How to select a pre-engineered building system.

Pre-engineered buildings provide a cost-saving alternative to constructing a building from the ground up, and are being used for commercial, agricultural, and industrial purposes. The structures are adaptable for store-front operations, storage space for mechanical and agricultural needs, and as vehicle garages.

A traditional style building, around 30 feet wide with high walls, would be ideal for a personal workshop or multi-use garage, while a smaller structure, from 10 feet to 20 feet wide, could be used for a multitude of small storage needs.

A beer retailer in the United States has creatively designed their drive-through beer structures to look like beer kegs.

Pre-engineered buildings can take a number of shapes and sizes depending on your needs. Models can range from a straight-walled and a domed-roof building, to a pitch-styled roof with straight sides, or a truss-less steel building.

Usage will determine type of building

The usage of the building will dictate what type of building you will need. There are two essential types of steel buildings: arch and steel frame.

To decide which model will best fit your needs, you have to think about your requirements for space, height and cost.

If you want high walls, a steel frame building makes more sense, especially if you plan to have activities occurring close to the walls of the structure. An archtype building is better adapted to personal use, and floor space will not be at a premium.

Steel arch buildings are less expensive than steel frames. The selling point of an arched building is that you can build it yourself. The parts are pre-made and the owners can put the building together themselves. A steel frame building would require a contractor or help erecting the structure.

Do homework before getting a quote

When asking for a building system quote, you should have some information ready to make the process easier. Do your best to have answers available to the following questions:

1. Is there a building model you would prefer?

2. How long, high and wide would you like the building to be?

3. How will the building be used?

4. Where will the building be located?

5. How to you want to finish the ends of the building?

Because they are pre-engineered, the models can also be adapted to meet specific needs. The front and back ends of the building can be easily customized with windows, sliding or overhead doors.

A popular model can be used as a garage when sliding doors are installed and as a small convenience store when windows and a traditional door are added to the front. Steel shells are used by a number of architects as a starting point for a building, adapting the structures for specific needs.

There is a lot of room to play with pre-engineered buildings. If you are concerned about expanding your business in a few years, a steel shell may be the way to go because the building can easily be adapted to changing needs.

Metal building systems can be modified quickly and economically before, during and after the building is completed for all types of expansion. Expanding the building can be as simple as removing the end or side-walls, erecting new framework and adding matching walls and roof panels.

Check to see if your steel building choice is built to the toughest standards, and can endure the weather in your region. Buildings should meet rigorous quality tests that measure strength against snow, wind, rain and other conditions.

Inquire about local bylaws 

Steel buildings should also be manufactured of structural quality steel, and be coated to protect against corrosion to ensure longer life.

Some pre-engineered structure firms also have in-house engineers who are available to provide additional application and technical assistance to you, as well as offer a wide range of accessories like doors, insulation kits and heating packages designed for your structure.

You should also look into local bylaws in your municipality to see if there are restrictions in place on the type or size of buildings which can be constructed in your community.