When utilizing a pre-engineered steel building in your construction project, the first thing to consider is the company that will be providing your building. You will quickly realize not all companies are the same. Although it is easy to identify the obvious amateurs in the industry, it is not as easy to see through the disguise of a well designed web site. When I was a young boy my mother told me something that is true to this day, “there are two things you never buy over the internet; sushi and steel buildings”(well, not really but she’s a smart gal and she wouldn’t do it). So how do you choose? All of the quotes you have received are thousands if not tens of thousands apart. The low quote tells you “this is everything you need” or maybe “you’re getting a great deal because it was on clearance”. Clearance, come on, really? I have to admit there are some very enticing offers being thrown around, but you can’t make the mistake of being pressured into making a quick decision based upon price alone. First of all, almost all of the buildings sold in the U.S. come from the same handful of manufacturers. Most of the well known companies that you have come to know either have been absorbed by conglomerates or gone bankrupt, your choices, unlike the claims of “we are the best are limited”. Knowing that, why should you choose one company over another and without basing your decision solely on price alone. Let’s start with the relationship; yes I said it, relationship. Exactly how involved will the potential supplier be in your project, or maybe the better question may be what are their capabilities? Will the prospective supplier take ownership of your project? My advice is to choose a company that is willing to let you be in control of the project to the level that you are comfortable. Tens of thousands of dollars can be saved when you work with a company that understands not only steel buildings, but also building projects and how they come together. Whether your project is a complex commercial project or a fairly simple workshop, the building structure will be a relatively small cost in comparison to the overall project. Choosing a project minded building supplier that can offer low cost, professional services and getting them involved early in the project can in most cases save valuable time and money on a project of any size, and in many cases reduce or eliminate the need for additional and costly architectural services. Planning your project is vital to the overall success and cost of the project, which allows me again to make the point that cheaper is not better. Spending a few thousand dollars more on a properly designed building and professional services will result in overall savings that can far exceed the higher initial investment. Although most buildings come from the same few sources, you cannot assume that the two or three companies providing competing bids will offer the same services. Here are a few questions to ask yourself and the potential suppliers:
· What professional services are available and what is the fee structure
· Can you help with the overall design of the project
· Can they offer assistance in identifying potential contractors and/or offer those services directly
· Who backs up any claims or warranties provided (especially a 50-year structural warranty)
· Are they willing to provide itemized quotes
· Have they completed similar projects
· Will they be there to service you through-out the entire project.
Most importantly, speak to several people within the organization. Most of the companies you will speak to make claims such as project coordination, design services, or other departments to assist with the project. Speaking to the entire team that will be working on your project is an important step when choosing a company. Through this step you can identify personality conflicts, lack of attention to detail, and other indicators of how they will handle the project if they are selected. Identifying potential problems early in the process can help you avoid costly mistakes and delays in schedule. Lastly make certain that any potential suppliers can back up their claims with references, case studies, and written itemized proposals that clearly detail any products or services that are to be included, complete with project and pricing schedules.