Always Buy the Cheapest Building? Not Necessarily.
There is an old axiom that is as true today as it was in the past. And that saying is this: “You get what you pay for.” Comparing the pricing bids of steel buildings can be a confusing decision. The prices for the same size building from different companies can be very different. The tendency for many developers is to choose the lowest price building. But is this always the wisest choice? Not necessarily.
For example, a price quote for a steel building may not include insulation. However, if you live in a part of the country that requires wall and roof insulation because of weather extremes you will have to pay additional costs to add the insulation. Consequently, the price of the steel building suddenly escalates far beyond the price you originally budgeted. Unless your building is going to be largely unoccupied, insulation, to some degree, is going to have to be added and it will cost you additional money. Therefore, when you receive a low price on a building, find out what you are receiving with the price and then allow for the additional costs to meet your requirements. Consider some other ways that building quality is compromised under the promise of a low price.
Case in point, many people choose so-called “economy” buildings that are offered by some steel building manufacturers and suppliers. These buildings are usually a 29 gauge steel in lieu of the heavier duty 26 gauge structures. The thinness of the metal makes this type of building questionable for even the most moderate of climates. Many thinner metal buildings do no come painted at the price it is sold out. Painting with Siliconized Polyester paint (which is recommend) is an added expense. In addition, accessories and components such as doors, windows, ridge vents, gutters are usually an added expense. If you are purchasing a 40x60 building, for example, and need to add a roll-up door, a walk door, and a window, find out how much the options you want to include cost. You may want to consider buying these components locally as it may save you additional money. Pay attention to the details and you will not be surprised by those additional costs in the future.
Freight costs are yet another item to consider when purchasing a steel building. Some steel building suppliers “hide” the price of freight by quoting your total building price as a “delivered” price. Request that the building manufacturer or supplier isolate the delivery cost so you can determine whether it is a competitive rate. Many companies use a “shared load” process where more than one building are shipped together to different locations. This heightens the probability of parts being mixed and lost. If you have the ability to make arrangements to pick up the building at the factory yourself then investigate this procedure as it may save you on delivery costs. The bottom line is that the price of a building does not necessarily include the cost to transport it to the worksite. It is your job to include the cost of shipment in your budget.
Necessary to your building project is the Anchor Bolt Plans and Engineer Certified Drawings. Make sure that the company you are considering buying a steel building from includes these important papers and not as an expensive add-on. These documents are essential to getting your local building permit and supplying your foundation engineer the correct information in order to lay a proper concrete slab for your structure. Having to go to a third party to obtain this documentation can be expensive. Considering all the preceding steps in the development of your new steel building, before you purchase the “cheapest” one, determine if it will be a cost-savings or expensive venture in the long run.
For more information about why General Steel should be your company of choice for your next building project visit our website at www.gensteel.com.
