27 Things to Know Before Buying a Metal Building

If you’re thinking about buying a metal building, here is what you should know first.

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Cost

Are metal buildings cheaper than wood?

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.

Are metal buildings cheap?

Metal buildings are cheaper than buildings made out of wood or other materials. But that doesn’t mean they are of poor quality.

Are repossessed buildings cheaper than new buildings?

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.

Are metal buildings worth it?

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.

How much do metal buildings cost?

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.

How much does a concrete foundation cost?

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.

Can you finance metal buildings?

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.

Who finances metal buildings?

1. New Century Bank
2. Acorn Finance
3. Banks and credit unions (via a mortgage, second mortgage, cash-our-refinance, home equity line of credit, or personal loan)
4. Peer-to-peer lenders

Construction and Installation

What metal is used in buildings?

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.

What is the best metal for 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.

What are pre-engineered metal buildings?

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.

How are metal buildings installed?

1. A permit is obtained
2. The building site is prepared
3. A foundation is poured
4. The building is manufactured at a factory
5. The building components are delivered
6. The installation crew assembles the metal building at the site

Who sells and installs metal buildings and garages near me?

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.

Quality

How long do metal buildings last?

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.

What are the best quality metal buildings?

Those who want the highest quality metal building should select the following features:

• Vertical style roof
• 12-gauge steel tubing for the frame
• 26-gauge sheet metal
• 170 MPH wind upgrade
• Woven R-17 insulation
• Weather stripping around windows

Safety

Are metal buildings hurricane proof?

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.

Are metal buildings safe in a tornado?

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.

Are metal buildings grounded?

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.

Are metal buildings safe from lightning?

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.

Use as a Home

Note: Buildings sold by Alan’s Factory Outlet are not designed or intended to be used as homes.

Are metal buildings safe to live in?

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.

Is it legal to live in a metal building?

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.

Can a metal building be used as a house?

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.

Customization & Insulation

Can metal buildings be moved?

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.

Can metal buildings be painted?

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.

Can metal buildings be insulated?

Yes. There are several ways to insulate a metal building:

• Double bubble insulation
• Woven insulation
• Spray foam insulation
• Fiberglass insulation
• Foam boards
• Insulated Panels

At Alan’s Factory Outlet we offer double bubble and woven R-17 insulation.

Do I need to insulate my metal building?

Insulation is optional, but offers several benefits:

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• Moisture control. Insulation prevents water from condensing on the inside walls and roof.
• Temperature control. Insulation with a high enough R-value can help keep your metal building warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. If anyone will be spending long hours in your metal building, insulation is ideal.

How are metal buildings insulated?

Metal buildings are insulated by attaching insulation to the inner walls and ceiling of the building.

Have more questions?

Check out our Metal Garage Buyer’s Guide if you’re shopping for a metal garage.

The Complete Buyer’s Guide to Metal Garages

Buying a metal garage isn’t an everyday project, and if it’s your first time, the process may seem overwhelming. Between choosing the right size and layout, securing permits, foundation prep, and getting the right price, there’s much more to getting that dream building than just picking a structure that looks good.

A well-built metal garage will need to fit your property size, meet your storage and vehicle needs, and be able to hold up against both local building codes and the weather in your area. Whether you’re planning a simple one-car garage or a larger, more customized configuration, getting it right from the beginning can save you time, money, and headaches.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process and show you everything you need to know about buying a metal garage. From the planning to design and pricing, we’ll give you the power to design a building that’s perfect for your life and budget.

How to Plan and Budget for Your Metal Garage

The first step to any successful project is proper planning. By laying out your efforts into a goal-oriented plan, you can reduce costs and minimize many of the headaches involved in modern construction. The steps for the best results include:

• Nail Down a Budget

The most important part of your project will center around its budget. Choose a structure type and size range that fits your finances, and work with providers that offer flexible financing plans that minimize any big upfront costs.

• Choose a Building Size

Find a metal garage size that suits your property. Measure any vehicles you intend to store, and plan for future expansions.

• Select a Location

Pick a location that rests above natural water runoff, near water and electricity, and in an area that is easily accessible for you and the installation teams.

• Handle Permitting

Every county will have rules and regulations on construction, so you'll want to contact your local building inspector and find out if you need to secure a permit. You may need to have information such as building plans available.

• Choose a Foundation Type

Metal garages and metal garage kits are typically installed on concrete foundations for the best results; however, they can also work well on soil-based foundations, asphalt, and even gravel.

How to Customize Your Metal Garage: From Roof to Doors and Colors

The most important part of your metal garage journey will be designing the structure you want to see. You’ll start by either contacting a building expert or using a 3D Designer tool to kick off the customization process.

With this online platform, you’ll be able to view, edit, and perfect your building’s:

• Size and Layout

Go big or go small. Create a free-standing structure or design a building with lean-to attachments and porches. It’s all up to you, your budget, and your imagination."

• Roofing Type

Pick between regular roofing, boxed eave horizontal designs, and vertical roofing to find the best option for your environment and budget.

• Number of Doors and Windows

You'll be able to choose between multiple-sized roll-up garage doors, walk-in doors, and windows to create an easily accessible structure with plenty of airflow.

• Colors

With a wide variety of color options, you can choose a shade that fits your application. Mix and match trim and wainscoting colors for exciting and eye-catching aesthetics.

• Accessories

Add ventilation, cupolas, insulation, and all the extras you need to create a custom metal garage that's uniquely 'you.

Metal Garage Pricing: What Affects the Cost?

Raw steel prices, world events, your building’s custom add-ons, and global trade can all influence the final cost of your structure. This can make nailing down the exact price difficult. It can also make quoting a building a challenge without a down payment to lock in the price.

Luckily, with the right metal building company, you can take advantage of financing options and RTO (rent-to-own) plans that make pricing and budgeting your metal garage easy and hassle-free.

How Metal Garage Installation Works (Step-by-Step)

You’ve made a down payment and placed an order. What’s next? This step-by-step guide will lead the way.

• Complete Order

Once your order is placed, your custom metal garage designs are sent off for manufacturing.

• Secure Permits and Lay Foundation

During this time, you’ll want to contact local building officials to handle permitting (if you are required to have a permit) and hire 3rd-party foundation experts if you’re going with concrete or asphalt.

• Allow Time for Fabrication and Delivery

Back at the manufacturing facility, the components of your building are fabricated, packaged together, loaded up on a transport, and shipped to your property for construction.

• Prepare for Installation Day

With the foundation fully cured and in place, a group of trained installers will begin the installation process. They'll handle everything from the base rails to the ridge cap of your roof, so all you need to do is kick back and watch your metal garage materialize in real time.

What Makes Direct Metal Structures Different?

From small residential metal garages to enormous commercial projects, Direct Metal Structures is proud to be a trusted name for steel infrastructure at all scales. We offer an extensive lineup of metal garages, metal garage kits, and custom metal structures, and we’re ready to help you make yours a reality.

They’re backed by industry-proven warranties and craftsmanship guarantees and are affordable on any budget.

For more information, please visit Custom Steel Building.