Know the Common Errors in Constructing Metal Buildings
Choosing metal to build residential and commercial structures is becoming increasingly popular because of the buildings’ durability, affordability, and ease of construction—especially when using SmartBuild System’s metal building design software.
Instead of cutting corners or diving blindly into your project, learn about mistakes that are made when building metal structures to avoid extra costs and headaches. Bonus tip, if you aren’t an experienced builder, make sure you find one in your area who has experience working with metal building construction.
Metal building construction mistakes to avoid:
- Inadequate foundation
- Failing to follow building codes
- Not pulling a permit
- Not including proper insulation and ventilation
- Failing to budget properly
Foundation Follies
The correct foundation for your metal building construction is essential to the long-term durability and safety of the building. Building shifts due to an improper foundation can be costly and dangerous, potentially leading to structural damage, roofline separations, and costly repairs.
Some foundational mistakes are; pouring the foundation before the plans are finalized, failing to level the foundation professionally, and skipping the foundation altogether. The foundation of your structure is, well, foundational! You won’t have a stable building without a proper foundation.
Failing To Follow Local Building Codes
Local building codes are there for a reason, and although you may not like the reason, you should still follow them. A lot would be added to the budget if you end up paying steep fines or, even worse, having to modify the building because it’s not up to code.
Another costly mistake is taking delivery of the materials before the building permit is approved. It would be an expensive blunder to have materials delivered only to find out your metal building design is too big for the property size.
Pull That Permit
While researching the local building codes, find out if you need a construction permit. For larger projects, like building a metal structure, an application with structural plans will need to be submitted to the local city or county building department.
Building without a required permit can result in a stop work order, hefty fines, and even the demolition of the project if it is not up to code. Continuing construction during a stop work order can result in heftier fines and criminal charges. Therefore, we suggest you pull a permit. It’s for your own good.
Don’t Skimp on Insulation or a Ventilation System
After building a durable, long-lasting metal building, it would be a mistake to use inadequate insulation or skip the ventilation system. Use the proper R-value of insulation to prevent heat transfer inside and out, keeping your metal structure cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. In addition to proper insulation, painting the outside of the metal building a reflective color can cut down on heat transferred to the interior of the building.
Along with adequate insulation, a ventilation system will improve the comfort and longevity of your metal structure. Ventilation prevents moisture buildup, which can cause long-term damage. It also improves indoor air quality by circulating air pollutants, such as VOCs and gasses, out of the building and bringing fresh air in.
Budget
Although metal building construction can be simpler and less expensive than other materials, a budget is still essential for those of us who don’t have an endless supply of money. Following the suggestions above can help build a tighter budget that doesn’t leave out essentials like the foundation, permitting fees, insulation, and a ventilation system.
SmartBuild Systems’ metal building design software will produce a materials list with pricing making it that much easier to create a budget you can rely on.
By avoiding common mistakes when building a metal structure, you can save money and ensure that your building is safe and functional for years to come.
With SmartBuild Systems’ complete design software for metal buildings, you and your contractor can fully design and customize a metal structure to fit your needs.
SmartBuild Systems’ metal building design software will provide you with:
- Ability to place doors and windows wherever you’d like
- A detailed 3D-generated model of your project
- Complete materials list
- Materials pricing list
- Construction documents for both post-frame and metal buildings
And you can select from any number of steel member types:
- Steel I beams
- Galvanized steel tubes—any size
- Cee section members
- Zee section members
- User-selected color scheme for any members
Contact us today to learn more about SmartBuild Systems and find out how we can help you with your project.
