Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it can be. This depends on the design and complexity of the structure. You can span farther with steel while using less material. Concerning steel, the goal is to keep the design light in weight and low in complexity. The heavier the structure, the higher the price. Weight is the name of the game when it comes to pricing steel. This is why most steel companies will not provide you with the weight of the building on the quote. Buffalo Steel is dedicated to giving you honest & quality service, so that is why we provide you with the weight on the quote. If the design is complex with several roof pitch changes, valleys in the roof lines or short distances that can be spanned with wood, then steel may not be cheaper.
Most county/city building permit offices will require some form of plans to be submitted prior to obtaining a building permit. These requirements and/or types of plans vary depending on state, county and municipality guidelines. All of our customers receive stamped engineered structural plans with each purchase of a building. For quoting purposes, plans are always easier to go by to ensure the most accurate price for the project, however we can provide a quote with a hand drawn sketch and basic necessary information needed (see here).
We currently lead the industry in delivery times for pre-engineered red iron steel buildings. We can produce and deliver the building package in 16-18 weeks. The national average for delivery is currently 36+ weeks. During the 16-18 week period you will have time to get your building permit, grading, site prep and concrete slab poured. Once the building delivers, it can then immediately be erected/installed.
Absolutely. There are three basic types of steel buildings.
1) Light gauge/cold formed structures, such as carports, tube steel buildings, storage units and sheds. 2) Pre-engineered steel structure, which is a combination of hot rolled and fabricated I-beams as well as cold formed secondary members (roof purlins, wall girts and c-channel walls). These structures are known as "red iron steel" buildings. These buildings got their name from the red oxidized paint that is applied at the plant.
3) Structural steel buildings are made from the same materials as the pre-engineered buildings; however, the engineering and fabrication are done during assembly and install. This is the most expensive of the three due to the engineering and labor required to build the project. Most projects can be accomplished with a pre-engineered (PEMB) design and will save you money in the long run.
Buffalo Steel specializes in pre engineered (PEMB) buildings and uses only the highest quality products that exceed the "normal standards" within the industry.
The best possible financing on any building project is a construction loan through a reputable financial/banking institution. These entities and their loan programs offer the lowest interest rate and best terms for any budget. Sales companies that offer financing are usually offering this service through a secondary financing company, which has much higher interest rates and shorter terms, which means you pay more than you should. We choose to help our customers save money and have developed a network of reputable lenders that can assist in most building projects.
First, you must make sure you are comparing "apples to apples". Price is not always an indicator that another company is more affordable or cost effective. When comparing prices and quotes you need to pay attention to the following: structural design, materials used, gauge of secondary and light gauge material, wind/snow loads, collateral loads, accessories provided (ie. trim, framed openings, insulation, gutters, downspouts, doors, metal building windows, panel type and color, etc.) and the overall weight of the building. So, when comparing quotes, make sure they have the same items quoted and that nothing is missing so you can compare "apples to apples". Don't be afraid to ask questions, no information should be hidden or withheld. Remember with steel, you pay by the pound. The goal is to get the most reliable structural design with the least amount of weight. As we stated above, there are several types of steel structures. The light gauge structures cost less than the pre-engineered and structural, but the light gauge isn't as strong or reliable as the pre-engineered or structural. This is why you don't see light gauge structures in commercial applications. Ask yourself, "Why am I building this building and what valuable things am I putting inside of it?".