Metal Building Kit FAQs
As one of the leading metal building kit suppliers, we get asked a lot of questions about metal buildings.
Questions like:
What Is A Custom Metal Building Kit?
What Are Prefab Steel Buildings Used For?
How Long Will It Take To Erect A Steel Building?
This FAQ aims to answer your most common questions and provide you with peace of mind and buying confidence before you decide to invest in a prefab steel building.
Table of Contents
- What Is A Custom Metal Building Kit?
- What Are Prefab Steel Buildings Used For?
- How Long Will It Take To Erect A Steel Building?
- Can I Erect A Metal Building Myself?
- Can Metal Structures Be Moved?
- Do Metal Structures Save Money Compared To Traditional Construction?
- Can A Steel Building Be Insulated?
- How Long Do Metal Building Kits Last?
- Does My Steel Building Kit Come With Anchor Bolts?
- Can Metal Structures Have A Traditional Look?
- Can You Expand A Metal Building?
- Do I Need Building Permits To Build A Steel Structure?
- Work With STEVENS, The Top Metal Builders
What Is A Custom Metal Building Kit?
Pre-engineered metal building systems are engineered for the location they will be built and custom fabricated according to their intended use.
The building owner can also add customizations.
Most of the labor that's needed to construct prefab steel structures is performed in a climate-controlled facility.
It's also engineered out of the structure because major connections that would normally require on-site welding and voids for doors, windows, and other components have been pre-punched before delivery.
What Are Prefab Steel Buildings Used For?
Business owners can use prefab metal building kits for various reasons, including:
- Metal garages or workshops
- Storage facilities
- Barns
- Cabins
- Industrial buildings
- Commercial buildings
- Warehouses
- Aircraft hangars
- Municipal buildings
How Long Will It Take To Erect A Steel Building?
This depends on the size and scope of the project.
STEVENS handles large industrial projects that can take longer to complete than smaller projects.
As a general rule of thumb, a simple 1200 square foot building will generally take about a week to erect.
Expect the erection process to take at least a week and up to four weeks or more, depending on the scope of the project.
Can I Erect A Metal Building Myself?
STEVENS specializes in large industrial projects, but basic, uncomplicated metal structures can be a do-it-yourself project over the course of a weekend, especially if you get help from a few friends.
Larger projects like commercial and industrial buildings with complicated engineering will require more skilled help and take longer, depending on size and complexity.
Can Metal Structures Be Moved?
Steel frame buildings may be moved depending on local building codes, region, and climate of the place you are moving to.
Since the pieces of your building are delivered to your site to begin with, they can be easily moved to a new site.
Traditional buildings, however, cannot be transported.
Moving down the road or somewhere else in your city typically isn't an issue, but if you are moving to a place with a different climate, the structure of the building may not be sustainable in that new climate.
If you plan on moving to a different climate, you may need to order a new metal building kit to guarantee a sound structure and good quality building.
Do Metal Structures Save Money Compared To Traditional Construction?
Prefabricated steel buildings are one of the most economical building options.
They are designed and engineered according to your project so there are very few wasted materials.
They are erected fast, which saves money on labor, and they require very little maintenance so you don't have to worry about significant maintenance costs.
Metal buildings can also be very energy efficient, saving you money on your energy bills.
Can A Steel Building KIT Be Insulated?
Steel buildings can be insulated.
There are actually several insulation options available for your steel building, including insulated metal wall panels.
Insulated metal wall panels offer superior R-values and give your metal building a modern look.
Depending on what you're using your metal building for, you can also use spray foam insulation, fiberglass insulation, or radiant barrier insulation.
How Long Do Metal Building Kits Last?
Steel is the strongest, most durable building material on the planet.
It can stand up to fire, pests, and natural disasters, which are all things that can devastate traditional structures.
Metal buildings can last for generations, and most buildings come with 30-year warranties that protect against things like rust.
When you build with metal, you can rest easy knowing it will last you a very long time.
Does My Steel Building Kit Come With Anchor Bolts?
Steel buildings typically come with anchor bolts.
It's a best practice to set your anchor bolts when the concrete slab for your steel building is poured.
There are many types of anchors you could use for this.
Having the anchor bolts set ensures that your site is ready to go as soon as your kit arrives at the job site.
Can Metal Structures Have A Traditional Look?
If you don't want your steel building to look like a barn, don't worry, you have options.
Steel buildings can be customized to look exactly the way you want them to.
You're exterior can be customized with materials like brick or stucco.
You can choose traditional materials like cupolas and sliding doors, and you can also choose the roof style and materials you'd like to use.
Can You Expand A Metal Building Kit?
It is very easy to expand a metal building.
Metal building kit additions are cost-effective and easy to implement.
Just about any steel building can be expanded to create additional space for your expanding businesses.
You can create larger sports complexes, distribution centers, warehouses, etc., allowing them to grow and develop along with the business.
Do I Need Building Permits To Build A Steel Structure?
You will need a building permit to build just about anything.
The majority of local governments will require building permits for all new construction.
Some rural areas won't require permits for agricultural buildings or storage buildings.
Before starting your construction project, you should always contact your local building department to learn more about building code requirements for your location.
Work With STEVENS on your metal building
If you have any more questions about a potential steel building project, contact STEVENS today.
STEVENS can help you with industrial metal building kits that fit the needs of many business types.
With STEVENS, you will have a full-service construction and metal building systems team (design, engineering, project management, installation, erection, and completion) for your next steel buildings project.
Click the button below to start your metal building kits project with STEVENS.
Check out our other metal building kit articles:
Why Should You Choose A Pre-Engineered Metal Building Kit?
