7 Ways to Economize on Steel Buildings

Building Teams need to bring real value to the table these days, so BD+C asked two expert engineers about steel construction and their tips for cutting costs when building with structural steel. Meet the experts:

KAIYAO Product Page

Tabitha Stine, SE, PE, LEED AP, Director of Technical Marketing, American Institute of Steel Construction, Chicago

David Ruby, PE, SE, SECB, FASCE, Chairman and Founding Principal, Ruby+Associates Inc. Structural Engineers, Detroit

1. Use standard steel lengths.

Specifying standard steel lengths rather than specialty sizes seems like a no-brainer, but it's too often ignored, says AISC's Stine. For instance, ordering 20 20-foot sections is significantly less expensive than ordering 10 20 1/2-foot sections because it eliminates having to cut to size, scrapping extra steel, and paying for unusable remnants.

Stine says she often hears the argument that specifying 20 standard sections rather than 10 specialty sections will add costs by increasing an order's weight. However, less weight doesn't always mean less cost. Stine says ordering standard sizes, repeating sizes (which allows the fabricator to order larger quantities), and bundling orders usually leads to cost savings.

To save more, Stine suggests talking to your fabricator about:

• Current market conditions, and whether it's cheaper to order one size over another.
• Remnant material from another job that the fabricator may be happy to unload at a good price.
• What sizes the mills have been rolling recently: higher stock quantities generally mean lower prices.

Ruby recalled a conversation he had with the fabricator working with him on St. Vincent Hospital in Toledo, Ohio. The owner came in with last-minute design modifications that would have required changes to the structural steel package.

Ruby and the fabricator put together an order of standard sizes based on material availability that enabled the design to be reconfigured without adding to the cost of the steel.

2. Don't pay for primed or painted steel.

Steel doesn't need to be primed or painted unless it's going be used as an exposed architectural element (in, say, an atrium), exposed to the elements (as in a parking garage), or set in a corrosive environment (e.g., a chemical manufacturing plant). Not only does priming and painting add unnecessary costs, it can hinder fire protection by making it difficult for fireproofing materials to adhere to the steel.

Recommendation: Make sure your bids explicitly state no primer or paint; otherwise, they may be added to the package, says Stine. That's because steel naturally develops slight amounts of rust on a job site; even though the rust will not affect the structural integrity of the steel, it is viewed as unaesthetic, so the steel gets painted. Remember, the rust can be brush cleaned-in fact, connections must always be cleaned, notes Stine.

Priming and painting can increase steel costs enough to flip the project to another material that appears to be cheaper. "It isn't simply painting costs," says Ruby. "It's also resource costs, inconvenience costs, and environmental costs. It's a much larger picture."

3. Use a BIM model to save money-but only if everyone on the team in on board.

Building Teams can find big savings by having a BIM model, especially for identifying design conflicts before they become big problems. The BIM model can also be shared with fabricators who would otherwise be forced to pass along the costs of creating their own model. According to Stine, most AEC firms currently utilize BIM only on their biggest projects, but she advocates using BIM on all jobs, regardless of size. Architects and engineers who can't deliver a BIM model to the fabricator will fall behind, she says, especially during an economic slowdown where increased competition forces everyone to be more aggressive.

Caution: The entire Building Team needs to be involved in the BIM model for it to become an integral part of the process, warns Ruby. He sees structural engineers as relatively BIM-savvy compared to many contractors, especially smaller GCs working on smaller projects. If contractors aren't contributing their experience to the model, it's not going to be as valuable to the fabricator, says Ruby.

4. Make sure fabricators are certified.

Project costs can be reduced by specifying steel from fabricators who are certified rather than simply relying on steel to be inspected. Certification focuses on the entire process of fabrication and erection. Certified companies providing steel adhere to a set of AISC standards (which are audited by a third party), a process that weeds out problems before the steel gets to the job site. Better to nip any problems in the bud that to correct them after the fact, which adds time and expense to the project.

5. Know the details of what you're buying. On average, says the AISC's Stine, the total cost of structural steel represents about 10% of overall project costs; of that, the material itself accounts for 20-40%, while the other 60-80% goes to fabrication and erection. Thus, if structural steel prices were to go up 5%, the cost of the entire steel package would increase only about 1-2%.

6. Understand how to fireproof steel cost-effectively.

Reasonably priced options for achieving required fire-protection ratings include:

• Spray-applied fireproofing. Surface prep time is minimal; steel only needs to be shop cleaned of dirt, oil, grease, and loose mill scale.
• Gypsum board. A relatively inexpensive way to fireproof steel because the cost to upgrade conventional gypsum board to fire-resistant gypsum board is quite low.
• Intumescent paints provide low weight-per-surface-area, high durability, and good adhesion. But aesthetic appeal is the main reason for selecting intumescent paint, which is often used on architecturally exposed structural steel.

7. Don't be deceived by "low-cost" deals.

Don't make decisions on steel packages based solely on lowest cost, says Ruby. That relegates steel to the role of commodity when it should be viewed as a specialty, owing to the structural engineering, fabrication, and installation knowledge required.

Moreover, so-called "lowest cost" isn't always the case. Building Teams that see steel as a specialty item and work with fabricators to optimize a steel package (as noted above) can realize significant cost savings. When steel is viewed as a commodity, Building Teams may miss the opportunity to create a leaner, more efficient, and often less expensive steel package.

Ruby mentions a project he consulted on for Lansing (Mich.) Community College. When the job went out to bid with the steel packaged as a commodity, it came back over budget. When Ruby helped optimize the steel program, making significant modifications to the lateral system, floor system, and metal deck, the project came back under budget-and with an option for an additional floor, at no extra cost.

The company is the world’s best steel flooring supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Minimizing the Cost of Your Metal Barn

If you're in the market for a metal barn for your home or agricultural project but want to keep an eye on your budget, it makes sense that you've looked around for the best available metal barn prices. However, if you lack experience in the industry, it can be difficult to know where to begin or how to get the best deal on the structure you need.

But with a little homework and a lot of know-how, you can get the building of your dreams and remain under budget in the process. And we'll help! In this blog, we'll walk through some fascinating tips on how to get the best price on barns for sale.

Tips for Saving Metal Barn Costs

So, how does one minimize the cost of their metal barn building? Let's dive into some of the finer points:

1. Do the Homework

Getting the best price on a structure takes a lot of planning, prep, and due diligence. Work closely with trusted metal barn providers, check online resources, and compare prices and benefits offered by each. By doing this, you can focus on products that are both cost-effective and deliver the most benefits.

2. Choose Your Barn Options Carefully

Customization is one of the significant advantages of metal barn buildings. However, every added feature or modification can increase costs. To minimize expenses, carefully select the options and extras that truly matter for your agricultural buildings.

3. Plan for Future Expansions

While budgeting for your metal barn, think about potential future expansions. It's often more cost-effective to build a slightly larger barn now than to add another structure later. Even if you don't have immediate expansion plans, having the groundwork in place can save you money down the road.

4. Use a Trustworthy Provider

Choosing the right provider for your metal barn is paramount to controlling costs and ensuring quality. Look for reputable suppliers or builders with a proven track record in delivering reliable and cost-effective farm buildings.

5. Choose a DIY Option

If you're looking to save significantly on labor costs, consider a DIY metal barn kit. DIY kits come with pre-cut and pre-drilled components, making assembly more manageable for property owners with some construction experience. While assembling a metal barn yourself can be more time-consuming, it can lead to substantial cost savings on labor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building Metal Barns

As with any construction project, if you approach it with a careless attitude, you’ll likely get nothing in return but headaches. But if you know some of the typical issues you may encounter and how to address them, it can make the entire process go more smoothly. Let’s look at some common mistakes to avoid when building your structure:

1. Pouring the Foundation Before You Get the Plans

One of the most crucial steps in constructing any building, including farm buildings, is having detailed plans before pouring the foundation. Some property owners make the mistake of starting with the foundation without finalized plans, thinking they can adjust the design later. However, this can lead to costly changes and delays.

2. Ordering Your Building Without the Proper Permits

Obtaining the necessary permits is critical when building agricultural buildings like steel barns. Skipping this step or assuming that permits aren't required can result in legal issues and costly fines. As such, it's essential to check with your municipality to understand the permitting requirements for your project.

3. Buying from a Less-than-Reputable Company

The choice of the company you purchase your steel barn from can significantly impact the quality and longevity of your structure. Some property owners opt for cheaper options from disreputable companies, only to encounter problems with product quality, customer service, and warranties down the line.

To avoid this mistake, thoroughly research potential suppliers or builders. Look for companies with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality barn buildings and excellent customer service. Read reviews and ask for references to ensure you're making a wise investment.

4. Not Properly Budgeting the Entire Project Cost

One of the most common mistakes is underestimating the total cost of your metal barn project. Beyond the cost of materials and labor, there are other expenses to consider, such as permits, site preparation, utilities, and any necessary accessories or modifications.

The Cost of Your Metal Barn Project

Now that we’ve identified some crucial things to consider- and avoid, during your metal barn, let’s discuss estimating the total cost of your project. Here are the things you’ll want to ensure are covered in your budget:

1. Building Site

The cost of the land or site where you plan to build your metal barn is one of the significant expenses. Factors such as location, size, and accessibility can influence the price. Be sure to consider the suitability of the site for your agricultural buildings, as well as any necessary site preparation work.

2. Leveling Costs

Before laying the foundation, the land may need to be leveled and prepared. Leveling costs can vary depending on the terrain and the extent of the work required. Proper site preparation is crucial to ensure a stable and durable foundation for your metal barn.

3. Foundation Costs

The foundation is a critical component of any structure, including barns for sale. The cost of your foundation will depend on factors like the type of foundation and its size. Properly investing in a sturdy foundation is essential to the long-term stability of your metal barn.

4. Permits and Building Code Fees

Securing the necessary permits and complying with local building codes and regulations is an often overlooked but essential aspect of any construction project. Permit costs and associated fees can vary widely depending on your location and the scope of your farm buildings.

5. Metal Building Cost

The cost of the metal building itself is a significant portion of your budget. This includes the cost of materials, such as steel or aluminum, and any customization or additional features you choose for your custom barn. The size and complexity of your barn will also affect this cost.

6. Installation Costs

Since many metal building providers will wrap installation costs in your final building price, it pays to check with your dealer regarding their installation policies. For some avid DIYers, installing your own building can save you time and money in installation costs.

7. Utilities

Don't forget to account for utilities such as electricity and plumbing if your custom barn requires them. Installing utilities may require additional expenses for wiring, plumbing, and connections to existing infrastructure.

8. Finishing

The finishing touches to your metal barn can add to the overall cost. This includes interior finishes like insulation, walls, and flooring, as well as exterior elements like gutters, roofing, and paint. These finishing touches can enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your barn but may affect the final cost.

Let Probuilt Be Your Metal Barn Guru

Whether you're seeking small DIY metal barns or designing oversized farm buildings, Probuilt Steel Buildings is proud to be a trusted name in the metal building industry, with years of experience to back it up. We engineer our structures to stand up to any environment, take on any challenge, and last for decades with proper maintenance.

We back our structures up with industry-leading warranties, certifications, and craftsmanship guarantees so you know you're getting a product that will hold its own. Top that off with flexible financing options and RTO programs that make owning a building easy, even on a budget, and you have a recipe for success.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit industrial workshop flooring.