Metal is an increasingly popular choice for barndominium construction nowadays. In fact, it is our preferred material for all barndo contstruction. But what is the process of erecting a metal building like?
This content will serve as your 101 guide, explaining the various approaches you can take to your metal barndo project, as well as the steps involved in metal building construction.
The metal building process offers the following key benefits:
- Fast: Metal buildings frequently include prefabricated components, making for a rapid assembly process at the building site. You may be able to shave months off of the time to construct your barndominium by going with a metal structure.
- Economical: Metal prefab buildings are cost-effective to construct, which can help you build a beautiful home within your budget.
- Environmentally-friendly: There is less waste and disruption to the environment with metal building construction processes, which is better for the environment. You can also use recycled and recyclable, durable, long-lasting materials for your home.
- Precise: The precision of metal building processes not only reduces waste, but makes for a higher quality result. The pieces fit together snugly with fewer gaps or flaws.
How to Build a Metal Building
Three Approaches to Metal Building Erection
There are three ways you can tackle a metal building project:
- Hire a general contractor to oversee your metal building project. This is the most expensive route, but also the one that is most appropriate for the majority of people looking to build a metal structure.
- Be the contractor for the construction project yourself, and hire sub-contractors to work on your metal building.
- DIY your entire project (probably with some help from family or friends). The is easiest when you are building a Quonset hut or similar structure designed for ease-of-construction.
You can also do some combination of the above. For example, you could hire a general contractor to erect the building, but then DIY the finishing. Or, you could DIY most of the project, but sub-contract specific tasks.
Believe it or not, just four people working together can construct a small metal building in under a week. Along with basic tools, the workers will require load binders, rotary hammers, bull pins and torque wrenches. A bigger impediment to DIYers is the need to obtain and use lifting equipment.
If a building is small enough, you can get away with a tractor. But for a larger building, you may need a front-end loader, forklift or even a crane.
There are pros and cons to each of the possible approaches in terms of time, costs, energy, and what you can achieve with the results.
The Metal Building Construction Process
Because there are multiple approaches you can take to structuring your metal building project, we cannot list the exact steps in the construction process. They may vary from project to project. But we can still give you an overall idea of what needs to take place to bring your metal barndominium from the drawing board to your building site.
1. Design your metal barndominium.
The first step is to come up with your metal building plans for your future home. You should have the site picked out so that you can tailor the plans to that site.
2. Secure permits and financing.
You will need to obtain building permits for your project by submitting the blueprints and appropriate documentation to your local building departments. After you get your permits, you can apply for financing.
3. Prepare your site for your project.
Install any utilities that may be missing (i.e. water, sewer, power, and cable). If the ground is uneven, you will have to level it. You also will need to remove or relocate obstacles, or be prepared to build around them.
4. Put in your foundation for your metal barndo.
The exact steps required will depend on the type of foundation you choose. Make sure you take your time with this step. The foundation needs to be strong for your completed metal barndominium to stand strong.
5. Transport the building materials to the site.
Bring in the equipment and personnel you require to unpack the materials and get your foundation prepped for erecting the kit.
6. Erect the primary framing for the metal structure.
You will need to fasten these pieces to the foundation and bolt them together. All of the cutting, welding and punching should already have taken place at the factory, before the rafters and I-beam columns were sent to you.
7. Erect the secondary framing.
These pieces should be easier to manage, as they are not usually as heavy. They are sometimes referred to as “wall studs” or “girts.” After these are in place, you can add the girders and purlins.
8. Finish Exterior Materials
After you are done erecting both the primary and secondary framing, it is time for you to install framed openings, doors and windows.
9. Finish Interior Walls
Now you can install the sheeting for the walls and roof. After you place the framing, you need to put in the weather stripping as well. You can follow this up with gutters and trim.
10. Mechanical Finishes
Now, you can take care of the finishing for your metal building, and incorporate elements such as plumbing and electrical systems. Once you finish construction, connect the building to utilities, and begin moving in.
As you can see, the overall process of constructing a steel barndominium is pretty straightforward. That said, there are numerous details that you will need to work out over the course of your project. Managing all of that on your own can be quite challenging, especially if you have no prior experience as a general contractor. So, most people will be better off working with a general contractor, rather than trying to DIY it.
Mistakes to Avoid
Now that we have gone over the basic process of how to construct a metal building, let’s discuss some common mistakes to avoid.
- Not thoroughly researching local building codes and zoning requirements before choosing a site and a floor plan for your metal building. Even if you know the state-wide codes, you still need to know the local regulations.
- Applying for financing before getting your permits. The reason this is a mistake is because your permits prove your project is viable and likely to move forward. Without the permits, blueprints, and a timeline, your project may appear too hypothetical, making it harder to get approved.
- Underestimating the time, expenses and labor involved with a metal building project. Yes, erecting a prefab metal building can be very cost-effective and quick. But most projects do face delays, and it is typical for costs to exceed the lower end of your estimates. Make sure to give yourself extra padding in your budget and timetable.
- Not coming prepared with the right personnel, skills, tools and materials for the job. Indeed, if you have limited construction experience, you could easily overestimate your preparedness (i.e. if you have just enough to feel you know what you are doing, but not enough to realize you are underprepared).
- Failing to take appropriate measures to stay safe while working on your project, and ensure that everyone on your crew does as well. This is most likely to be an issue with DIY projects.
- Not reading the instructions. Again, this is a mistake that can arise with a DIY metal building kit. It should go without saying, but the instructions are important. Read them carefully before you begin. Also, actually follow the instructions. Trying to diverge because you think you know a “better” way or a “workaround” to something you do not want to do is a recipe for disaster.
- Choosing the wrong people to work with. It is critical to work with the right metal building company, as well as the right contractors and subcontractors.
This is a good place to note that there is a difference between a general contractor, a subcontractor, and a steel erector. Subcontractors work under general contractors. The general contractor oversees the metal building project, while the subcontractors perform specialized tasks.
What about steel erectors? Those are subcontractors who have specialized experience in erecting steel structures. Do not assume that a general contractor knows everything that a steel erector does. You may want to bring a steel erector onboard even if you have a general contractor.
Tips for Choosing a Metal Building Company
Here are some recommendations for how to choose a metal building company that can provide you with a quality metal building kit:
- Pick a company that has extensive experience with metal buildings, in particular the type of metal structure you want to build. Not all metal building companies specialize in barndominiums. Find one which does.
- Research the prefab process at the metal building company you are considering. Learn about their factory, workers, materials, and quality control, as well as the steps and timeframe before they can ship out the components.
- Choose a company that offers beautiful floor plans that you love, and/or is willing to work with you to design or customize a floor plan to your liking.
- Customer service is very important when you are picking a metal building company. Your home is the embodiment of your future in many ways, and you deserve to work with a company that gives the full weight of that significance to your project.
Tips for Choosing Contractors and Subcontractors
The following tips can help you ensure that you choose the right people to help you with the on-site construction of your metal barndominium home.
- Some metal building companies will connect you with contractors and subcontractors to erect your structure at your site. This may save time in some cases, and give you access to vetted professionals who are familiar with the floor plans and features the company offers.
- As with the company you work with to prepare your prefab components, you need to make sure the contractors and subcontractors you work with have experience with metal buildings. Ideally, they should also have a background in barndo construction.
- Ask for references from any contractors you are considering working with. Follow through and contact the references to ask them how things went. If you have a chance to look at pictures or videos, you should do that too.
- During your consultations, ask for realistic estimates of the timeline for your project, as well as what factors could impact the time to completion.
- Communication is another important consideration when you are choosing contractors, especially a general contractor. Make sure they are responsive and communicate using methods that are convenient for your needs.
- A good personality fit and professionalism are also key when deciding on a contractor to work with. Go with a contractor that respects your vision and approaches you with patience and consideration.
- Look into whether the contractor is bonded and insured. These will protect you in situations where something goes wrong on the job, or the contractor is unable to complete the work.
If you hire a general contractor for your metal building, they will generally take care of finding, hiring and managing most of the subcontractors for the project, which can save you a lot of time and effort.
Ready To Build Your Own Metal Building Barndo
Metal barndominiums are fast to construct, cost-effective, and ideal if you want a beautiful home that will stand the test of time. If you are ready to start your metal barndominium project, complete our simple 1-step form below and we will connect you with our recommended metal building companies in your area.
Our kits are priced between $15 to $35 per sq ft
Most popular sizes: 40×60 (2,400 sqft) – 50×60 (3,000 sqft) – 30×50 (1,500 sqft) – 60×80 (4,800 sqft)
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