The benefits of a steel building come from the construction material itself (steel) and how the structure is built. The combination of metal construction and pre-fabricated components provides three main advantages:

• Cost.Because the labor to put up your building is drastically reduced, you can save 30% or more over more traditional construction methods.
• Speed.A finished steel building can be operating in 60 to 90 days, instead of 6 months or more.
• Durability.Without requiring repainting or other maintenance, steel buildings are guaranteed to last 20 to 30 years, depending on the manufacturer.

Here is an outline of how a typical steel building project progresses:

1. Design.Before any work can proceed, you need to specify the size and shape of the building, the type of roof and interior walls you want, the number and placement of doors and windows, and any façade or other cosmetic enhancement.
2. Engineering.Once the basic design is complete and you've paid a deposit, an engineer needs to create the specifications and blueprints for the building. The blueprints will specify what materials should be used and what loads the building will need to be able to withstand to meet local building codes.
3. Fabrication and delivery.After the blueprints are signed off on, the real production begins. The beams, posts, girders, side and roof panels, and even the fasteners to hold the building together are all produced at a factory, then shipped to your construction site. The parts are pre-cut to the exact dimensions you need, pre-drilled, and ready to be bolted together. This step can take 3 to 6 weeks.
4. Sitework.While the components are being manufactured, the building site can be readied. Steel buildings require foundations, which are usually poured concrete.
5. Construction.Once the components arrive and the foundation is ready, the actual construction can take place.
6. Finishing.Adding insulation, interior walls, exterior finishes, doors and windows, steps, plumbing, and all the pieces that turn a metal box into a building you can appreciate.
7. Walkthrough.Like any construction project, your steel building needs to be approved by a building inspector once it is completed.