10 Crucial Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Custom Metal Building

Custom Metal Buildings: What is That?

The term ‘custom metal building’ is an overarching title used to describe any metal structure designed with custom dimensions, layouts, floorplans, and accessories. As you can imagine, the phrase encompasses most steel structures. For example, a custom metal building can be a carport, a metal garage, a commercial building, or even an industrial warehouse.

So, now that we know what constitutes a custom metal building, let’s talk about what makes them such a popular construction choice for residential and commercial settings. These buildings come in a wide range of sizes and are forged from galvanized steel. Aside from their sheer strength, these buildings are renowned for their versatility. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a small equipment building or an enormous manufacturing facility; custom metal structures are a fantastic, cost-effective choice for the job.

Purchasing a metal building of any size is a significant investment. And with any investment of this size, it pays to plan ahead and have a comprehensive grasp on the process. But if you’re new to metal structures, you might not immediately be aware of the most critical aspects. But not to worry! We’ve put together a checklist of 10 crucial things to consider when purchasing a custom metal building.

1. Floor Space

How large of a structure do you need? Are you housing vehicles or large equipment? These are essential questions to ask as they will dictate much about how much square footage you’ll require.

2. Permits

Most localities will have specific regulations about what permits you’ll need for your building. The next step will be to contact your local building inspectors to secure the necessary permits for your structure. Failure to do so can result in major fines and even the forced removal of your building.

3. Design and Look

With prefab metal buildings, you’ll have unparalleled access to various customization options. These choices will give you the ability to tailor the design, style, and aesthetics of your building to your needs.

4. Access

How will you access your new structure? Will it be in a location that’s difficult to reach? You’ll need to thoroughly define where you’ll be placing your structure and how you intend to use it regularly.

5. Foundation

When you purchase a metal building, you’ll choose between dirt, asphalt, and concrete foundations. Will you be placing your structure on an existing driveway? Or are you looking for a more permanent foundation like concrete?

6. Electricity and Plumbing

Will you need electricity in your building? How about plumbing? If you’re looking to turn your building into something more than a simple tool shed, you’ll want to work with licensed professionals to install plumbing and electrical utilities.

7. Heating and Cooling

If you live in a region with a varying climate, you’ll want to pay particular consideration to how you’ll heat and cool your structure. With metal buildings being extremely energy efficient, keeping your building cool in warmer months won’t take much. However, if you plan to inhabit your building during the winter, it will pay to invest in an adequately sized heating source.

8. Price Over Quality

The adage that you get what you pay for is especially true for metal buildings. There are many building manufacturers, and not all of them are created equally. Using this knowledge, you’ll want to perform thorough research to find a dealer that has a proven track record for delivering quality structures. Most of the time, these dealers won’t have the best prices, but they will provide a product that’s engineered to last for decades.

9. Roofing Type

One of the most critical aspects of your new structure will be its roofing system. You’ll want to choose a roof designed to handle the weather patterns in your region.

10. Ventilation

If you purchase an enclosed metal structure, you’ll want to ensure that you have plenty of ventilation. Whether it’s passive ventilation systems like doors and windows, or active fan vents, planning for this will keep your interior environment clean and safe for inhabitants.

Avoid Common Mistakes When Purchasing a Custom Metal Structure

As we’ve mentioned, there are essential things to keep in mind when designing and purchasing a new metal building. And just as importantly, there are several common mistakes you’ll want to avoid, including:

1. Budget

Regardless of the size of your construction project, you need a well-defined budget. Taking the time to account for costs, fees, and issues that may arise will do wonders for ensuring a successful build.

2. Buying Cheap

Sure, you can buy a thin, non-certified aluminum shed for a quarter of the price of a steel building. But what happens when a stiff gust takes it to the ground because it’s not designed to handle the weather in your area? What happens when your panels and framing begin to rust after a few months because they’re not forged using galvanized steel? If you fail to perform the necessary due diligence to get the real deal, these are genuine possibilities.

3. Not Securing the Necessary Permits

Most local governments require certified buildings to be permitted before they’re permanently erected on a property. However, if you build a structure without securing these permits, you can face significant fines, penalties, and worse. In addition to those issues, you’ll have trouble counting your structure toward your appraisal price should you ever sell your land.

4. Buying on a Whim

As you can imagine, purchasing a metal structure is an extensive process! That’s why it pays to research the process from beginning to end. It takes time to decide the exact features and capabilities you’ll need from your building. And failing to take this extra time can result in a structure that doesn’t quite fit your needs.

5. Not Considering Your Needs

A common mistake is purchasing a structure before taking the time to decide how it will be used. Before you buy any carport, metal garage, or commercial building, you need to ask yourself:

• What use will this structure serve?
• How large does it need to be?
• Will this building store vehicles?
• What doors and windows will I need?
• Will I need utilities and plumbing?

Are Custom Metal Structures Worth It?

There are many different construction types out there, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. However, one building type stands out among the competition. You’ll be hard-pressed to beat any steel structure in strength, capability, and longevity. And with lumber prices soaring to new heights each day, steel structures are now one of the most cost-effective building methods. These buildings will also last for years beyond any stick-built alternative. So, if you’ve needed a structure to protect your vehicles and possessions, you’ll do well to choose cold, hard, American steel.

Carport Central is Your Destination for All Metal Buildings

No matter where you call home, you can bet that Carport Central is dedicated to providing premium metal buildings at affordable prices. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a small equipment shed or an enormous manufacturing facility; we have the skills and knowledge to deliver a product that will last.

We believe that everyone should be able to afford a metal structure regardless of history or budget. That’s precisely why we’ve teamed up with several financial institutions to bring you the best financing packages in the business. With 0% financing for up to five years and traditional rates for up to ten, you’ll find a structure and plan that’s just right for you and your family.

And if financing isn’t your thing, we also offer an excellent Rent-to-Own program that puts you in the driver’s seat with no credit checks, same-day approval, and no penalty for early payoff!

So, if you’ve been thinking about a metal building kit or steel garage, give us a call at (980) 321-9898! Our team of building experts are waiting to help you design, customize, and realize a structure that works for you!