Commercial Steel Building Prices: Calculate the Cost

Steel commercial building under construction.Are you looking to purchase a steel building? This guide will will help you to calculate the cost of commercial steel buildings.

Steel is having a resurgence. Globally, steel is being used more than it has been in the last ten years. The growing popularity of affordable metal buildings is making steel look much more attractive than traditional wood construction.

So, if you want to build your own steel building what do you need to know? Should you go with a pre-fab option or build it yourself?

Here we will break down the aspects of steel building prices you need to know before you start your project.

Commercial Steel Building Prices: Calculate the Cost

Before we dive into commercial steel building prices let’s talk about the two most common types of metal structures. Keep reading below to learn more about arch style and rigid frame steel buildings.

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The Two Most Common Types of Metal Buildings: Which is More Affordable?

The two most common types of steel buildings are the arch style, typically used for storage, and rigid frame steel buildings that can have a variety of uses.

Before deciding which is best for you, read on to learn more about each style.

Arch Style Commercial Steel Buildings

arch steel buildingThese structures are also referred to as Quonset Huts. The appeal of these buildings is ease of construction and large storage area.

Arch buildings are popular in areas with inclement weather since they can withstand high winds, rain, and snow. These structures stand strong against hurricane-force winds, hail, blizzards, and more.

Despite the functionality of these structures, they are becoming a thing of the past as technology makes more attractive buildings easier to complete. But, when discussing affordability, this style will be the most cost-effective.

Rigid Frame Steel Buildings

If you are looking to build a more traditional building than rigid frame steel buildings are your best bet. They allow the customization options of traditional structures but are more affordable.

These give you the options for doors and windows wherever you would like to put them. They are more visually appealing as well. So, if you are planning on a building used for more than storage, a rigid frame will be the better choice.

What are the Important Elements That Make the Price of a Steel Building?

Before you begin construction on a new steel building you need to factor in all the elements to create a realistic budget. Here are the most common factors to consider that affect cost.

Current Steel Prices

When you are building steel buildings, current steel prices become important. Steel fluctuates in price often according to world demand.

Make sure you leave room in your budget for steel prices going up or down during your project.

The Design Of Your Structure

Metal buildings with simple designs are going to be more affordable than buildings requiring elaborate plans.

When planning the design of your structure you need to think about how complicated design choices could take more time to build. They also use more resources and require more specialists.

All of this drives the cost of construction higher.

Buying In Bulk – Can You Leverage Buying Power?

Bulk BuyingLarge corporations get better pricing on materials over the mom and pop shop down the street. The name of the game in a commercial building is buying power.

Think about the projects you have and see if it is feasible to complete multiple projects at once. Since you’ll have a need for a lot of materials at once you can leverage buying power by buying construction materials in bulk.

The bigger the order, the deeper the discount the supplier is willing to provide.

Odds And Ends – The Details Can Make A Big Difference

Steel building prices go up with every customization of the structure. You have to weigh the cost versus the design impact of every custom element.

The more standard components you include will make the building more affordable. Instead of customizing a lot of the design, see if you can make only a few impactful design customizations to wow your buyers but keep your bottom line in check.

Common Pricing for Steel Buildings

Depending on your needs you can have a large range of prices for your steel building. From small and simple horse barns costing around $2500 to large custom insulated steel buildings that can cost $40000+.

One way to save some cash is to considered pre-fabricated buildings. These don’t offer many customizations but you can get them for about $18 a square foot.

If you want to build it yourself, you need to decide on the square footage you want to come up with your budget. Most materials are going to be priced based on your steel building size.

For instance, a stud frame will run you anywhere from $10-$40 per square foot. The foundation for the building can be $4-$10 a square foot. Research every element of the construction process to make sure you can afford to build on your own.

Since the labor is more straightforward on a steel building you will still save money from what a typical wood construction would cost you.

Are You Ready for a Building That Can Stand Up to Superman?

At the end of the day, steel building prices are going to be more affordable than traditional construction. However, the end cost will depend on your design and square footage. Steel is more durable, can withstand tougher weather elements, and offers appealing pre-fab options.

Have a plan in place for the use of the building, your intended square footage, and the basic design idea before going out to price materials. Decide whether it is worth the extra expense to build a custom structure with your own team.

Could your project use a pre-fabricated metal building to save the money on construction? Where will you be placing your building? Consider your foundation costs and the area around the building.

Need some help figuring out the kind of steel building that will work for you? Contact us today and we will be happy to make some suggestions.

Curious about the types of buildings we offer? Check out the different types of steel buildings we can build for you.

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