If you’re thinking about ordering a metal building kit, you’re probably excited about getting a durable, customizable structure at a fraction of the cost of traditional construction. But walking into the process without knowing what you need to figure out first can lead to costly surprises. There are questions you need to answer for yourself before you ever call a supplier, and then there are questions you need to ask your supplier before you put down a dime. Here’s your full rundown of the top questions to ask before ordering a metal building kit.

Questions To Ask Yourself First

A supplier can help you design and specify a building, but they can’t tell you what your goals are or what your property allows. So before you contact anyone, ask yourself the following questions.

What Do I Need the Building For?

Metal building kits serve an enormous range of purposes: agricultural storage, commercial operations, auto shops, aircraft hangars, churches, gyms, mini storage facilities, and more. The intended use determines the structural design requirements, the size and placement of openings, whether human occupancy is involved, and what local code compliance looks like. So get completely clear on the purpose before you move to anything else.

What Local Codes and Permits Apply?

Every county and municipality has its own building codes, and your metal building has to meet them. Don’t assume your supplier will handle this for you. Contact your local building department and find out what’s required for a structure of the type and size you’re planning.

You need to know whether a permit is required, what wind and snow load ratings apply to your area, and whether there are zoning restrictions on your property. Some jurisdictions require a licensed engineer to stamp the drawings before they issue a permit. Your building kit needs to be engineered to those specific specs, so get this information before you place an order.

What Are the Exact Dimensions I Need?

Don’t guess on size. Measure the footprint you have available, and then think carefully about your actual clearance requirements. You need to know not just the width and length of the building but the height. If you’re parking vehicles inside, you need enough vertical clearance. If you’re storing equipment, you need openings large enough for it to pass through.

Also, think about what you might need two or three years from now. Building bigger upfront costs less than adding on later, and a lot of buyers end up wishing they’d gone larger the first time.

What Foundation Do I Need?

Most metal buildings require a concrete slab with anchor bolts set to match the building’s column placement. Talk to a local concrete contractor who knows your soil conditions, and understand what the foundation requirements are for your specific building.

Do I Have a Plan for Erection?

Ordering a metal building kit means you’re getting the components, not a finished building. Someone has to erect it. Whether you’re planning to hire a professional crew or coordinate your own labor, you need to have this figured out before your kit arrives.

You also need to know what equipment is on site. Metal building materials arrive on flatbed trucks, and you’ll need equipment capable of lifting up to 5,000 pounds to unload them.

Questions To Ask Your Supplier

Once you’ve got your own answers lined up, it’s time to talk to suppliers. These are the questions that will reveal whether a supplier knows what they’re doing and whether their kit is worth what they’re charging.

What’s Included in the Kit?

Metal building kits can vary widely in what they contain. Some kits come with everything you need: structural framing, roof and wall panels, trim, fasteners, anchor bolt drawings, and erection documents. Others include only the bare structural components and leave you to source accessories separately. So ask for a complete, itemized list of what’s included and make sure you can work with it.

What Panel Gauge and Steel Grade Are You Using?

The quality of the steel in your roof and wall panels makes a major difference in how your building holds up. Ask your supplier exactly what gauge they use for the panels and what the strength rating is.

26-gauge, 80 KSI PBR panels are a strong industry standard for weather resistance and durability. If a supplier is vague about gauge or strength, that’s a red flag.

What Do the Fasteners Look Like?

Ask specifically what type of fasteners the kit includes. High-quality kits use premium fasteners with a zinc-aluminum cap (ZAC) finish that’s matched to the panel color and guaranteed not to rust. You should also ask whether washers are included.

What’s the Warranty Coverage?

Ask about what type of warranties are offered before you buy, and read it. You want warranty coverage on both the structural components and the painted panel surfaces.

If there is no warranty (or if the warranty language is vague), treat that as a warning. A reputable supplier stands behind their product with specific, documented terms that offer the customer peace of mind.

What Are the Engineering and Certification Standards?

Your building should be manufactured at an IAS-certified facility and meet MBMA (Metal Building Manufacturers Association) standards. Ask your supplier to confirm this.

You should also ask whether the building plans will be stamped and certified by an engineer who is licensed in your state, and how many copies of those plans you’ll receive. State-certified engineering drawings are what your local building department is going to require, and they’re what protect you if there’s ever a question about structural compliance.

What Is the Lead Time and Delivery Process?

Most metal building kits are custom-manufactured to your specifications, which means there’s a production lead time before your kit ships. Ask how long that is. Lead times vary based on the supplier, the size of the order, and current demand, so get a specific timeframe.

Additionally, ask how delivery works. Your kit will ship via flatbed truck, and you’ll need to plan for unloading on your end. Find out who is responsible for any damage that occurs in transit, and confirm whether you need to have your concrete pad ready at the time of delivery.

How Long Have You Been in Business?

Experience matters in this industry. Ask how long the company has been manufacturing and selling metal building kits. Ask whether they have a portfolio of completed projects that match your building type, and ask for references you can contact directly.

A supplier with decades of experience and a verifiable track record gives you confidence that the company will be there to support you if anything comes up during the process. Customer service from order placement through project completion is a sign of a supplier that takes their work—not just the sale—seriously.

Get the Right Building the First Time

At Arco Steel, we’ve spent over 45 years helping customers order the right building for their specific needs, and we walk every customer through this process with a dedicated specialist from start to finish. We encourage you to ask these top questions before ordering a metal building kit because we want to make sure your purchase goes right the first time. Whether you need an agricultural facility, a commercial structure, or a steel church building, get started by reaching out today for a free quote.