Significant increases in real estate costs are pushing people to be creative in adding more living space to their property footprint.
Construction projects come in a wide variety of scopes and sizes. While Summit Steel Buildings typically takes on large industrial and commercial construction projects, we always built to suit the client’s needs. That includes additional outdoor facilities for residential properties.
Not everyone wants to relocate or buy new when they're looking to add more functional space and value to their property. This is where building with pre-engineered steel structures can be an affordable way to get what you need without having to pack up and move.
The reasons to want an additional structure on your property are endless, as are the uses. Some are looking for purpose-driven outdoor storage, such as storing garden furniture, pool supplies or barbecues in the offseason. Having that space adds the convenience of safe and secure storage.
For the more imaginative and creative, extra property space makes for a dream workshop, creative art or music studio, or as dedicated office space for those who continue to work remotely.
We’ve received a recently received a large number of requests from our Summit Steel Buildings site to build storage sheds and adjacent structures. Clients are pleasantly surprised at how affordable a durable metal building can be compared to the wooden kits or pre-builds people see at their local home renovation supply centre. Steel construction of any size is going to be less expensive than going with brick-and-mortar construction. And using recyclable steel is better for environment and uses less materials meaning it’s better for the planet.
Regardless of how large of a space you need, all our buildings are equally well-built with a solid metal pre-engineered structure built on a concrete foundation that’s designed to withstand the world’s most extreme climatic conditions, gale-force winds and be resistant to earthquakes. A durable space to house your outdoor living accessories in the offseason or to create a workspace studio becomes a comfortable, welcoming retreat to keep your workplace productivity high even when those winds of winter start blowing.
Storage sheds and “out buildings” are each uniquely different. Let’s begin by looking at what purpose the new shed or structure will serve (or building, depending on size and the definition your city’s regulations use). An investment into a steel facility is ideal for storing and protecting high value items, such as antique cars, watercraft or farming equipment. Some are designed to be simple while others have a more elaborate architectural design.
It won’t surprise you that people want the sophisticated aesthetic that pre-engineering allows to build art studios, working garages for auto restoration, man caves, she sheds (or pub sheds for anyone who enjoys a wee dram on the weekend) or as additional living spaces for children or to be used to earn extra income as Airbnb or VRBO accommodation. [Always check with your local planning department to ensure your building purpose is compliant with local bylaws.] Even though the contents differ, adjacent structures are equally as valuable and important to making the entire surrounding property as comfortable and protective as possible.
Pre-engineered steel’s flexible framing means you have unlimited uses for whatever purpose your business will serve. Your structure can be as customized as you like or need and built with all the insulation, plumbing and electrical systems required, in a stylish and sophisticated manner with plenty of glass to allow natural light. In addition to being a place for storage, you can use your new structure for indoor or vertical gardening, as a garage, a playhouse for the children, a separate event space, perfect tool or machine shop, headquarters for a new business or for extra accommodation. The real value is how you’ll have a new place to keep your important possessions safe and secure while also having a place to be as creative as your imagination will allow.
Reliable engineering is always a priority
Properties are bound by size and their environment. Every lot is going to be different, and you want a new structure that is going to complement the existing building’s style and fit in with your property. Pre-engineering and the use of steel panels offer a wide range of finishes and its flexible architecture lends its design to a wide variety of architecture. The building solution is also adaptable and scalable, meaning your new building can start at 12’x15’ and be as large as you like. Usual structure sizes are 18’x24’, 20’x30’ or 40’x60’, although no building is ever ‘standard’. We can build to suit. And if you outgrow your current needs, the adaptable open-ended engineering means additional length can be added at a very reasonable price, quickly and easily. You’re never going to get locked into your current footprint, even though the building is designed to last a lifetime!
Regardless of size, all Summit Steel Buildings facilities undergo the same precise engineering process, including building a solid concrete foundation, installing the solid girder frame, adding exterior panels (with or without installation) and adding a reliable roofing system – all from the best cold-formed steel designed to withstand everything nature can throw at it. As a manufacturer and installer, all of Summit Steel Buildings solution come with a lifetime warranty.
If you’re looking to stay in your current home but want to expand your storage and functional space, steel buildings are the answer
Whether your dream construction project is a large warehouse or manufacturing facility to expand your production and reach new markets around the world, or a backyard escape where you can pursue hobbies, you don’t want to compromise on the look and strength of the place that’ll protect your investment. Why would anyone want to store their prized ‘67 Plymouth Roadrunner or ‘66 Ford Shelby Mustang in a wood-framed shed that collects dust, pests, vermin and won’t hold up to the harsh elements like steel? Once you’ve decided on the purpose of your additional structure, contact us and we’ll provide you with a free quote and develop the ideal engineering plan to make your vision come to life.
About the author
Frank Melo has a construction civil engineering technology and business background with over 25 years of experience as a business owner and contractor. He was born and educated in London, Ontario and now divides his time between projects primarily in Ontario and British Columbia. He can be contacted at Summit Steel Buildings at (778) 951-4766 or by email at frank.melo@summitsteelbuildings.com or through LinkedIn.