Steel Builder Buying Guide

If you're looking to erect a new building, consider going with a pre-engineered steel building. Steel buildings offer many unique benefits that other building materials do not. The first is simply the money that such a building will save. Since the labor required to put up a steel building is substantially less than that for conventional construction, you can save up to 30 percent or more on the typical cost. Additionally, steel buildings can be ready for use in as few as 60 days, as opposed to the traditional six months that is common with other building materials. Steel buildings are also guaranteed to last 20 to 30 years without requiring maintenance and all steel material is completely recyclable.

Step One: Plan Ahead
Before the construction on your steel building can begin, you must have a detailed plan. A critical error commonly made by owners is failing to plan ahead, causing stress on everyone involved. You must have a design before the project can start, and this design must specify the size and shape of the building, quantity and location of doors and windows, roof type and placement of interior walls. It is best to work with someone experienced in metal building design, such as an architect or designer, when creating this plan.

Step Two: Get a Blue Print
Once the design is finished and you have paid your deposit, the next step is to create a blueprint. A blueprint will spell out the materials being used and the weights the building must be able to endure in order to comply with local building codes. This step is generally accomplished by a factory engineer. You will generally need to send the building "structural reactions" and ground "soil testings" to the Structural Foundations Engineer.

Step Three: Permit Processing
The next step is permit processing. Your architect must create a package involving the footing drawings with the civil, mechanical, electrical landscape and submit this final "Wet Stamped" package. The physical construction of your building will begin in the next step, starting with the creation of the parts for your building at a factory. Beams, posts, girders, side and roof panels and fasteners are all created specifically for your building and arrive pre-drilled, ready to be assembled.

Step Four: Lay the Foundation and Assemble
While these parts are being manufactured, the foundation for your building will be created. When the foundation and components are ready, the building can be assembled (insulation, interior walls and ceilings, steps, plumbing and heating) and finished (paint, exterior finishes, plumbing, doors and windows).

Step Five: Have the Building Inspected
Once your building is completed, a building inspector must review it to make sure that it meets all local building codes. If you work with Arco Building Systems, we'll ensure that your building plans are designed to pass any inspection in your area.

Let Arco Building Systems Make the Process Easy

There are several steps that go into successfully buying and building a steel building, and you don't want to risk messing up along the way only to find your entire project slowing to a halt because you're waiting to receive permits or you've incorrectly measured something. Instead of trying to complete the process yourself, let Arco Building Systems guide you through the steel buying process.

Our excellent customer service representatives are ready to take your call and work as your main point of contact from step one through the very last phone call. Whether you're looking for a steel building for your commercial business or a metal indoor riding arena, Arco Building Systems has a pre-engineered building for you. Contact us today for more information on how to get started.