Having a full understanding about what you need to know about steel buildings before you buy might not be the easiest task. After all, on the surface, it would seem that they are structures made from a rigid material with a basic purpose — to house people or things. But when you sit down with a steel building salesperson, you need to have a bit more detail at your disposal so that s/he can help you find the right building for the job.

Though somewhat intimidating, it really comes down to asking the right questions. For example, what is the main application of the building? Consider for a moment that for many, steel buildings amount to nothing more than storage sheds. As it turns out, there is a wide variety of applications for steel structures including: living spaces/residential construction, agriculture, commercial construction, garages, storage spaces, and workshops.

Of course, it is always important to consider the importance of the age-old question —how much will this cost? Price can vary based on the materials used. Steel prices in the U.S. have ebbs and flows. It is also important to remember that supply chains have been an issue for a while. When choosing a manufacturer with whom to work, ask whether they have more than one facility they operate. The more facilities they have, the greater chance they can get materials to a build site when you need them rather than having to have an extended lead time.

Also, if consideration is being given to a ‘custom’ steel building, it means extras will need to be accounted for that will incur an added expense. It will be a crucial part of the process to sit down and hammer out wants versus needs so that your available budget isn’t negatively impacted.

Your salesperson might also want you to have thought about the future. Will there be a need to adapt the space for other things over time? Is it best to go ‘off the shelf' or go the custom route? Standard structures are very durable, well-appointed, and get the job done. That said, it may be surprising to know that steel buildings are quite customizable. They can be manufactured to meet any specifications. What’s more, they are the perfect vehicle for expansion in the future. Depending on what you plan to use the building for, the space may need adaptability over time. Instead of having to invest in a completely new structure, investing in a well-constructed steel building now that can handle prospective shifts down the line is a highly cost-effective strategy.

One final area your salesperson might want you to get things sorted out ahead of time when it comes to steel buildings will be when it comes to erection services. Technically, steel buildings can be picked up and installed by the client. Although Mueller does not offer erection services, upon request, they can provide a list of independent, third-party contractors in your area that have experience with their products. Once the prefabricated steel building arrives at the site, there's only one thing to do — start putting it together.

Mueller, Inc. has offered steel products for over 90 years. See what has made us the go-to name in the industry for generations.