Customization Options and Metal Building Pricing

Tubular steel structures are fantastic solutions for everything from home to farm to business construction. No matter what type of building application you have in mind, the pros at Carport Central are here to help you make it happen. Each structure we provide is custom-designed and individually fabricated to meet your specific needs, and the customization options and combinations available to you are practically limitless.

What Will My Metal Building Cost?

One of the most common questions we hear from customers is, “How does metal building pricing work? More specifically, how does customization affect price?” That’s a great question, and we’re happy to explain. The more you know about metal building pricing and customization factors, the better equipped you’ll be to plan your project with confidence.

Size Matters

It all starts with the particular dimensions you choose for your structure. Generally speaking, the bigger your building, the more it will cost. It stands to reason that a larger structure requires more design engineering, more framing and support materials, and more labor to construct.

So yes, size is a primary factor affecting metal building prices. There are some other factors that come into play beyond width x length x height. Let’s take a look at other important building customization considerations and their cost impacts.

Frame Gauge

The “gauge” of metal refers to the thickness of the steel tube framing. 14-gauge is the industry standard, and our in-house engineer at Carport Central can typically provide a 14-gauge solution to meet almost any local wind and snow load requirements. But thicker 12-gauge steel may be needed for specific building designs, and is actually required for metal buildings installed in certain localities. And some customers will choose 12-gauge simply because it gives them greater peace of mind about their structure. 

Cost impact: A thicker gauge of steel framing can sometimes improve structural performance, but it also necessarily increases material costs.

Paneling Gauge

Speaking of gauge, you can choose the steel panel thickness for your roof and sides, too. 29-gauge paneling is commonly used to cover carports, garages, barns, and storage buildings. But for commercial buildings, barndominiums, and other special applications, more and more customers are choosing the thicker 26-gauge paneling for stronger protection. 26-gauge is also the preferred option for minimizing the “oil canning” visual effect that sometimes occurs with metal panels over time.

Cost impact: A thicker gauge of steel paneling offers advantages in both strength and aesthetics, but does come with an upcharge. Even so, 26-gauge paneling is a smart investment, as it carries a much longer material warranty than 29-gauge paneling.

Doors and Windows

When it comes to entry points, you’ve got plenty of possibilities between roll-up doors, walk-in doors, and windows. Roll-up doors start at 6’x6’ and can go up to 16’x16’ or larger. You may also be able to opt for automatic openers for your roll-up doors, depending on the manufacturer serving your area. For walk-in doors (36”x80”), choose between standard or premium 6- panel, standard or premium 9-lite, and rugged commercial. Windows come in both standard and premium options too, commonly offered in 24”x36” and 36”x36” sizes.

Doors and windows are important customizations to get right for optimal building accessibility, functionality, and aesthetics. It’s always wise to go with a bigger roll-up door whenever possible, as that offers greater flexibility for your current and future needs. And while premium walk-in doors and windows do cost a bit more than standard options, the many advantages they offer far outweigh the small price difference.

Cost impact: Obviously, the more doors and windows you include in your building, the greater the cost impact. Larger roll-up doors cost more than smaller options, too. Also, bear in mind that each door and window requires its own trim, along with the labor to install it. And custom placements may require additional framing reinforcements to maintain building integrity.

Lean-Tos

One of the best and most affordable ways to expand your building’s usable space is by adding lean-tos to the main structure. Lean-tos can be designed to extend from any side or end, and can be left as open-air or fully enclosed.

Cost impact: While lean-tos do add material and labor costs to your structure, it’s still cheaper to add a lean-to than it is to plan for a larger main building. And naturally, enclosed lean-tos cost more than open ones.

Awnings

Want to include some rain protection and shade over your building’s entrances and windows? Awnings are a perfect addition. They function similarly to smaller lean-tos, except that they don’t extend out as far and don’t require additional legs for support.

Cost impact: Each awning’s price is primarily decided by its width and projection length. And while adding an awning does increase cost, it’s still a cheaper option than a full lean-to.

Cupolas

Cupolas are distinctive rooftop features that help set a metal building apart visually, and they can also include decorative windows. Available in standard size options of 2’x2’, 3’x3’, and 4’x4’, these cupolas are non-functional but provide a distinctive look that’s popular for both metal barns and metal homes. You can also choose to add a decorative, fully operable weathervane to your cupola; these come in a variety of styles and sizes.

Cost impact: The benefit of including a rooftop cupola is that it lets you personalize your building’s look to match your unique style. Pricing is based on size, and on whether you choose to include an ornamental window and/or a weathervane.

Colors

Last but not least, don’t forget about the colors! You get to decide the colors of your roof paneling, side paneling, and trim, and can mix & match however you like. You can even go with an attractive two-tone wainscot around the side walls, if you want. And most manufacturers provide you with a wide palette of color options.

Cost impact: Standard colors are typically included. Premium or specialty colors may carry an upcharge. Wainscoting can also carry an upcharge with certain building designs. But generally speaking, color customization doesn’t significantly impact cost.

The Bottom Line

Customizing your metal building is important because it helps you get the maximum return on everything you want your structure to deliver. Also note that not all of the above-mentioned customizations are available in every area; just check with your building specialist about the specific options for your location.

That being said, it’s good to know how your customization choices will affect the final building price. Working within a specific budget? We can help you prioritize the features that matter most for meeting your needs. Looking for a way to get your metal building on affordable monthly payments? We offer the best financing and RTO solutions in the business!

Ready to get started on your dream building project? Reach out to us online or connect even faster by calling (980) 321-9898 today. Experience the Carport Central difference for yourself!