Jul. 14, 2025
Understanding the purpose of your steel building is the first step in your decision-making process. Are you constructing a workshop, a storage facility, a garage, or even a home? Each use case has different requirements. For example, a garage might need oversized doors, while a workshop might require additional ventilation or lighting. Do not skip this essential step of going through these questions to ask before buying a steel building!
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One of our clients built a steel building as an agricultural storage unit but later converted it into a shop. Planning for future adaptability can save you money down the road.
Before you start dreaming about your new steel building, check local zoning regulations. Some areas have restrictions on the size, appearance, or even the type of buildings allowed.
Reaching out to your local zoning office or contractor can clarify these rules upfront. Not sure we are happy to help just contact us all our buildings are engineered to comply with local building codes and regulations. We’ll work with you to ensure your structure meets all requirements.
Steel buildings are tough, but they must be designed to handle your local weather. From snow loads in cold climates to wind resistance in hurricane zones, the right specifications are crucial.
Most of our metal buildings go through 4 seasons, making sure the foundation is set up correctly and also having insulation to insulate from the cold.
Determining the correct size is crucial. While it’s tempting to go smaller to save money, underestimating your needs can lead to regrets.
It’s better to go slightly larger than to outgrow the space within a few years.
Steel buildings are known for their versatility. You can customize layouts, roof styles, doors, and more. Think about what features will make your building functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Use our 3D Designer to get your design and specifications!
Compliance with local building codes isn’t optional. Codes can dictate everything from the type of foundation to the load-bearing capacity of the structure.
Choose a steel building dealer that provides engineered drawings. These documents ensure your building meets code requirements and helps you secure permits.
Decide upfront if you’ll hire professionals or tackle installation yourself. While DIY installation can save money, it’s a labor-intensive process that requires precision. However we highly recommend using professionals to avoid any costly mistakes of having to redo it later.
Your foundation is literally the base of your building’s success. Different buildings require different foundation types, such as slabs or piers.
We’ve seen projects delayed because clients underestimated foundation preparation. Budget accordingly.
Not all steel is created equal. High-quality, galvanized steel offers superior strength and corrosion resistance. Be sure to confirm the material’s quality with your dealer.
A low quote might seem appealing, but it’s essential to know what’s included. Shipping, insulation, and customization can quickly add up.
A good warranty is a sign of a reputable dealer. Most steel buildings come with warranties on materials, but specifics vary.
Steel buildings are faster to construct than traditional buildings, but you should still plan for the timeline.
Use our 3D Designer to get your design and specifications!
One of the benefits of steel buildings is low maintenance, but some upkeep is still necessary. Regular inspections and cleanings can prolong your building’s life.
Insulated panels, reflective roof coatings, and solar panel compatibility can make your building more energy-efficient and reduce long-term costs.
Choose a dealer who offers strong post-purchase support. Whether you have questions during installation or years later, good customer service is invaluable.
Purchasing a steel building is a significant investment, and asking these 20 questions before buying a steel building will set you up for success. At The Luna Crew, we specialize in helping homebuilders and investors design and build steel structures tailored to their needs. Our expertise ensures you avoid costly mistakes and build a structure that stands the test of time. Also check out our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page if you don’t see your question answered!
If you’re thinking about buying a metal building, here is what you should know first.
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.
Metal buildings are cheaper than buildings made out of wood or other materials. But that doesn’t mean they are of poor quality.
Further reading:Link to Jiuyuan
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Those who want the highest quality metal building should select the following features:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Note: Buildings sold by Alan’s Factory Outlet are not designed or intended to be used as homes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. There are several ways to insulate a metal building:
At Alan’s Factory Outlet we offer double bubble and woven R-17 insulation.
Insulation is optional, but offers several benefits:
Metal buildings are insulated by attaching insulation to the inner walls and ceiling of the building.
Check out our Metal Garage Buyer’s Guide if you’re shopping for a metal garage.
For more information, please visit Agricultural Steel Building.
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