Don’t Buy A Metal Building Without Asking These 7 Critical Questions

You need more space because your garage is overflowing, or you want a cool new workshop, or your business needs more storage for inventory. Maybe you just need a cool, shaded patio in your backyard or a home office shed to work from home. So, you are going to find a building that fulfills your needs. Right? You hear about metal prefab buildings and learn that they are strong, durable, long-lasting, and come with low maintenance.

But hold on! Buying a metal structure is not as simple as picking a color or size. It’s a big decision that if you don’t ask the right questions, you might end up with something that does not fit your needs or, worse, costs way more than you thought.

In this guide, we will go over the seven most important questions to ask before buying a steel building. By the end, you will learn exactly how to choose the right one for you, saving time, money, and stress. So, let’s begin.

7 Critical Questions That You Must Ask Before Buying A Metal Prefab Building

Here’s the list of 7 critical queries that you must inquire about before buying a steel carport, a utility shed, a farm barn, or a commercial building.

Q1. How Much Does A Metal Building Cost, And What Factors Affect Its Price?

When it comes to buying a metal garage or carport, the sticker price is not everything. You must ask about these hidden costs:

• Installation fees
• Shipping costs
• Foundation prep
• Customizations cost
• Permit fees

So, don’t just look at the price tag, but also consider the full cost before you commit. Also, add soft costs like insurance, soil grading costs (if needed), and inspection fees (if any). Are you wondering how to save on steel building costs? Begin by creating a checklist that holds everything from architectural plans to installation.

Other common factors that affect the cost of metal prefab structures are:

• Building size
• Design complexity
• Strictness of local rules
• Material quality
• Current market price of steel

Ask what ‘gauge’ steel the builder provides for frames and sheeting, and which one is more durable and cost-effective. At Carports Advisor, we provide –

• 14-gauge [industry-standard] and 12-gauge steel frames for different sizes, designs, and needs.
• 100% galvanized steel [American-manufactured]
• 29-gauge and 26-gauge metal corrugated panels for roofing, side walls, and end walls.

Note: The lower the gauge number, the thicker the metal will be and will cost more.

But how big should your steel prefab building be? Size matters! But metal structures come in all shapes and sizes, and guesswork won’t work here. So, what to do?

• For a one car garage, a small 12×20 building might be enough.
• If you need room for tools and storage, this 30’x41’x12′ vertical roof metal garage with lean-to will work the best.
• And if you want something for business, you can choose 52′ to 60′ wide metal structures that might work better.

Tip: Always plan for a little more space than you think you need since, once installed, adding space isn’t easy.

Q2. What Type Of Metal Prefab Building Is Best For My Needs?

Before you rush to buy a metal structure, ask yourself, “What is the main purpose of the building?’

• A simple storage shed? You may just need basic walls and a roof.
• A workshop? You will need good insulation and some windows to let foul air out and fresh air in.
• A garage? It must have the right size and correct doors to let your vehicle enter and exit without getting scratched.
• A farm barn? It must have proper ventilation, a solid foundation, and insulation for livestock.
• A business space? You will need a strong structure with customizable options.

Thinking about the basic type of steel building ahead lets you choose the right features instead of paying for accessories you won’t be using. You can maintain a checklist of essential ‘wants’ that must be added to the prefab building for practical use and aesthetic appeal.

Q3. Does Your Steel Building Meet Local Building Codes And Zoning Regulations?

Before you buy, check the local codes and laws. Each city, county, and town has its own rules about what type of buildings you can put up. Also, check if your steel structure needs a permit or not.

Some areas may have height restrictions, size limitations for additional dwelling units on a residential property, and specific materials or safety features. You can learn more about it from your local municipal department.

Q4. How Long Does It Take To Install A Metal Garage Or A Barn?

Now, this is a question you must put up when buying any metal structure. At Carports Advisor, we deliver 50% of all orders in 10 to 60 days, 30% of all orders in 61 to 80 days, and 19% of all orders in about 81 to 100 days.

As you can see, half of all the orders we receive get delivered within 10 to 60 days. Delays rarely happen, but customers should know that estimated delivery time frames are not guaranteed as they are affected by many factors, such as demand, supply, design aspects, material availability, customizations, transportation, and others.

Q5. What Foundation Is Required For This Building, And Is It Included In The Price?

A strong and durable building needs a stronger base to stand firm on. You usually have these three types of foundation choices for any metal side entry garages, commercial metal warehouses, and other structures:

• Dirt or Gravel – affordable but not suitable for long-term use.
• Concrete Slab – durable, bears more load, needs low upkeep, but high initial cost.
• Asphalt or Pavers – ideal for driveways or temporary/ open spaces.

Also, ask if there are any specific site preparations beyond the foundation that you should be aware of, such as grading, drainage, or utility access. Generally, the foundation is not included in the final quote, and owners need to prepare the base before the installation team arrives to avoid any delays.

Tip: When preparing the site, make sure the site is accessible to the delivery truck and construction crew to handle raw materials.

Q6. What Are The Wind And Snow Load Ratings For My Location?

If you live in tornado alley or areas with heavy rain and snowfall, it is important to know the minimum wind and snow load ratings that any building is required to have. You can choose manufacturers who provide certified wind ratings for up to 140 to 180 mph and certified snow load ratings for up to 35 PSF to 80 PSF snow load.

Some manufacturers also build to engineered specifications, fully braced, and offer certified anchors. You can contact our team to learn more about it.

Q7. What Are My Options For Insulation And Ventilation For This Building?

Will you need insulation? Well, it depends on the place where you live. If winters are freezing or summers are super-hot, a metal workshop or other buildings can trap heat and cold, so insulation here becomes essential.

With insulated walls and a roof, you can enjoy being comfortably indoors throughout the year. The cherry on top insulation also reduces noise levels by dampening sound (from inside and outside) and saves energy. You can choose affordable reflective insulations like single or double bubbles, and we also provide woven R17 that has higher thermal efficiency.

Choose strategic locations for windows that will ventilate the structure and let natural light and fresh air circulation inside the metal barns and buildings. You can also add mechanical vents like exhaust fans, floor fans, ceiling fans, inlets, electrical roof vents, etc.

Additional Questions You Must Ask A Metal Building Dealer Before Buying

Here are some additional questions that you must ask and learn before you sign up for a deal with a steel building dealer. This will help set a practical expectation from the dealer and will give you a piece of mind.

1. Is delivery and installation included in the price?
2. What customization options do I have for this building?
3. Are your buildings certified, and what does certification mean?
4. Do you offer financing or rent-to-own options?
5. What warranty do you provide on materials and workmanship?
6. Can I see pictures or visit your past installations?
7. What is your current lead time for delivery and installation?
8. Do you provide assistance with site preparation?
9. What kind of maintenance will your specific building need over its lifespan?
10. What are your payment terms, and what is the cancellation/return policy?
11. What are the steps to get a permit for the structure?
12. How does the building’s design allow for future expansion or modification?

These are some additional questions that you should ask if you are planning to install a large or complex steel structure on your property.

Ready To Build? Get A Free Quote Today!

Buying a metal prefab structure is exciting, but rushing into it can lead to regrets. By asking these critical questions, you are making sure to get the right building without wasting time or money. So, choosing wisely means enjoying your building for years to come, and if you need an answer to any specific questions above, call us at (336)-914-1654 to talk with our metal building experts. They will guide you in making the best decision.