A 40x60 Metal Building is a Solid Choice for any Property

How to plan a metal building project

Constructing a steel building is a big undertaking that requires careful planning and execution to be successful. By being aware of the different steps involved in the process, you can ensure that your project runs smoothly and successfully. Here are some things you need to know to make your project successful:

Determine Requirements

To begin, it is essential to understand the desired form and purpose of the 40x60 metal building. This may vary depending on whether it is being used as a residence, business, or agricultural building. Make sure to account for all items to be housed in the structure and ensure that it will fit in the available 2,400 square feet.

Decide on a Budget

Erecting a new metal building can be costly, but the final costs can be reduced with careful planning. You will need to factor in the cost of the package, additional accessories (doors, windows, etc.), the foundation, permit fees, construction, insulation (if required), and interior finishing. Taking the time to budget for all of these components upfront will help you ensure that any unexpected costs do not blindside you along the way.

Typical installed costs for a 40x60 metal building:

• Basic structure with no interior finishing - $20-$50 per sq ft.
• Homes with a full interior build-out - $100+ per sq ft.

Choose a Height

The height of your 40x60 metal building will largely depend on its intended purpose. With metal buildings, the height is measured from the eave, and doors must be set at least two feet below the eave.

Some typical building heights include:

NOTE: Standard metal buildings are limited to 30 feet in height. Special engineering will be required if you need to go higher than this.

The most popular 40x60 building dimensions are: 40x60x12, 40x60x14 and 40x60x16

Specify the Number of Framed Openings

All door and window openings require an engineered frame. You will need to decide how many framed openings are required and what size each should be. Standard kits usually include one framed opening for a walk door and one for an overhead door. Be aware that each additional framed opening will add to the overall cost because of the additional steel required.

Building Site Surveying

Before erecting a new structure, you’ll need to ensure that the proposed site is suitable and can, in fact, be built on. This includes ensuring that there are no setbacks that would prevent construction, that utilities can be easily accessed and routed to the job site, and that the ground can support the weight of the building. You also need to check for any easements on the property that could restrict where and what you build. Finally, you should create a map of the area, including any access routes. A local structural engineer can assist you with this preliminary stage of the project.

Apply for Permits (if required)

In most cases, a building permit WILL be required. Exceptions include some rural and farm properties; verify this when speaking to your local building department. Once you have chosen a site for your structure, start the permit process by contacting the building department. Be prepared to provide plans, property title, and other details about the build. Having as many details as possible about your project will help make the process go more smoothly.

Our suppliers engineer your building to meet codes for wind, snow, and seismic conditions in your area. Ensuring your building is safe and up to code.

Read our guide to planning a construction project for more details.

Arrange Financing (if required)

You have a few options available to you when it comes to financing a 40x60 metal building kit. You can either pay for the kit outright, finance it through a lending institution, or lease it. If you decide to finance, you'll need to find a suitable lender and provide all your building details before applying for the loan. Leasing is another option that may be available to you, and it can be a great way to get your kit without having to pay for it all upfront. Some suppliers also provide financing options, so be sure to ask the question when you speak to them.

See our article on financing steel buildings for additional information.

How to design a 40x60 metal building

When designing your metal building, you don't need to hire an architect (unless you want to). Our experienced suppliers will advise you on design options to ensure you get the right building in terms of functionality and style. Here are the main design aspects you will need to consider:

Choose a Roof Style and Pitch

Your intended end use will dictate the roof style and pitch of your 40x60 metal building. For example, homes can have gable, single-slope, monitor, or gambrel roofs, while garages and workshops typically have gable or single-slope roofs. Barns will usually have gable, monitor, or gambrel roofs.

* steeper pitches are available but require special engineering

Decide on a Floor Plan (if required)

If you're planning on using your 40x60 metal building as a home, shop house, horse barn, or dog boarding kennel, you'll need to choose a floor plan that best fits your needs and makes the most of the available space. Research various layouts by following these simple steps:

Step-1: Research available floor plans online and shortlist the most suitable ones. You can also check out our selection of floor plans for metal buildings to get an idea of what's possible. There are also many good (free) online floor plan tools.

Step-2: Make a complete list of what will be stored in the structure. Be sure to consider both your current and future requirements.

Step-3: Once you know what will work for your particular setup, plan your layout on graph paper (using a scale of 1 square = 1 foot). Place scaled cutouts of your inventory, livestock, equipment, or rooms on the floor plan to see how everything will fit.

Pick Custom Options

The base metal building kit package usually meets most customers' needs, but various customization options are available to make the building suit your specific needs. Common customizations include:

Color options: With over 20 colors for siding, roofing, and wainscoting, you can mix and match to get the exact look you want.

Door options: Choose from sectional and roll-up overhead doors and sliding or bi-fold doors, and pick sizes, styles, and colors that work for your intended use.

Siding options: All kits include pre-painted, 26-gauge PBR metal roofing and siding panels. If you want an alternative appearance, you can replace the metal siding with vinyl, stucco, Hardie board, or faux brick panels.

Structural options: Add any exterior features, including door canopies, roof overhangs, a structural mezzanine, or a lean-to.

For more, see our design center for further details on all customization and design options.

How to get the right metal building kit at the best price

Now that you have an idea of the style, height, and design you want, you are ready to find a reputable company that can supply the 40x60 metal building kit.

We can help with this stage of the project. Just tell us a little about your project, and we'll match you with FOUR suppliers who will provide you with competing quotes. Start the quote process here.

Once you've found a supplier you're happy with, a deposit (typically 20-30%) will be required before they can begin manufacturing your custom building. After placing your order, you will then receive a set of engineered drawings and foundation plans stamped by an engineer registered in your state. Most suppliers offer a full set of engineering plans, but some charge extra for foundation plans, so be sure to confirm this with the supplier.

The last step is to request estimates from a local erection crew with experience in constructing metal buildings (or a general contractor) for erecting the building. With all the necessary plans and estimates, you're now ready to build your new structure.

At this point, you will also be able to:

• Approach your local building department and begin the permit process, and
• talk to lenders (if financing is required).

Construction prep

Prep the Job Site

Before pouring the foundation for your 40x60 metal building, the job site needs to be prepared. This typically comprises clearing the site of any debris, adding fill (road base or similar) where appropriate, and compacting and grading the site.

Run Utilities to the Job Site

Before pouring the foundation, you will need to bring in a plumber to lay the pipes and an electrician to run a conduit for the power lines. If you are using your well as your water supply, you must check that the current pump and pressure tank can handle the additional demand.

For more, see our building site prep page.

Pour the Concrete Slab Foundation

Metal buildings require a foundation known as a slab-on-grade. The foundation and anchor bolts are not included in the price of the kit. For budgetary purposes, you should allow $4-$8/sq ft for the foundation. In order to obtain a building permit and ensure code requirements are met, you will need a foundation plan from a licensed structural engineer.

We STRONGLY recommended that you have the foundation poured by a professional crew unless you have previous experience in installing foundations. A 4” slab will work for most end uses, but a 6” foundation will be required if heavy machinery is to be stored or operated in the building.

At this stage, you may also want to consider adding in-floor heating. As a reminder, ensure utilities are roughed in before the pour. Read our guide to metal building foundations for more details.

Construction options

Here is a brief overview of prepping for building kit delivery and details on the various construction options. For more, see our article on metal building construction.

Prep for Delivery

Most kits are ready for delivery 4–16 weeks after placing your order. Make sure you have lifting equipment (a backhoe, a forklift, etc.) and a place to store the framing, siding, and framing packages at your job site before you start construction.

Usually, the final balance of payment will also be due upon delivery.

Construction Options

Constructing your own 40x60 metal building is a big undertaking, but it can also be a rewarding experience. There are three ways you can go about it, and the option you choose will depend on your budget, your skill level, and your overall goals for the project.

DIY Build: Doing it yourself can save you 20-30% on the total project cost, but it is important to have some construction experience and to plan ahead carefully. All kits come with numbered parts and full instructions. As the foundation is a critical part of the build, we strongly recommend hiring a professional foundation crew for this build stage.

Self-Build: For a less hands-on approach, you could act as the general contractor (GC) for the project and hire/manage the erection crew, the foundation team, and any other subcontractors. You will also need to pull all the required permits. This option can save you 10-20% on general contractor fees.

General Contractor (GC) Build: Hiring a general contractor to manage your build project will be the most costly option, but it is also the fastest way to get the job done. A good general contractor will bring a wealth of experience to the project and can provide ideas you might not have thought of. They can also speed up the build time by getting permit approvals quicker due to their knowledge of the process and their relationships with the building department and local inspectors. General contractors typically charge 10-20% of the project cost.

Finishing and metal building interiors

The level of interior finishing required for your 40x60 metal building will largely depend on what you will use your building for and local climatic conditions. Metal building interiors can be extremely basic or fully finished with separate rooms. Here is a quick run through the various aspects of finishing a building's interior.

Wiring Plumbing & Finishing

You will need to hire local subcontractors to handle the wiring, plumbing, flooring, and any internal framing needed, as our suppliers ONLY provide the building shell package (framing, roofing, and siding).

Add Insulation

Fiberglass and sprayfoam insulation are the two most popular choices for achieving energy efficiency in metal buildings.

Fiberglass batts or blankets are the most common type of insulation used in metal buildings. It provides excellent thermal resistance, prevents condensation, and is easy to install. Fiberglass is available in various R-values, making it suitable for most locations and the most affordable option.

Spray foam insulation is also a popular choice for metal buildings. It is sprayed inside the building envelope and provides high R-values. Sprayed foam insulation is more expensive than fiberglass but provides a better seal against air and moisture and can provide superior sound deadening. This product is also flame resistant, making it an ideal choice for buildings located in fire-prone areas. it is also more difficult to install and is best left to a professional insulation installer.

For more, see our guide to insulating metal buildings.

Add Interior Framing (if required)

Many prefab metal buildings consist of a single, large, open space, while others may be divided into sections for specific purposes, such as an office, bathroom, or storage area. If you plan to use your new structure for multiple purposes or intend to divide the interior space into separate rooms, you will need to hire a local framing company to complete this project stage. The framing can be either 2x4 lumber or light gauge steel studs. 

Walkthrough and Final Inspection

Building inspections are important to ensure that your project is completed safely and to code. A final inspection is required at the end of the build in order to obtain a certificate of occupancy. This certificate verifies that your building was successfully completed and is now safe.

See our page on metal building interiors for additional details.

All 40x60 metal building kits come with a standard 2:12 roof pitch, but you can also get shallower 1:12 and steeper 4:12 pitches as an option. Some of our suppliers can even provide custom roof pitches of 5:12 and 6:12.

For more details see the 'roof pitch' section on our roofing page.

An installed 40x60 concrete slab (4") will typically cost between $9,600 and $19,200. A 4" slab will usually cost between $4 and $8 per square foot (depending on your location) for materials and labor.

A typical 4" slab will require 29.63 cubic yards of concrete, and a 6" slab will require 44.44 cubic yards of concrete.

This will depend on several factors, including local climate, insulation, and the interior height of the structure. As a rule of thumb, you will need approx. 30 BTUs of heat output per 1 sq. ft. of space. So, a 40x60x14 building will require around 126,000 BTUs and a 40x60x16 building will require around 144,000 BTUs

Insulation costs vary from coast to coast, but an average cost to insulate a 40x60x12 building would be around $11,800 for 3" (R-11) fiberglass insulation for both the walls and roof.