Prefabricated Steel Building | A guide for first-time steel building buyers
It’s natural to think that ordering a new prefabricated steel building is a complicated matter. Actually, it’s surprisingly – and pleasantly – easier than people expect but we understand that it can be a little daunting if you’re doing it for the first time.
Allied Steel will make the process as smooth as possible for all of us. There will be steps in the buying process that you may not be aware of so we’ve produced this
Simple guide to buying your first steel building:
Here we go:
Step 1.
Get clarity in your mind, what kind of building do you want? Here’s a starting checklist:
- What will the building’s main use be?
- Will it have a secondary use?
- Who or what will work in it?
- How much storage will be required?
- How much space do you need to move people and equipment around inside?
- What length and width is necessary? How high should it be?
- What clearances do you need in doorways in order to move equipment around?
- Will it need to be insulated?
- Does it need to look aesthetically pleasing?
- Must the design blend in with the surroundings?
- What doors – and of what sizes – will the building need?
- How about windows – how many, how big?
- Where on your property will the building be situated?
Step 2.
Take a look at some building pictures. Does that sound a bit… basic?
Well, it is, but it is through looking at actual steel buildings that are in use right now that you’ll get a better feel for what might suit you.
Here’s a gallery of lots of steel buildings that we, at Allied Steel, have been involved with recently. Take note of the different types of doors and windows, the different shapes, finishes and layouts. And if you have any questions we’re here to answer them – call us 1.877.997.8335
Step 3.
Speak to your local building department.
The buyer – you – has certain responsibilities when purchasing a new pre-engineered building. None of it is especially complicated and if you sort these things out early things should run nice and smoothly.
Ask your local building department if you need a building permit for your planned steel building. If you do, find out what you need to do to get one.
Step 4.
With all your information in place the exciting bit begins! It’s time to request a quote.
You’ve got some of the main information that you need for a ballpark quote so now’s the time to get an idea of what your building might cost you. You’ve got two options here:
- Head over to our online steel building price estimator, fill in a couple of details and let it do the rest or
- Call us now on 1.877.997.8335 and we’ll make the calculation for you
Step 5.
Preparing your building’s foundations.
We recently spoke at some length about the foundations for your new steel building so we recommend you take a look at that article. Getting the foundations right is crucial to you having a safe, reliable building that meets the prevailing building rules and regulations.
The bottom line is this: once you’ve placed your order and approved the drawings, we’ll send you your steel building anchor bolt plans. It’s these plans that you must give to your concrete contractor so that he can
(a) create the correct type of foundation (there’s no one-size-fits-all here) and
(b) install the mandatory anchor bolts in the precise locations that they need to be.
He can’t do any of this before he’s seen the building plan – and it’s imperative that he gets this right. But once he’s done his work then you can rest assured that your building is going to serve you faithfully and safely for many, many years to come.
Step 6.
If in doubt, ask us!
Allied Steel has helped hundreds of people just like you make the best choices for their steel building. We’ll help you plan your purchase and advise you on various aspects of the manufacturing, delivery and installation.
Ordering a prefab steel building is not complicated – but you don’t have to do it alone.
Call our specialists 1.877.997.8335 or else fill in our contact form and we’ll get back to you!
