The world of community building codes and pre-approved drawings can be a pretty confusing place, especially for first time buyers of pre-engineered steel buildings. However, if you take the following factors into consideration at the very start of your project, the puzzle pieces should slide more easily into place.

In most cases, local building authorization is required before you can assemble a steel building. In most ““ but not all ““ districts that are in remote areas or away from the county or town jurisdiction, ranch and farm buildings are excluded from the approval process. No matter where your land sits, however, before you agree to purchase a building, you should talk to your local building agent to ensure that a pre-fabricated, pre-engineered steel building will be permitted on the desired site.

Don’t assume the lowest specification requirements as described by many steel structure manufacturers or supplies are “good enough” to conform to pretty much any approval process. Check with your local building authorities to verify what the official loads and codes are, because codes vary between locations.

Secure a copy of the contract from the company you are considering before deciding to buy an all-steel building. Providing the contract details will help the building authority quickly determine if your building will be structurally sound.

Sometimes, the building regulation office requires plan drawings before they will approve the project. A creditable building manufacturer or broker will provide these permit drawings prior to purchase of the structure.

Many building code officials insist on certified drawings. These are much more detailed plans that are engineer certified and include design estimates. It is reasonable for the steel building company to request partial payment before completing these drawings. Most companies use a computerized design drawing that includes all of the data needed for the proper foundation, including the anchor bolt plan. It will also include sketches of all of the planned couplings plus depictions of every conceivable cross-section of the structure.

In addition to asking the right questions of your building code office, you must thoroughly investigate the steel building manufacturer or supplier from which you are contemplating purchasing your building. Keep in mind, the ultimate responsibility for obtaining approval for and successful execution of your project lies with you.