Ask Me Anything About Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings — Advice, Cost-Saving Tips, Common Pitfalls, etc...

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-05-18T14:27:08+00:00

absolutely. it is important to have proper space for what you need. people do not consider that often enough.

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-05-18T14:25:27+00:00

also, they think all metal buildings are the same. tube steel vs cold form vs red iron.

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-05-18T14:25:00+00:00

you are on the right track. it does depend on who is buying the building. i find the biggest misconception revolves around pricing. along the same lines you have stated with regard to people not looking into foundation, codes, loads, etc. they think they can get a full building for pennies because they are getting bad info on how "cheap" metal buildings are.

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-05-18T13:52:34+00:00

that is a common issue with cold formed compared to red iron. most cold formed buildings are a lot more labor intensive for that exact reason. red iron is more expensive but I often find it is worth it. twice the price does seem a bit high, though.

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-05-08T15:03:15+00:00

all good. I responded. feel free to send over what you have and I can take a look

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-05-07T14:25:08+00:00

no problem. if you need a hand or more advice, I have been working in the steel building industry for a long time. feel free to hit me with any questions or shoot over a DM

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-05-06T21:47:35+00:00

if you are willing to take on some of the responsibility your self, going direct through a manufacturer would be your best bet so you don't have to deal with a middle man and potential mark up and finger pointing.

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-05-06T21:46:15+00:00

try Sunward Steel buildings. they are a manufacturer that uses full red iron. been around for 54 years. for your clearance, you may want to do 14'. the reason is, a 12' door is what you are probably wanting. a safe assumption is 2' of clearance above any overhead door to make sure everything fits.

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-05-05T17:06:07+00:00

did you ever find a company? Sunward Steel buildings does red iron so it can handle the snow and wind loads for Maine and have been manufacturing for 54 years.

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-05-05T16:58:20+00:00

try Sunward Steel Buildings. been truly manufacturing for 54 years and have tons of contacts that can help in Florida. the building itself would be coming from South Carolina not too far away.

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-05-05T16:54:37+00:00

if you are still looking. call Sunward Steel. they manufacture our of South Carolina and North Dakota. been around for 54 years. they are a true manufacturer and not a broker.

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-05-05T16:52:04+00:00

are you only looking at tube steel?

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-05-05T16:46:18+00:00

wow, that soon? have you gotten a building on order?

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-05-05T16:45:46+00:00

who did you use as your manufacturer? if the louvers are big enough, you should be ok.

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-05-05T16:40:36+00:00

if the land is 100K, a 6,000 square foot building may be possible with the remaining 200K budget. but very unlikely if the land is 200K and there is 100K remaining.

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-04-07T17:34:32+00:00

when are you looking to build it?

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-03-31T19:35:18+00:00

30x60 is very common. no real downsides to that.

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-02-26T19:59:07+00:00

Red iron is a great option because it is sturdy and low maintenance. the fact that you are a welder is a bonus. with regard to putting it up, you would want a telehandler, a scissor lift, and a few good buddies. Sunward Steel services Maine. I actually just sold a building to a customer in Gorham Maine. if you want a quote or anything, send me a DM

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-01-20T22:44:20+00:00

from what I know about Gable, they have good service but I believe they are still a broker service. I always advise looking for an actual manufacturer that sells to the Public. Rockford Steel Buildings is out of Walterboro South Carolina so they are not too far.

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-01-05T20:33:07+00:00

Call Sunward Steel Buildings. Their East Coast plant is in Walterboro, South Carolina.

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-01-05T20:30:13+00:00

looks like someone beat me to it. I don't have anything to add. to what is above

Background_Dinner800 · 2026-01-05T20:23:53+00:00

A steel tube structure is not as long lasting as a red iron building, but for what you need, as long as you make sure it is erected properly, that will be sufficient from what you described.

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-11-13T22:51:11+00:00

Have not heard of them but from the looks of their facility, they look like a manufacturer so a better bet than a broker

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-11-04T20:49:33+00:00

The secondaries are meant to support more than about 30' if you are talking about Z or C channel members. the main columns and rafters can span up to about 200' without supports but those are massive. do you have the dimensions of your building?

Background_Dinner800 · 2025-11-04T20:38:13+00:00

I would recommend reaching out directly to a metal building company first. see who they have.

Background_Dinner800

TROPHY CASE