building from any of these sources… check out their website; it should be helpful with information you will need to make an informed decision— then telephone and ask about:

• Are they licensed to do business in your State

• Affiliations with Building Organizations, Certifications; qualified experience is an important factor

• Specialization; building types, i.e. agricultural, commercial, industrial, residential, etc.

• Number of years they have been a manufacturer

• Location of their factory; long distance shipping costs can increase the price

• Warranties; structural steel, components, paint and other finishes are critical

• Do they carry Professional and Commercial General Liability Insurances

• Will they provide a list of buildings sold in your area; if so, check them out

If there is any apprehension on their part to provide this information… it is in your best interest to say—“Thank you and goodbye!”  These simple steps will prevent potential problems in the future.

Another way to find a qualified manufacturer is from a referral… ask a friend or neighbor, who has a steel building, whom they used… they are not likely to refer someone whose products and service have been troublesome.  Still not sure… take a drive through your local commercial, industrial or farming ⁽¹⁾  areas… when you see a steel structure which you like… stop in… say “Hello”—most folks are eager to show off their buildings and will tell you the “good” and the “bad” experiences they encountered.  Their hindsight will be a very valuable tool as you continue with your project.

Steel buildings are, in most cases, the most affordable way to build… they outlast conventional wood framed construction, they can be erected in a matter of days, long-term maintenance is minimal and “building green” can make them super energy efficient when required.  Remember, the bitterness of poor quality and service lingers well after the sweetness of saving a dollar…

choose wisely—and enjoy!

If you’re not sure whether a Steel building is right for you … you’ll enjoy the other short articles in our segment on Steel Buildings—Good Reading!

“Why Consider a Steel Building”

“A Guide to Selecting a Steel Builder”

Expert Contributor: Daniel Hays, a 36 year Design~Build Specialist and owner of TheSteelBuilder.

⁽¹⁾       Commercial, Industrial and Agricultural industries are prime users of steel buildings.