How to choose a pre-engineered building system. (Buildings/Construction).

Who is in the market for a pre-engineered steel building system (SBS)? Just about anyone. Buyers can range from small businesses to large companies and that is because these buildings can accommodate a variety of businesses, including large big-box retail stores and industrial buildings such as sawmills. SBSs have also been purchased for arenas, institutional buildings and other recreational facilities.

Marketing is quickly being directed toward commercial markets as industrial markets continue to decrease, and that market is growing as the buildings are supplied for businesses such as car dealerships, air hangars, truck terminals and warehouses.

While these steel buildings are called "pre-engineered," they are actually "custom-engineered" and specially designed according to the buyer's specifications. The custom design can even accommodate such things as wind and snow.

These completely engineered designed systems have all the structural elements built in and it is all completed - the design and the manufacturing - by one company. Several different companies or contractors build conventional buildings.

Buyers actually purchase the pre-engineered buildings from a contractor who will determine the pricing and the actual contract for the prospective buyer.

The main reasons for buying a steel building are cost savings and quick design because of the factory-controlled construction. The highly controlled construction provides a steel building that is precut and predrilled and is ready for assembly all in time that is much shorter than it would take to construct a conventional building.

Having all measurements carried out by one company can also result in more accurate measures since a number of different suppliers are not trying to add their materials and measures to the project.

The SBS includes a primary built up steel section; a secondary section made from cold-formed sections, metal roofing and optional wall cladding: and can include accessories such as insulation systems, doors, windows, ventilators, louvres and day-lighting panels.

A contractor wrn probably be able to price a complete building in a couple of hours with the aid of a computer and a CD-ROM and will be responsible for putting up the building and all related work. The manufacturer is responsible for the structural design and the fabrication of the building system.

While most steel buildings average 10,000 to 20,000 square feet, most builders can accommodate buildings as small as 2,000 to 3,000 square feet, and as large as 400,000 square feet. The smaller buildings are often used for such items as guardhouses, self-storage, small garages and welding shops.

Most of these steel buildings can accommodate up to 250-foot clear span - a space large enough to fit a 747. The rigid frame design, which uses a sloped roof and tapered columns and roof beams, is more economical than the more conventional beam and post construction. The steel is stronger and can clear greater widths.

Keep in mind you will be getting the shell only, which usually includes a steel interior wall liner. Drywall, flooring, ceilings and the foundation are not supplied, but the contractor will determine the total cost for you.

Buying an SBS can help keep your project within your budget. The price per square metre can be up to 40 per cent less than conventional steel buildings. You can also expect to have less maintenance costs and fire insurance advantages.

If you are looking for a supplier for a pre-engineered SBS, check the Internet or the Yellow Pages. Find a contractor that is reputable and capable of doing this type of construction.

Look at how long the company has been in business and how long completion of your order will take. SBSs are usually available within a week or so of the order being placed.

Some companies look at seven factors in choosing contractors to represent them. You might want to look at those factors as well when selecting someone to supply your building.

Questions to ask

* Are they trained in erecting these systems?

* Can they supply a list of past customers?

* Are they a financially stable company?

* Do they have sales and marketing ability as well as the construction capability?

* Do they have a high local reputation?

If you are planning to purchase an SBS, you should also check for A660 certification.

This quality assurance, an initiative by the Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute (CSSBI), requires that steel buildings are designed according to Canadian codes.

"A660 certification is a requirement that's becoming an industry standard," says Steve Fox, general manager of the Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute (CSSBI).

The certification, known as CSA-A660, is in the process of being implemented as a mandatory requirement for all manufacturers of steel buildings, although it likely will not be fully in effect for at least another year.

"Once it is, all companies will be required to meet the same codes with SBS," says Fox, who adds that similar standards are being set in the United States and other countries as well.

Check that the contractor can supply A660 certification for the SBS you are considering purchasing. This will ensure that the building is structurally safe and meets building codes.