When you decide to buy a Building

Confirm the accuracy of your building codes. It is imperative that your building conforms to the state, local and federal design requirements.

The items described on your contract are what you are buying. Please be sure to carefully review all contract documents before you sign off. If a contract does not describe an item in specific terms, you should not expect the item to be the best product available. And just as important - is what a contract does not say. Specifically if your contract does not indicate that you are getting framed openings and garage doors - then you are NOT going to get framed openings and garage doors.

Do not sign a contract or agree to purchase a building before you have confirmed that your building will satisfy the requirements of your local building official and YOURSELF. Do not allow a salesman to pressure you into a "panic buy." A "panic buy" is when a customer is pressured into making a purchase to "lock-in" a "so-called" special price. Brokers are notorious for telling customers they could lose an opportunity to get the "deal of a lifetime" if they don't commit to the order right away. Beware of people who urge you to sign a contract before you have made your mind up on exactly what you want.

Understand that making changes after the sale will cost you money. Once the design is completed it will cost money to make changes. If an order is in fabrication - and requires modifications due to customer demands - the entire process has to be stopped, pulled off-line and inventoried. Once the inventory of completed items is confirmed, it's back to the drawing board. You will be responsible for extra time required to re-design the project and all other associated expenses.

Install your building components as specified by the drawings. Seldom do manufacturers use the same design practices and therefore your erection drawings and installation documents are the correct description of the building. Please read and follow the drawing descriptions carefully. An erection manual offers important general guidelines and the proper procedures for erecting a steel building safely. You, your erector and all jobsite crew need to understand and utilize OSHA and all other safety guidelines.

Steel Building Packages

Steel building kits are shipped with all the required hardware to construct a solid structure. Forget about running around town looking for bolts or brackets with steel building packages. When investigating steel building packages, request information about the different options that are available from each steel building manufacturer. Panel material or galvalume colors can complement any building and help to exceed your expectations. You can begin with more standard steel building packages and adjust them suit your specific needs.

Working with veteran professionals is the best way to build your new steel building. Completing the steps that help you decide on different configurations for your pre-engineered building insures your ultimate satisfaction. Each part of the design process should be explained and offered for your approval. Steel building manufacturers should be acquainted with commonly asked questions and should be able to anticipate your concerns.

Metal Building Depot Sky Light

The Metal Building Depot sky light is an economical method of allowing natural lighting into your building. Sky Lights are commonly used for wall applications in lieu of roof. The sky lights are field installed with self-drilling screws and 3/8" grommet seal fasteners (field drilling required). The sky lights are available in 5'-0" and 10'-0" nominal lengths as a standard. The panel at the end of any wall with sky lights will be a full height metal panel for better corner trim attachment.

Proper Ventilation of a Building

Proper ventilation in a building can be an effective measure for condensation control. The end use of the building must be the controlling ventilation design parameter, especially above drop ceiling areas. Ventilation system design should be done at the initial building design stage. Use of a design professional is strongly recommended to assure the best possible system.

CONDENSATION CAN BE MINIMIZED THROUGH CONSIDERATION OF CLIMATE, RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND THICKNESS OF INSULATION.

Before you Buy

Do you know the company you're doing business with? Is the supplier a member of the Better Business Bureau? Do they have a record of dealing honestly? Can they refer you to satisfied customers? Is the physical address to the company available? Can you visit them at their offices? Are they a real company with a history of quality manufacturing? Are they Active Members of the AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction) Do they post any affiliation with any steel building association? Do you know what you are paying for? Does the steel building contract give line-item prices? Will you receive comprehensive set of erection plans? Are you getting written 30-year paint and 25-year Galvalume Plus® warranties? Does the contract specify 26 gauge panels? Does their roof panels include a "purlin bearing" leg? Does the roof system have an Underwriters Laboratories Class 90 rating? Are you being supplied with premium fasteners with a lifetime red-rust warranty? Will your steel building have a sculptured trim package? Are all the clips welded to primary structural components? Are the framed openings factory located? Does the supplier have the ability to engineer a custom design? Will you receive an 80+ page fully illustrated erection manual? Does the supplier have an in-house customer service department? Does the supplier actually manufacture what they sell? Do they process and produce all their drawings in-house? Do they ask you to sign a contract and pay a deposit before you know the total cost?