Factors to consider when budgeting for a metal building construction project.

Metal Building Contractor - A Premier Steel Building Construction Company

One of the first questions any business owner asks when considering a metal building is: “How much does it cost to build a steel building?” It’s a fair question, but it doesn’t have a “one size fits all” answer. Generally speaking, a steel building will be the most economical type of building to create volume and maximize cubic footage. However, like any construction project, the price of a metal building depends on multiple factors. There are more obvious factors like total size and stylistic design choices, as well as more intricate considerations, including location/climate, site conditions, and labor. Use this article as a resource and guide to roughly estimate the total cost for constructing your new metal building. For a detailed estimate, please reach out to Mammoth Construction, and we’ll be happy to support you on your upcoming project.

Key factors that influence the cost of a steel building.

  • The Size of the Steel Building

As you would expect, the larger the building, the higher the overall cost. However, the cost per square foot generally decreases as the total square footage of steel buildings increases.

  • Site Location and Climate

Local building codes, wind or snow load requirements, and transportation of materials can all impact the total cost for any metal building project. Weather can also impact building schedules due to frozen ground or high volume of rain or snow.

  • Metal Building Customization and Features

While pre-engineered metal buildings allow for complete customization, as more architectural features are added, like specialty facades, skylights, or custom layouts, the cost of the steel building increases. As a Nucor Metal Building Authorized Builder, Mammoth Construction is able to design a wealth of custom options into your steel building.

  • Site Selection and Foundation Work

Every site is different. Therefore, every selected site adds a unique layer of complexity to your metal building project. Factors like the amount of necessary grading, demolition/site clearing, substrate/soil type, surrounding ecosystem sensitivities, and access to utilities will impact your project’s total cost. This is another reason we recommend having an expert review your site and provide a detailed site assessment before investing in your property or creating a final budget.

Services like grading, excavation, and concrete often represent a significant portion of a metal building budget. However, since many metal building manufacturers/suppliers only price and supply the steel building itself, these additional factors are usually not included in the budgetary numbers provided by manufacturers. Therefore, another benefit of engaging with a construction management firm like Mammoth Construction is that they oversee the entire construction project, ensuring to factor everything your project needs into your individual estimate.

  • Total Labor Costs

While steel buildings are faster to erect than traditional wood/masonry buildings, labor costs can vary by region and project complexity. Understanding the price of local labor and the amount of services required to complete your metal building project is important to fully understand the project’s final cost.

Another important labor cost to consider is the value of your own time. How much of your time will you spend sourcing, vetting, and managing contractors for utilities, foundation, paving, landscaping, site work, and more? Once the project begins, how much time is spent communicating between contractors to ensure all parties are up to date on any changes and schedules? Trusting an experienced construction manager alleviates these responsibilities and time commitments from your schedule, giving you time to focus on your expertise or what you would rather be doing.

For a “quick” estimate, start with a price per square foot.

Metal Building Warehouse Distribution Construction Design Example

A typical range for a pre-engineered metal building can be anywhere from $25-$40 per square foot for the metal building shell alone. This includes the steel framing and panels, but not site preparation, foundation, or interior finishes.

A complete metal building (including site prep, foundation, interior finishes, etc.) generally ranges from $100-$300 per square foot.

Hidden or Overlooked Costs

Beyond the structure itself, consider utilities, permitting, landscaping, and parking lot/paving into your design and budget. Many first-time builders underestimate these additional expenses, and just like the building itself, these additional costs will vary depending on multiple factors. Utilities will vary based on building usage and power requirements for the business’s specific equipment. The amount of parking and road access plays a heavy role in any project’s budget.

Ways to Save on a Metal Building Project

  1. Work with a metal building provider with pre-engineering, design capabilities to minimize fabrication time and upcharges for customization.
  2. Carefully select the site by having experts perform detailed site assessments to identify hidden costs.
  3. Keep the layout simple to avoid unnecessary customizations. Minimalistic material and design choices can help mitigate project expenses.
  4. Work with an experienced contractor who knows how to value engineer costs and schedules to expedite your project and get you operating faster.

At Mammoth Construction, we specialize in supporting clients through the entire commercial construction process.

We tailor our construction services to fit each client’s unique needs by operating as a general contractor, construction manager, or owner’s rep. From transparent budgeting to design-build services, we’re here to ensure you get the most out of your investment.

Want a custom estimate for your project?

Reach out to Mammoth Construction today for an accurate quote and to learn how much a steel building costs.

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