Short Answer: Various things have an impact on the price of your steel building. These can include aesthetic factors, structural factors, and optional accessories. In short, almost any decision you make affects the price of your building.
Almost any decision you make when customizing your steel building can affect the final price of your project. Of course, factors vary by contractor. We’ve grouped these factors into three different sections: aesthetic factors, structural factors, and optional accessories.
Aesthetics
Aesthetic factors mainly affect the overall appearance of your metal building. You may focus on aesthetic factors when you have a residential project or want to match it to existing structures. However, if you’re simply using your building for storage reasons, these factors may not be too concerning for you. Aesthetic factors can include:
- Building colors
- Siding orientation
- Color screws
- Wainscot
Building Colors
Builders offer a wide variety of color choices that you can mix and match any way you like. While most colors are standard and are no additional cost, some may be extra. For example, Midwest Steel offers 20 color choices with only one, Copper Metallic, costing more.
Siding Orientation
Siding orientation makes a big difference in the overall look of your steel building. Clients usually choose vertical siding when they want a more attractive look for their build. Additionally, clients choose vertical siding if they’re matching their building to an existing structure with vertical siding. Horizontal siding is the standard siding option and is at no extra charge. On the contrary, vertical siding is extra due to extra material, girts, needed for structural support.
Color Screws
Color screws are a small detail that can make a big difference in the aesthetics of your building. Color screws match every color of your metal building, whereas standard screws are silver. Although screws are a relatively small detail, having color screws can add the final touch to your new steel building!
Wainscot
A wainscot is also commonly known as a “two-tone”. A wainscot is when the bottom few feet of your siding are a different color from the rest of the siding. A wainscot typically matches the trim of roof color of the building. However, you can choose any color you would like for this feature! A wainscot can be added on both horizontal and vertical siding. However, a vertical wainscot is an extra due to extra labor and material costs. On the contrary, a horizontal wainscot is at no extra cost!
Structural
Structural factors affect how we manufacture your steel building. Structural factors are the general make up of your steel building. You discuss these during your quoting and purchasing process with your Project Manager.
A few structural factors that affect your final price include the following:
- Roof style
- Dimensions
- Location
- Leg height
- Anchor
Roof Styles
There are a few different roof styles available for your metal building. Roof options vary by contractor and can greatly affect your pricing. Midwest Steel offers the a-frame horizontal roof with horizontal panels and the a-frame vertical roof with vertical panels. Both said styles have boxed eves.
Dimensions
The dimensions of your building are one of the biggest factors that affect the final price tag on your steel structure. In the steel building industry, you will find standard sizes starting at 12′ wide x 20′ long. From here, you can go up to sizes as large as 100′ wide and as long as you need. However, keep in mind that any buildings 32′ wide and above are engineered and manufactured with webbed trussing. Therefore, there is a notable jump in the price due to the additional material. Typical standard sizes go up in increments of 2′ for the width and 5′ for the length. For example, a standard building size is 24′ wide x 30′ long. However, you can always customize your dimensions to a more specific size, such as 21′ wide x 37′ long.
Location
Believe it or not, your location also plays a big role in the price of your project. This is because every area has its own snow load requirements, thus requiring more material. For example, the upper peninsula of Michigan has areas with snow loads of 80 pounds per square foot. However, southern Ohio has areas with snow loads of 30 pounds per square foot. Structures that need to meet a higher snow load are manufactured with significantly more material for reinforcement.
Leg Height
The leg height of your structure measures from the base rail to the eves of the roof. We manufacture legs differently depending on the height of the structure. For example, any standard height, 12′ tall or below, is a single leg. However, legs between 13′ and 14′ tall are a double leg. Lastly, legs 15′ tall and higher are a ladder leg. Buildings with a leg height taller than the standard 12′ leg can also have labor and equipment fees.
Anchors
Anchors reinforce your steel building into your foundation. When using anchors on your building, the type will depend on the foundation your building is going on. If your building is on concrete, it will require concrete anchors. However, if the building is on asphalt, it will require asphalt anchors, etc. Anchors are optional; however, we highly recommend them for every steel building. This is because anchors secure your building to the base and wind certify your structure.
Optional Accessories
Optional accessories are essentially factors that can be beneficial for your structure. You can consider these factors when wanting to increase the longevity, effectiveness, or functionality of your structure. Optional accessories include the following:
- Storage options
- Sealant packages
- Insulation
- Overhead doors
- Dripstop
- Upgraded accessories
- 1′ overhang
- Roof pitch
Storage Options
There are several different storage options available for your structure. Depending on your builder, you can add side lean-tos, dividing walls, and storage areas in the back of the unit. All storage options can increase the functionality of your structure! Options vary in price due to how you would like to customize your structure. If you want to add a separate storage area to your structure, talk to your Project Manager for your available options. For further information on side lean-tos, click here!
Sealant Packages
Sealant packages can include such options as silicone sealant packages and foam gap enclosure packages. These packages are not required but highly increase the effectiveness of your steel structure. Silicone sealant packages are essentially products that seal gaps beneath base rails to minimize water seepage into the building. On the other hand, foam gap enclosures minimize the amount of light entering the structure because of the panel’s ridges. These packages also act as a barrier against debris and small critters that can fit in small spaces.
Insulation
These are various ways that you can insulate your steel building. Some insulation options include roll-out insulation and spray foam insulation. Of the two, roll-out insulation is an industry standard. We apply roll-out insulation during installation between the panels and the steel framework. However, spray foam insulation is applied after the building’s installation is complete. Spray foam insulation is highly effective and recommended for larger projects! For more information on insulation, click here. Check in with your contractor for info on which insulation option is best for your particular project.
Overhead Doors
Overhead doors are a great option for your steel structure. Overhead doors are residential panel doors that we install during or after installation. You can consider overhead doors when you plan on using your building regularly or making your structure residential. There are various overhead door options and models that are available for steel buildings through contractors and third parties. Pricing varies greatly between contractors and product features!
DripStop
DripStop is a thin film we apply onto panels to minimize the amount of sweat on the panels. You should consider DripStop if condensation may negatively impact your storage! We recommend checking in with your contractor to see what moisture control options are available to you! For more information on condensation control, click here.
Upgraded Accessories
Upgraded accessories are essentially any accessories that are an upgrade from standard options. This can range from steel service doors, insulated windows, or commercial steel sheeting. Consider these accessories if you’re looking to increase the effectiveness or functionality of your structure!
1' Overhang
The industry standard for overhangs on steel buildings is typically approximately 6″ all around. However, consider upgrading if you’re looking to increase the distance from your siding for water run-off or snow and debris run-off. At Midwest Steel, we offer a standard 6″ overhang all around or a 1′ overhang all around!
Roof Pitch
The standard roof pitch varies by contractor and can range from a 3/12 pitch to a 5/12 pitch. Upgrading can increase the effectiveness of your roof run-off when dealing with rain, snow, and debris. Contact your Project Manager to see what’s best for your new project!
Midwest Steel Carports, Inc.
877-235-5210
For more content, follow us on:
