When purchasing steel buildings, you may encounter what seems like the same quality and size of building for vastly different prices. Many people choose the cheaper building, but is this the best decision? There are several considerations that may affect your choice.

Insulation

Many steel buildings do not come insulated, so your building project budget may increase when you include the cost of wall and roof insulation. You should plan for the amount and cost of insulation you will need unless your building will be unoccupied.

Strength

Some steel building suppliers provide cheap “economy” buildings. These buildings are usually made of thinner 29 gauge steel instead of heavy-duty 26 gauge. Thin metal makes an “economy” building questionable in terms of strength and durability. The price of an “economy” building also does not include painting. Using a silicon polyester paint adds to the supposedly minimal expense.

Shipping

Shipping costs are also a consideration when purchasing a steel building. The price of freight is sometimes hidden because your price quote may be for a “delivered” building. To be sure you are getting a fair rate, have the steel building company quote you a price that includes shipping costs. Many companies use a “shared load” approach to shipping, where multiple buildings are shipped in one load. This saves the company money but increases the chances of your shipment being mixed up or lost. Insist that your building be shipped separately or make arrangements to pick up the building at the factory yourself if you have the resources.

Accessories

An “economy” building may be nothing more than an unpainted and unattractive metal box. The expense comes from adding accessories like doors, windows, vents, and the like. Find out the cost of your desired options and accessories before you purchase the building- it may save you money to buy those components locally.

Documentation

Be sure that any necessary documentation (like anchor bolt plans or engineer certified drawings) is included in your purchase and not an expensive add-on at the end of your design process. This paperwork is usually required to obtain a local building permit and to give your foundation engineer the necessary specifications for laying your foundation. Using a third party for this paperwork can be expensive.