You have finally decided to build an extra structural unit on your property. Congrats… but wait, have you considered metal building? You might be under the impression that this is typically used for industrial purposes. Well, that’s not true at all.
Metal buildings were initially chosen for their cost-effectiveness and low upkeep, making them popular for commercial spaces. However, their versatility and durability have now made them suitable for a wide range of applications beyond their original purpose. Steel structures are becoming increasingly popular for residential purposes due to their versatility.
Trouble with the traditional wooden construction
1. Cost
Traditional structures are usually costlier than prefab metal structures. A stick build construction can cost almost 25% more than a prefab building.
2. Maintenance
Even the simplest wooden structure requires annual checks & high upkeep. Additionally, you can’t help the fact that they will decay with time.
3. Time
With traditional buildings, you need to set aside a month for the construction phase to get over.
4. Aftermath
Wooden dust & remaining pieces need to be cleaned after the construction. It requires a lot of work. Also, wooden dust can cause trouble if you have allergies or lung issues.
5. Environmental impact
The average square footage of a home in America is 2,014. To construct that size of a wooden house, you would need approximately 60-102 trees. That’s a lot of trees just for a single family home.
Advantages that you get with metal buildings
1. Cost
A prefab building will cost you between $15-$25 per sq. ft., whereas a timber frame home costs around $20-$35 per sq. ft. For example, a wooden outbuilding 20×30 will cost you $12,000 – $14,000, whereas a metal outbuilding of the same size will cost you around $12,000 – $18,000.
Not to mention, the material cost & labor cost is also lesser than a wooden building. So, you end up saving money & have a logical reason to shop for prefab buildings.
2. Maintenance
It is a well-known fact that steel buildings require minimum upkeep. So, even in the long run, you end up saving money here. It may require repainting in five or ten years. No worrying about any chemical spraying to protect your steel posts.
3. Time
A prefab metal structure takes a few weeks to be installed on your site, depending on the size & complexity of the design.
4. Environmental impact
No trees are harmed in manufacturing and installing a steel building. On top of that, steel is 100% recyclable & does not lose its strength with time or reusability. On the other hand, even prefab timbers can’t stand the test of time. They will eventually decay.
5. Aftermath
Prefab steels come pre-cut & pre-drill. So you don’t have to waste your time cleaning a lot. Some steel shaving may remain, which can be removed & sold to a local scrapyard.
6. Pest resistant
With metal being resilient to insects that eat through the post, you can rest assured that your metal structure will not need any chemical insecticide or pesticide spray for protection. That will save you money, too.
In general, timbers suffer from termites, carpenter ants, wood boring beetles, etc. They need to be checked regularly. If not, they may multiply & compromise the structural integrity of wooden frames & panels.
7. Fire resistant
International Building Codes regard steel as a non-combustible material. It takes a long time for metal to catch fire & start burning. That’s not the case with wood. It will burn within a few minutes of the fire outbreak.
8. Weather resistant
America is prone to several natural disasters occurring every year. With the increase in global surface temperature, i.e., climate change, the intensity & frequency of natural disasters have increased even more. Most common among them are lightning strikes, home fires, windstorms, etc. A steel building is robust and can withstand all of them unless it is a direct hit.
9. Bonus: money saving tip for metal buyers
- When buying a metal structure, go for more length than width.
- Adding length to a steel building is more affordable than adding width.
- Shop for prefab buildings as they are less priced than customizable ones.
- When you buy steel, you are buying weight.
- When choosing the design, go for the one that weighs less. It will save you some money.
- Go shopping around during sales or holiday seasons. You will be offered an extra discount.
Metal Building vs. Traditional Construction
| Features | Metal Buildings | Traditional Buildings |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Installation | ✔ | 🗶 |
| Low Initial Cost | 🗶 | ✔ |
| Less Upkeep | ✔ | 🗶 |
| Long Lifespan | ✔ | 🗶 |
| Eco Friendly | ✔ | 🗶 |
| Energy Efficient | ✔ | 🗶 |
| Strength | ✔ | 🗶 |
| Nice Appearance* | 🗶 | ✔ |
| Pest Resistant | ✔ | 🗶 |
| Durability | ✔ | 🗶 |
| Traditional | 🗶 | ✔ |
| Extreme Weather Resistant | ✔ | 🗶 |
| Fire Resistant | ✔ | 🗶 |
| Low Insurance Premium | ✔ | 🗶 |
* Metal building dealers offer various customization options, so remember to ask for them before buying.
Look how versatile a metal building can be…
It can be used as –
- Carports
- Metal Garages
- Livestock barns
- Barndominiums – living quarters.
- Agricultural storages
- Recreational centers
- Industrial buildings
- Retail stores
- Commercial offices, and many more.
In Conclusion:
Choosing metal or sticking with the traditional building is a matter of individual choice at the end of the day. But most people will like to stay on budget and get a less expensive place. The overall cost of steel is less than that of a traditional building.
Installing a metal building on your site will also increase your property value as people like having extra space for entertainment, storage, or as a guest quarter. Either way, a metal building will aid the resale value of your land. So, go for it. It is worth mentioning that a metal structure will pay for itself within a few years.
While you shop for prefab buildings, buy high-quality steel from a certified dealer. See if you can get a warranty on it. Ensure that your metal structure looks aesthetic in terms of appeal. You won’t regret buying a steel building.
