Build It, Buy It

Questions To Ask Before Buying a Pre-Fab Metal Building

Pre-fab metal buildings are one of the most affordable options for anyone looking to put up a basic shop, warehouse, or garage. They also tend to be quick and affordable to have assembled once the metal components are delivered to your property. However, with so many companies out there offering pre-fab metal buildings these days, you really want to do your due diligence and ask questions before choosing one. Here are some good questions to ask as you shop around for pre-fab metal buildings.

What is the lead time?

The lead time is the time between placing the order, and when the building components are delivered to your property. Some companies may always keep building components assembled and in-stock, meaning they have a short lead time. Other companies only manufacture the building components to-order. In other words, you'll order your building, and then you'll wait while they make it. Neither approach is right or wrong, but you want to know which one the company uses so you can plan accordingly. You wouldn't want to buy a building with the understanding that it will be delivered in a week or two, then find that the lead time was three months.

What type of metal is used?

Most pre-fab buildings are made from stainless steel, and this is a perfectly suitable option for most uses and climates. However, some companies add an extra layer of galvanization to the steel to further guard against rusting, which could be helpful in an area with heavy rain and snowfall. Other companies add some aluminum in various areas to make some building components lighter. As the building manufacturer to tell you about the metals used, and what the advantages of that particular metal combination are.

Does the price include a floor?

You'll need some sort of floor for your metal building. Often, people have a concrete floor poured. The price of this flooring may be included in the cost of the metal building, or it may not. You may need to have the floor poured independently. Make sure you consider whether or not the floor is included when comparing costs between various pre-fab metal building companies. If the price of one building is higher than others, that could be because that quote includes flooring.

Pre-fab metal buildings are versatile, affordable, and pretty easy to have put up on your land. Just don't be afraid to ask questions and dig for more information before investing in one of these buildings. 

To learn more about prefabricated metal buildings, contact a business in Sumter, SC.