Are Square Footage Prices Misleading? Considering the Cost-Effectiveness for American Homeowners
Here at Armstrong Steel, one of the trends we have noticed as steel building fabricators is the increasing use of metal buildings beyond industrial and commercial applications. More homeowners in the US are using steel metal buildings and transforming them into their dream homes. Not only are these structures cost-effective and easy to turn into comfortable dwellings — they are also durable and long-lasting. These qualities allow more people to realize their dream of homeownership at a more reasonable cost, even in today’s unpredictable housing market.
The
problem with square footage pricing
At
Armstrong Steel, we are committed to simplifying the process of buying a steel
metal building in the US. Our building experts are ready to walk you through
the purchase of your first building, and you can even browse our
guides.
Many customers ask about square footage pricing for steel metal
buildings. A common approach in traditional construction, square footage
pricing has limitations for US steel
metal buildings. Steel buildings cannot
simply be priced by square footage because numerous factors influence their
cost. Unlike traditional construction projects, where materials and finishes
play a significant role in the pricing, steel buildings are priced based on the
weight of the steel used, which is affected by several critical factors. In
this blog, we'll explain why relying solely on this system can be misleading
and lead to unexpected costs.
Steel as a Commodity Priced by Weight
Steel is priced by weight, and the weight
of a steel building is influenced by its design, location, and the required
engineering specifications. Therefore, a simple square footage price estimate
cannot accurately reflect the cost of a steel building.
Impact of Design on Weight
The design of the steel building
significantly impacts its overall weight. Complex designs with unique
architectural features or specialized structural requirements will require more
steel, increasing the cost. Simple, utilitarian designs may use less steel,
resulting in lower costs.
Location and Environmental Considerations
The location of the building affects the
engineering requirements, which in turn influence the weight and cost of the
steel. Buildings in areas prone to seismic activity, high winds, or heavy snow
loads will require additional steel reinforcement to meet safety standards,
increasing the overall weight and cost.
Engineering Requirements
Engineering requirements based on the
buildings intended use, size, and local building codes also affect the weight
and cost. More stringent engineering standards will necessitate the use of more
steel, impacting the final price.
Height and Weight Correlation
While
the height of a steel building does not increase its square footage, it can
significantly impact the overall weight. Taller buildings require more structural
steel to ensure stability and safety, leading to higher costs.
The possibility of low-ball estimates
Some
contractors may give a low square footage quote to win your favor but surprise
you with change orders and cut corners down the road. This can lead to
unexpected costs and subpar results.
Avoiding
surprises
If you like our quote and decide to move forward, our consultants will
collaborate with you to design your dream home. Unlike traditional homes, US steel metal buildings easily
transform into custom residences that don't resemble warehouses. Our clear-span
designs and unrestricted spaces provide the freedom to use any floor plan and
maximize interior height for any room.
Ready to get a quote?
Let our engineering staff and building consultants design and pre-fabricate your US steel metal building. Armstrong Steel offers pre-engineered buildings that are easier and quicker to assemble to minimize labor costs. Plus, we optimize our use of materials to eliminate waste and excessive material usage, leading to more savings.
Price
your building today here at Armstrong Steel, or call 1-800-345-4610. Our
consultants are also ready to address any concerns and questions about our
products.
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