More and more purchasers today are opting for prefab metal building kits. And why not? With all of the advantages that metal building kits offer, it would almost seem to be a mistake to choose any other construction method.
But how can one decide which type of kit is best suited to your needs? Is a pre-engineered metal building kit the right option? Would a panelized metal stud building kit be a better choice? What about a metal arch building kit? Or a fabric covered metal frame kit?
It is up to you the purchaser to complete your ‘due diligence’ to ensure that you understand the differences, the benefits and the drawbacks to each building type in order to make the best choice for your building needs. For that, you need to do some research to see what each of the products is like.
Pre-engineered steel buildings can have large open areas, but can be more difficult to finish the interior. Panelized metal stud building kits when erected resemble a steel version of a conventional wood stud building which can have as many as six or seven storeys in height (great for office buildings and condos). Metal arch buildings have a user friendly erection process but it’s more difficult and costly to have window and door opening on the building sides
All metal building kits have the advantage to the purchaser of being prefabricated in whole or in part in a factory environment. This of course means that a higher level of quality control can be achieved. That item alone should put purchasers at ease. It also means that the purchaser must have all accessories and special loadings accounted for ‘up-front’. Once these prefab building kits leave the plant, it may be difficult to make changes that affect the structure.
If you are having your building kit erected by a contractor, it is important that you feel comfortable in dealing with that contractor. You may find that you feel uneasy in dealing with the contractor with a very good reputation. This combination will only spell more stress for you during the erection process and may have you second guessing what has been done.
If I have one parting thought for you it’s this: Do your homework. Understand what is available to you in each metal building kit. Understand what requirements you have for your new metal building. Evaluate carefully the benefits and shortcomings of your options. Only then can you make a stress free, informed decision.