Industry secrets to get the best price for your metal building

Part two in our series reveals how you can get the best pricing value from your next construction project’s budget.

The two most often cited factors why clients choose their builder are related to quality and price – the most critical factors in project management. As such, pre-engineered metal buildings are ideal for meeting these requirements: they reduce build time by as much as two-thirds because using metal requires fewer overall materials and lower construction times.

A faster build results in lower costs

In part one of this series, we touched on industry secrets to getting the best quality out of your project. Now, we’ll explore how to reduce your costs without sacrificing solid and reliable construction that will last for generations.
Read about the industry secrets to getting the best quality build for  your ideal metal facility.

Most people are aware of the durability of steel and how quickly and cost-effective it is to erect steel buildings, but there are some lesser-known facts you should become familiar with before you begin your project. Here are several ways to help you get better pricing.

1. Hire one turnkey project construction team

One focused team means fewer intermediaries and less markup. You shouldn’t have to pay for middleman costs when those savings could be yours. A turnkey project team will include all the architects, designers, engineers, project managers, electricians, plumbers and other skilled tradesmen for one price. A turnkey construction team is more cost-effective than hiring all the different specialized contractors separately. Although each role requires a specific skillset, they are all led by one point of contact to act as your eyes and ears on the jobsite and to keep you informed of progress and budget. Clients are free to focus on their core business while the turnkey project team focuses on meeting deadlines and ensuring quality craftsmanship.

One dedicated team will also bring valuable industry connections with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure the job is done affordably and to the highest standard. Their network within the industry means they’ll be continually looking out to find ways to save clients money. 

2. Save by not hiring an outside architect 

A turnkey team means you do not have to hire your own architect. Clients receive a custom-designed and contemporary building with the additional benefit that the same team understands the precise capabilities of the steel structural system. Some architects do not have the familiarity with pre-engineering or have access to the specific criteria provided by manufacturers. In some cases, outside architects prefer to use their own traditional construction supply partners with whom they receive a sizable commission. One team ensures project objects are aligned to serve the client’s best interests.

3. Buy when steel prices are low 

Steel is a commodity – like oil, grain, gold, beef and natural gas. And like all commodities, the price is subject to market forces and fluctuates unpredictably. With experience in metal building construction, your project team has expertise in understanding the steel market and can order materials to ensure they have an inventory of components at the best prices. When prices are expected to go up, your manufacturer can lock in the price of your project ahead of construction time, saving you thousands on the cost of raw materials.

Even with market fluctuation, building with steel is less expensive than traditional materials, such as wood and brick. Steel prices in the spring of 2022 increased 13%, although some customers were able to save by booking their 2023 build ahead of the price increases. The pandemic created huge swings in the steel commodity market, which some customers were able to use to their advantage. Learn more about understanding steel prices.
 

4. Order your building during wintertime 

Due to weather conditions and temperature, preparing a site for concrete foundation and subsequent construction should only happen in the springtime. Not only do you get a better-quality job by waiting for better conditions, you can help schedule your job ahead of others so it can get started sooner. Most pre-engineering takes place in a factory offsite well ahead of installation at the jobsite. Components are manufactured and then cut, hole-punched and assembled in the warm inside conditions that can take place in winter.

By ordering your building in the winter when the rest of the construction industry has slowed down, you receive better pricing and can have your construction placed earlier in the queue. Once spring arrives, your components are ready. Your construction team can be first out to pour the foundation, lay the beams and start erecting your building. Not only is it built sooner, you’ll get a better rate.

5. Prepare your construction site in advance 

Even before the plans are drawn, clients can help make the construction process to go smoother and faster by assisting in clearing the construction site and ensuring paperwork is done. Quicker construction results in lower costs. In advance of construction, many steps need to be completed. The client team needs to ensure permits are in place, the site is accurately surveyed and that any debris, old equipment and other impediments (such as old buildings or materials) are removed from the final site. In some cases, environmental assessment needs to take place.

Be sure that all financing and lease details are finalized as far in advance as possible. If all these measures are completed well ahead of construction schedule, you’ll help the construction team ensure the final job goes as smooth as possible and avoid potential delays.

Steel buildings offer endless value by extending the life of your investment 

Pre-engineered steel construction provides the flexibility, durability and affordability that clients need. Regardless of the end use, whether the building serves agriculture, forestry, mining or industrial purposes like warehousing, clients can use some of these tricks of the trade to ensure they get the best out of their building budget. Pre-engineering building systems by Summit Steel Buildings are the most versatile and expandable solution that accommodates any budget. Give our leadership team a call and we’ll get to work immediately to provide you with a free quote.