Steel Building Advice

The size that you choose for your steel building project is in large part determined by what you will be using your building for. The first step in this process is to make a comprehensive list of what you are requiring from your new building. What the building will do and what needs will be met are important considerations to any steel building project.

A big determinate for your building size will be the use of heavy equipment. The access and/or storage of heavy equipment in your building will be a large part of your decision on building size. Figure the height and width of vehicles and allow clearance enough in your building design to accommodate easy entrance and exit for this equipment. Consider the number and quality of roll-up or sectional doors for your building along with the number of walk doors required for access by personnel or customers. It is important to consider where the doors will be placed-either on the sidewalls or end walls of the building or both. The location of the main entrance to the building needs to be ascertained along with the need for ancillary entrances if large equipment may be blocking a given entrance.

Another consideration to the overall size of your building will be the need for column-free space. Most suppliers of steel building systems can provide clear span widths of up to 300 feet. If you can utilize a multi-span steel building (featuring interior support columns) this can save you money as this configuration is generally less expensive than a clear span building. This can allow more money to be allocated to designing a larger building. The height of the building is another important factor to consider, especially if there is to be storage or manufacturing of items that are tall.

A thorough examination of insulation requirements also needs to be addressed for your steel building project. If you live in a cold climate and there will be people in the building for extended periods of time, the type and price of the insulation you require may impact the size of building you are able to afford. Deciding on whether or not to finish the building’s interior with drywall can also be an important cost factor.

 

Check with your local building code office for details on the snow and wind loads for your area. This could affect your decision on the gauge of steel that will be needed to erect a sturdy and durable structure in your area. Contact your local municipality on the use of a concrete foundation. Concrete foundations are strongly recommended for the proper and safe erection of a steel building.

Considering all of the above factors is necessary before determining the size building you can afford. Once you have determined the size of your building be sure and invest in the best quality steel building you can afford.