The selection of a residential metal building supplier is important: there are unfortunately some less-than-reputable players in the market who will try aggressive sales techniques, insert deceptive language into contracts, and knowingly quote you a price on a building that doesn't meet the building codes for your area. Check out what other BuyerZone users have paid for residential steel buildings.

That said, a typical price for basic rigid-frame steel buildings is between $16 and $20 per square foot. This includes materials, delivery, the foundation, and construction. A more finished building may be closer to $20 to $30 per square foot, and extensively customized buildings with brick facades, unusual shapes, or complicated construction can reach $40 per square foot or more.

Materials alone can cost $5 to $15 per square foot. This varies according to size: small buildings cost more per square foot. A 20' x 20' garage might cost $6,000, or $15/sq ft.

Foundation costs are fairly standard, usually $4 to $8 per square foot for poured concrete. Remember that GCs may include this cost in their proposals, but brokers and manufacturers of metal buildings definitely will not.

Labor costs will vary widely depending on the size of the project but can range from $3 to $10/sq ft. These costs will be charged by the hour, so increased complexity will drive them up considerably.

Insulation will add thousands of dollars to the cost of a larger building - but as mentioned previously, is a very good investment. It will improve the resale value and soundproofing of your building, in addition to saving energy costs - so it isn't an area to skimp on.

Contract tips
You'll be asked to sign a contract that details the design loads and specifications for the building. As with any major business purchase, you should inspect the contract very carefully before signing it. Here are a few things to look for:

• Substitution clauses. Manufacturers may try to give themselves the right to use different materials if those specified are not available. The idea is sound, but is often used to substitute cheaper materials for those you wanted. Make sure any changes are "equal or greater value" or have to be approved by you.
• Specifics. The more specifics in the contract, the better. The contract should not just list a "10 x 10 overhead door" - prices range from $250 to $1200 on such doors. The contract should list brand names and model numbers, insulation values, locks, coatings or paints, and more. This is another way unscrupulous dealers may try to stick you with lower-quality materials, so make sure every component is detailed in the contract.
• Responsibilities. Since brokers, GCs, and manufacturers play different roles in the process, make the contract details exactly who is responsible for each phase of the project: design, engineer's specification, fabrication, delivery, construction, and inspection.