10 things to consider when buying a steel building

10 things to consider when buying a steel building

We have put together a list of 10 things to consider when buying a steel building.  With so many options, styles and companies to choose from, we discuss the 10 things you should think about as your going through the process.

• Building Types

  Knowing how you are going to use your building can help determine the size and type of building you should consider.  For instance, a 12x12 shed for lawn maintenance may only need a light weight building whereas a 40x60 used for a garage/shop would need a more sturdy commercial style building.

  Red Iron I-beam steal building

  The only building we sellThe frame of the building is comprised of steel I-beam columns and rafters with cold rolled secondary members.  The main frame columns are engineered to be attached to the concrete foundation with anchor bolts.  We utilize 26 gauge metal panels for the roof and walls.  This is commonly referred to as a Pre-engineered or Red Iron steel building and is the only building product we sell.

  Pole Barn

  Wood frame building not sold by RenegadeThis building is framed by wood poles placed in the ground with wooden trusses and wood support for the roof and wall sheets.  Many times, thinner 29 gauge panels are used.  This building can flex and move under wind and snow loads which can affect the structure as well as the weather seal.

  Quonset Hut

  Arch style building not sold by RenegadeA rounded or arch style building with no internal framing similar to the old military style buildings.  The arch style makes this self supporting.   This design has limitations on width and the radius design decreases usable interior wall space.

  Tube Frame Carport

  Aluminum frame building not sold by RenegadeThis style building uses an aluminum square tube for the building structure. The building can be placed on concrete or gravel with nothing more than a mobile home anchor. Typically, thinner 29 gauge metal panels are used to sheet the building.

• Local Regulations

  Most areas have a variety of local regulations in regards to what type of buildings you can have on your property as well as any property line setbacks.  In addition to local codes, many HOA's also have clauses that can dictate what finish is on the building.  In some cases, you can customize your steel building with brick or stone wainscot or you may even have to finish a couple of walls with some other materials.  These regulations can not only determine the look of your building but can dictate the size as well.

  30x40

  Basic building with one large door and one walk door with 1:12 roof pitchThe same building can be made to look very different depending on your personal preference and any requirements needed to meet design guidelines.  Be sure to talk to your project manager to discuss your needs.

  30x40 with options

  4:12 pitch roof, wainscot, windows, sky lights and cupola

• Steel Building Size

  Working off of the regulations above, determining you building size not only requires thought on what you need to use the building for, but also what will fit on your property.   Aside from those constraints, deciding the size that fits your needs along with any room for growth is important.  When building a residential shop or garage, most customers only buy a steel building once.  When a business needs either their first building or additional buildings for expansion, the return on investment can be a deciding factor.  With all that in mind, lets look at a few things to consider.

  Basic building size chart

  This chart allows you to see a variety of building sizes up to 5,000 square feet.  At 30 foot wide, you have room to pull a car in, close the door and still have room to walk around the front of the vehicle.  40 and 50 widths allow for more room to work or more toys to store.  Of course the buildings can continue wider from there like 75', 100', 150' or even 200' wide.  Length wise, you can continue to add bays to get to whatever length you may require.

  40x60x10 steel building sketch

  Another dimension to consider for your steel building is the eave height.  Starting at 10' at the eave, steel buildings can typically go up to 40'.  A few common factors in determining the eave height is the size of your doors, whether you intend to have an automotive lift or storage racks, or wish to build out the interior to have a second story floor.  While we commonly reference the eave height, interior details often require considering the clearance under the haunch.  Be sure to talk to your project manager to design the building you want.

  40x60x18 steel building sketch

• Steel Building Project Timeline

  When do you want to have your building delivered.  In years past, we quoted most buildings to have drawings completed in 2 weeks and the building delivered 6 weeks after that for an 8 week total turn around.  We wish we could get back to those days.  With the huge demand on steel mills and steel products in general since , we have seen lead times continue to get longer and longer.  As of the end of July we can offer two options for when you will get your building.  In some locations we can offer 14-16 weeks, in other areas it's 30+ weeks.  Depending on your situation, this may give you the time you need to do your clearing, dirt work, and work through the permit process.  We are always up front with you on what to really expect so that you are not surprised later.

• Budget

  Knowing your budget is important before going into any project.  The cost of the building is only one piece of the puzzle.  You will need to include site prep, cost for your concrete slab and foundation, cost of the building, labor to erect, and any interior build out you may do.  Renegade Steel Buildings can help with the cost of the building kit, and your local contractors can furnish pricing for the other items.  Collecting all of these cost can help you stay on budget and determine what your ROI may be.

• Steel Building Permit

  Knowing what is involved in obtaining a permit is a very important part of the process.  In some cases, you may not need a permit, in others you will and on commercial jobs is all but certain that you will.  Renegade Steel Buildings is a nationwide supplier of American made, Red Iron, pre-engineered steel buildings.  We are not general contractors and do not get involved in the permitting or building process.

• Accessories

  There are a variety of accessories that you can add to you building for either added functionality or aesthetic appeal.  Knowing your options can help you get the building you want.

  Horizontal Sliding Steel Building Window

  A steel building sliding window offers both functionality and aesthetics.  Check out our standards to see why we like to provide a framed opening for windows.

  Steel Walk Door

  Every building needs access to get in and out.  A large roll up or sectional door may be great, but there are always times when you just need to walk into your building without opening a large door.  A walk door is just what you need.

  Interior Liner Panels

  One great way to finish the inside of your building and protect your insulation as well is with interior liner panels.  Made from the same material and panels as your wall panels, they provide a clean look for your interior walls.

  Hi R-Value Insulation

  We offer a few different options for insulating your steel building.  Our standard is a vinyl faced fiberglass insulation that can go up to R-19 value at 6" thick.  Beyond that we can also offer a liner system which allows you to increase your insulation R-38 or more.  Our metal building insulation page has much more information.

  Steel Building Vent Fan

  A great option for airflow in your steel building is to add a 36" or 48" vent fan.  With this fan placed high in the building across from a door opening or louvered vent can give you a nice cross flow of air to remove heat and ventilate your building.

  Wall Lights

  We are often asked about adding skylight panels to a steel building.  While the are great for adding natural light they have a couple of disadvantages as well such as sweating.  Another option that works well without the problems is adding wall lights.  This option allows light in your building without cutting holes in your roof.

• Warranty

  Don't be fooled by wild warranty claims.  The industry standard is 1 year structural warranty against defect in material and workmanship.  The warranty on panels is a finish warranty against fading and typically starts at 25 years pro rata.  You may see some claiming a lifetime structural warranty.  Be sure to read that warranty statement to see what it actually covers.

• Contract

  In many cases, your quote becomes your contract once signed.  The biggest thing we see when comparing quotes is that there is usually a good reason why someone has a cheaper bottom line.  Most times, something is missing from their quote whether it is doors, insulation or tax.  Once signed, you are only purchasing exactly what is on the contract so if a competitor verbally assured you they have something included, but it is not on their contract, you may end up paying more to get it later.

• Bottom Line

  The bottom line is that there are many steel building companies to choose from, some reputable, some shady and some just downright pushy.  We strive to be upfront and honest with our customers.  That's why we give you realistic lead times, tell you what we can and cannot do, advise you to check your local codes and loads and help value engineer your building to get what you want as cost effectively as possible.  Do your homework, check out each company your considering and let us help you get the best building at a price your happy with.

  View Details

  We hope this list of 10 things to consider when buying a steel building helps you in your project.

Talk to one of our project managers to get the details you need for your pre-engineered steel building project.

Steel Building Information

Steel Building Kit

Steel Building Buyers Guide

Steel Building FAQ

Buying Process

Renegade Standards

Get your Quick Quote

There are many different steel shed systems available on the New Zealand market, and almost all are made from the same raw material and have similar characteristics. So how do you compare them all when looking to build?

In this blog, we discuss eight things to consider when buying a rolled steel shed and discuss a number of questions you can ask yourself during the process. These considerations are commonly heard from clients and builders who have built both steel and timber sheds.

1. What types of steel sheds are there?

The most common steel shed is a lightweight roll-formed steel shed. Most commonly found in residential and lifestyle markets, this design is constructed from 2-3mm thick steel which is rolled into a shape. This system relies on the shape of the 2-3mm tin for strength rather than the steel itself. With roll formed, you will need to have a bracing element to ensure the steel shed is sturdy.  

Structural steel is more commonly found in larger commercial buildings and is typically between 6-15mm thick. There are several different shaped profiles available but, due to its thickness, the steel does not rely solely on the shape of the profile for its strength. 

Structural steel sheds are widely considered to have superior strength and durability compared to rolled steel and, in some cases, they will last twice as long. While they cost more upfront, the lifetime cost makes this option more cost-effective in the long term as they provide a long-term asset. 

2. Climate Considerations

It’s important to consider the wind and snow loadings in your area. Will the shed be able to withstand a large snow event? Can it withstand high winds for extended periods? Some other key questions to consider are:

• How does the shed meet the snow and wind loading requirements? Does it just meet the code or does it comfortably exceed it, giving you long-term peace of mind?
  
  
• How do the rolled steel legs connect to the slab? Will rain and moisture cause these connections to rust?
  
  
• How noisy will the shed be in bad weather? Rolled steel can be prone to rattling unless lined with plywood, for example, to add rigidity. 

3. How long does a steel shed last in a standard environment?

In standard conditions, your steel shed typically has a consented lifespan of 25 or 50 years, depending on the supplier. While there are some exceptions to this rule, most rolled steel systems will not come with a 50-year building consent. On the other hand, most other timber and structural steel buildings will come with this as standard. Ask yourself:

Jiuyuan Product Page

• How long do you want the shed to last?
  
  
• What will be the resale value in 10-20 years time?
  
  
• Is the electroplating rust protective coating suitable for a coastal environment?
  
  
• How will salt-laden wind affect the structural connections over time?  

4. What are the costs I should consider if I buy a steel shed?

While a rolled steel kitset can appear cheaper when compared to other options, the installation can be more costly. Below are some key questions to consider when buying a steel shed:

• What type of concrete footing is required?
  
  
• What earthworks will be required?  What additional reinforcing will be needed for the footings? Often steel sheds need extra reinforcing and cages for strength, which is not usually included in the kitset cost. 
  
  
• How long will this system take to build when compared against other shed systems?
  
  
• How can this shed be lined with ply or gib-board? 
  
  
• How will the electrician run the wiring and how long will this take? 

Choosing the right materials can have a lasting impact on the overall durability of the shed and also make it easier for other trades to complete their work, saving you time and money. 

5. Is the council’s consent looked after?

Typically, council consent will be lodged by the shed supplier, however, if there is more than one project on the go at once, clients will lodge the consent themselves for the project. The consent will typically take up to 20 days to complete. It is important to factor in this process so the timing is right.

Checking with your shed supplier that they look after the entire consenting process is highly recommended. Most companies will advertise that they get the building consent for you but what is the scope of work that is offered? Consider the below when looking into council consent:

• Does the company lodge the building consent? 
  
  
• Do they arrange all the required documentation in a council-ready state?
  
  
• Do they deal with all RFI’s (requests for information) from the council? 

In many respects, lodging the consent is the easy part, dealing with RFI’s and other council questions can prove more challenging. 

6. Connection types

With a roll-formed shed, the connections normally have a knee brace connection and an apex brace in a gable clearspan shed. These can limit headroom inside the shed and, as they are a structural component, they cannot be removed. Roll-form steel sheds are typically held together by many Tex screws that take time to construct and can wriggle loose over time. You may wish to also consider:

• How do the types of connections affect the overall lifespan of the shed?
  
  
• How long will this system take to build?
  
  
• How are the rolled steel portals connected to the concrete slab?
  
  
• How much headroom will I lose with the apex and knee braces?

7. Concrete footing

With an all-steel shed, you will need to have engineered footings to suit your shed design. These are a huge added cost to your shed project and need to be factored in.

Often, the concrete floor is considered a structural component of the shed and, in certain areas, thickening and additional reinforcing will be required. This can be time-consuming to construct as additional earthworks are needed. These floors are often quite costly due to the amount of reinforcing and the amount of time required to make the reinforcing cages.  

8. Bird proof

Most steel sheds have C-section purlins, apex braces, and knee braces, allowing birds to use these areas as nesting and roosting spots. It is common for birds to roost in the roof area and anything stored inside the shed will likely get covered in corrosive bird droppings. While this is more of an issue in open-front sheds, birds can still find their way inside enclosed sheds.

Here at Alpine Buildings, our rafters feature a birdproof design using a simple 'slot & bolt' system where purlins sit between the rafters, This leaves nowhere for birds to perch or nest, helping to maintain a sanitary and hygienic working environment and protect anything stored below. 

While rolled steel sheds are often cheaper than some other designs, it pays to carefully consider what you are getting to ensure that you end up with the best possible outcome for both the immediate future and the long term.

At the end of the day, you will be the one using your shed on a daily basis so we recommend doing your research and asking yourself the above questions to ensure you will be happy with both the supplier and the shed itself. 

If you are looking to build a shed, get in touch with the Alpine Building’s team today to discuss your next project. With years of experience, we are here to help and point you in the right direction. 

Alternatively, download our Buyer’s Guide, which covers everything you will need to know to ensure you get the best shed for your needs.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Steel Structure Projects.