If you’ve purchased a Steel/Metal Building… and are now about to select a builder or contractor to construct it, you should know a little about the qualifications of the person or company to whom you are entrusting the future of your hard-earned money.  In this regard… doing your homework is extremely important— Builders and Contractors vastly differ in their knowledge and skills and can be worlds apart from the real expertise that you need!  In California alone, there are thousands of builders and contractors… and very few of them have any experience with Steel/Metal Buildings.  Unlike conventional wood frame construction… there are two key ingredients to having a beautiful structure and if you follow these simple steps, it will make your steel building project an exciting experience:

First… and most important, is to find an experienced concrete finisher.  Experience in this exacting field is paramount… if a foundation is not exactly square and flat and/or the column hold-down bolts are not precisely located, you’re destined for trouble—the erection of the structural steel will not come together in the precise manner for which it was designed.

Second… find an experienced steel erector.  Experience in this exacting field is also paramount… I reiterate the word “exacting” because all Steel Buildings and their components come in pieces, on pallets and in boxes and are like man-sized erector sets—which, while relatively simple, only go together one way!  In that regard… an inexperienced erector can easily assemble a building which ends up not being plumb or square—and you will have to live with its crooked lines and look forever.

Selecting a builder or contractor from a website, yellow pages, craigslist, television or newspaper is ok, but should be carefully scrutinized.  These Medias are for advertising and do not screen for advertisers who are unlicensed, operating their businesses illegally, have labor board or workman’s compensation issues or lack the proper insurances, all of which are required by law.  If you’re considering a builder or contractor 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:

ü       Are they currently licensed through CSLB; the California State License Board

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

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

ü       Number of years they have been a builder or contractor

ü       Location of their business; long distance commuting can increase the price

ü       Warranty period; on their materials and workmanship

ü       Commercial General Liability and Workman’s Compensation Insurances; in what amounts

ü       Will they provide a list of projects they have completed 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 help to prevent potential problems in the future.

Another way to find a builder or contractor is from a referral… ask a friend or neighbor, who has recently built a Steel Building, whom they used… they are not likely to refer someone whose materials and workmanship services 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.  There’s no substitute for their valuable experiences and hindsight!

If you’re fortunate, you’ll find a local builder or contractor who has a history with all facets of Steel Buildings… and can take your project from the design to the build phase— supplying the steel, foundation, erection and your interior/exterior finish requirements.  Whichever method you choose, always… rule-out unlicensed builders or contractors and NEVER… EVER… contract with anyone on a time and materials basis—always get a firm price in a written contract that protects your interests.

Remember, the bitterness of poor quality and service lingers well after the sweetness of saving a dollar…

choose wisely—and enjoy!

If you’ve not taken the initial step of purchasing your Steel Building or 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 Purchasing 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.