Construction Information For A Steel Building Project

This chapter is designed to help you decide on the requirements for your steel building, and to tell you what steel building manufacturers need to know from you when you are planning your purchase. By the end of this chapter, you will have all the information you need to place an order from a manufacturer, or fill out our online form requesting quotes from multiple manufacturers. 

A) Structural Requirements

Building Codes – Begin your project by getting in touch with the building code authority for the district or locality where you will be constructing your structure.  They will want to know:

• The location of the building
• The building’s basic size and height
• The building’s function

The code authority will go over the regulations for steel buildings, and what sort of documentation they require from the building engineer (manufacturer) BEFORE an order is placed.  Requirements vary regionally, but typically they will require:

• Stamped engineering drawings
• Letters of structural assurance
• Building schedules

At this point, you also want to ask them about builder licensing requirements, so that you know what to look and ask for when choosing an erector. 

Detailed Requirements - Now it is time to make a careful and detailed list of your building’s requirements.  Our structural requirements checklist can help you decide on and specify basic structural requirements. 

B) Choosing a Building Design

With your structural requirements down on paper, you are ready to choose a Steel Building Design.  Designs are split into two categories: Arch and Straight Wall, each with various subcategories. 

Each design has its own benefits and its optimum range of sizes, so take a good look at each, or view them all together on one page at: Arch and Straight Wall Design Comparisons.

Note: While manufacturers will be happy to assist you in deciding which design will best suit your requirements, it is helpful to familiarize yourself with the various designs available beforehand, so that you can make an informed and efficient decision when the time comes.

C) Selecting Important Components & Accessories

You will also need to decide on insulation, accessories, and finish for your building.  Buildings Guide has a section on each of these topics, hi-lighting your basic options, and providing important information to consider in your decisions. 

• Steel Building Insulation
• Steel Building Accessories
• Steel Building Finishes

Now that you have all the information you need to decide on your requirements and place an order with a manufacturer, you may wish to go straight to our Free Online Quotes Form to specify your requirements so that multiple suppliers can get back to you with project proposals. 

Then while you are waiting for suppliers to get back to you, you can proceed to the next article to check out a basic Steel Building Project Overview, so you will know what to expect.