If you’re thinking about buying a metal building, here is what you should know first.
Yes, metal building prices are lower than wood. The exact price difference depends on the current cost of steel versus lumber. You can generally expect the shell of a wood building to cost about twice as much as a metal building.
Metal buildings are cheaper than buildings made out of wood or other materials. But that doesn’t mean they are of poor quality.
We did our own study to find out if repo storage buildings were cheaper than new storage buildings. We found that the average discount on a used building was only 12%, and that the used buildings we found were on average 42% more expensive than the new buildings we sell.
Metal buildings are usually a good investment because of their low cost to build, their long lifespan, and their low cost of maintenance. Adding a metal garage or shop to your home will usually increase the value of your property more than the amount you pay for the building.
Prefab metal buildings cost anywhere between $8 and $30 per square foot. This includes the price of delivery and installation, but not the cost of permits, site preparation, and a concrete foundation. The total cost will usually fall between $14 to $45 per square foot.
A concrete foundation will usually cost at least $8 per square foot. In some areas the price will be lower, but usually it will be higher. The biggest factor is the local cost of labor. If you pour your own foundation, you only need to pay for the cost of the concrete and any tools and supplies that you need.
Some manufacturers offer financing for metal buildings. Some lenders like New Century Bank and Acorn Finance specialize in financing metal buildings. A metal garage can be financed with a second mortgage, a cash-out refinance, or a home equity line of credit.
Steel and aluminum are both used for prefabricated metal buildings. Aluminum is softer and is more likely to scratch and dent. Steel is stronger and more durable, so it is more commonly used to construct metal buildings.
Steel is stronger and more durable than aluminum, so it is a better material than aluminum for metal buildings. Large metal buildings are often made out of red iron I-beams. Red iron is actually steel that is coated with iron oxide. Smaller buildings are typically made with galvanized steel framing and panels.
Pre-engineered metal buildings are buildings that are designed and manufactured in a factory, and then transported and installed at the building site. Pre-engineered metal buildings are more cost effective than buildings constructed on-site because there is almost no material or labor wasted in the construction process.
Alan’s Factory Outlet sells metal buildings and metal garages in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
Most steel building will last at least 50 years, with minimal maintenance. With regular annual inspection and care, metal buildings can last more than 100 years. Metal builds can withstand many extreme weather conditions without incurring any damage.
Those who want the highest quality metal building should select the following features:
Metal buildings can be designed and built to withstand hurricane-force winds. The strongest hurricanes are class 5 hurricanes, with sustained winds that are at least 157 mph. You can get a metal building with a certification for winds up to 170 mph, which can survive most hurricanes.
About 1% of tornadoes are violent EF4 or EF5 tornadoes, with wind speeds above 207 mph, sometimes reaching speeds above 300 mph. Very few buildings will survive a direct hit from these violent storms. Metal buildings can be certified for 170 mph winds. These buildings are safe in most tornadoes.
Metal buildings can be grounded with metal rods driven into the ground that are bonded to the metal frame of the building. If lightning strikes the building, the electricity simply passes through the metal framing and into the ground.
A properly grounded metal building is safe during a lighting storm, provided no one is touching the metal frame, metal siding, or any conductive material that is attached to the metal shell of the building. Like any building, nearby lightning strikes may disrupt electrical systems that are not equipped with surge protectors.
Note: Buildings sold by Alan’s Factory Outlet are not designed or intended to be used as homes.
Metal buildings can be safe to live in. However, they should be designed and built as a home and properly insulated. Metal buildings that are designed as garages are not air-tight, and are not designed for use as a home.
Laws vary widely between locations. The fastest way to find the laws in your area is to call the zoning planning department for the city or county that you live in.
Yes. A metal building may be used as a house if it is constructed to local codes for residential structures. Barndominiums are metal homes that have been gaining in popularity in recent years.
Metal buildings can be disassembled and moved more easily than most other types of buildings. However, moving a metal building is still a complex operation. Obviously, the foundation of the building cannot be moved. A new foundation will need to be poured before moving the metal building.
The metal buildings we sell have the colors baked on. These colors last a long time and do not easily fade. If you want to paint your metal building a different color, you can use a metal specific paint, or paint the building with a metal primer before using an exterior paint.
Yes. There are several ways to insulate a metal building:
At Alan’s Factory Outlet we offer double bubble and woven R-17 insulation.
Insulation is optional, but offers several benefits:
Metal buildings are insulated by attaching insulation to the inner walls and ceiling of the building.
With competitive price and timely delivery, Jiuyuan sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
Check out our Metal Garage Buyer’s Guide if you’re shopping for a metal garage.
A metal building is a pre-fabricated structure engineered to your exact requirements and specifications.
Our manufacturer's metal buildings are 100% custom-engineered to your size, roof style, functionality, and look requirements.
Engineered for Safety. When constructing a new building, it's essential to prioritize safety by ensuring it meets or exceeds local codes for wind, snow, and seismic loads. These code compliance measures are carefully adhered to ensure the longevity and durability of the structure. Although not visible to the naked eye, they are the most critical customization for safety and security.
Tailored Dimensions. Each building is manufactured to the exact dimensions you specify and are available in the following sizes:
Widths: from 30 ft to 200 ft
Lengths: from 40 ft to 500+ ft
Heights: from 8 ft to 30 ft
Our most popular sizes include the extremely versatile 40x60 metal building and the functional 30x40 metal building kit package.
Multiple Roof Styles. Most buildings are shipped with gable profiles with either a 1:12 or 2:12 pitch, with the chance to increase this to 6:12. Our second most popular option is the single slope available in pitches from 1/2:12 to 4:12.
Other available roof styles include monitor and gambrel, popular choices for farm storage, and, more recently, barn homes & barndominiums.
Designed for Functionality. Access and walk doors fitted and positioned precisely where you need them… select from several popular door types. Add sheltered spaces such as porches and patios, or add extra covered outdoor storage space with the addition of a lean-to. Again, all of these structural upgrades are manufactured to your requirements.
Unique Designs. You can alter the exterior of your steel building to match existing structures, blend into the environment, or match your company brand.
Add a unique color scheme and mix-and-match paint choices for walls, roofing, siding, and trim with over 100 available combinations.
Kit packages come with commercial-grade metal exterior panels, but you can opt to swap these out for architectural siding, insulated panels, and more.
Get precisely the building you need in terms of both form and function. From the dimensions and shape to the color and finish of the exterior, our dealers will work with you to create a solution that is tailored to your exact specifications.
Key benefits of a steel building include:
Precision-engineered and manufactured. Our steel buildings are durable, functional, and long-lasting, with warranties of 30+ years. Each PEMB is manufactured to meet or exceed your local building code requirements, even in the harshest and most unpredictable environments.
Bespoke plans & layouts. No need to hire an architect. All the packages supplied by our vetted distributors include free designing and configuration consultation as part of your kit package.
Designed for functionality. Unlike off-the-shelf steel structures sold online and at big box stores, our steel frame buildings are manufactured to meet your specific needs, whether you need a second-level, oversized entryway or any other option.
Our suppliers also have a range of roof styles, including traditional pitched to arched Quonset buildings.
Service. Your chosen supplier will work closely with you throughout the configuration process, ensuring you get the ideal solution.
Please note. You are not obligated to purchase upgrades such as doors, windows, roofing, and siding materials from your chosen vendor. You can order a standard package with the desired number and dimensions of framed openings, and you then finish the building with materials sourced by you, your designer, or your architect.
BuildingsGuide works with some of North America's best metal building suppliers, allowing you to pick a quality partner for your project quickly.
Once you request a quote, we match you with four suitable vendors based on your location and requirements. Before selecting a company, you may want to consider the following.
Price alone should not be the deciding factor. Steel buildings are a significant investment in both time and money. It is essential not to settle for the first or the cheapest manufacturer you come across. Take the time to research and shop around to find at least three quotes from manufacturers you trust and feel are best suited for the job.
While cost is important, do not decide solely based on the lowest offer you receive. You will need to be sure that your building is manufactured to meet all local codes and is backed by a solid warranty for the framing, siding, and roofing materials.
Check reviews and references. Thorough research is critical when choosing a PEMB manufacturer. Reading online reviews and requesting references are effective ways to gather information. Ask detailed questions about their past projects and experience, such as the size and scope of projects, completion time, issues faced, and customer satisfaction.
Shipping Points. Most distributors will ship from multiple locations throughout the country, but you should verify the closest shipping point to your intended job site. This will have a bearing on what you pay for delivery costs. Although this will probably not be a deal breaker, it is something to consider before placing your order.
Here are some questions you might want to ask prior to placing your order:
The company is the world’s best Custom Steel Building supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.