4 Factors To Consider When Creating A Custom Pre-Engineered Metal Building Package
If you need to construct a metal building, one of the easiest ways to do so is by purchasing a metal building package or kit. A metal building package is not some cookie-cutter product that comes from the assembly line; it is a product that can be customized to fit your specific needs. When it comes to customizing a metal building package, there are numerous ways you can customize it, and thus numerous factors you need to take into consideration.
Factor #1: Size
One of the most important factors when building a metal building is the size of the building. You will need to consider what your needs are for the building. Are you putting equipment inside of the building? Do you need office space? Do you have the inventory you want to store? Carefully consider everything you want to put inside the building and how much space each of those things requires.
One of the biggest regrets most people have with a space after it is built is not making it big enough, so really spend some time figuring out how you want to use the space to order a large structure to fit your needs. Also, be sure to verify what size buildings are allowed based on local building codes.
Factor #2: Building Height
In addition to square feet, you will need to consider how tall you need the building carefully. The height for a metal building is typically measured from the floor to the top of the eaves, not to the roof's peak. The height is in reference to the usable space that you can use inside of the building.
You will want to consider what type of equipment and machines you will be storing inside your building and how much height you need. Metal building packages are typically either the height of a one- or two-story building; if you need the building to be taller, you are looking at a custom order or modification.
Factor #3: Windows
Third, it is common to see metal buildings that lack windows. However, you don't have to design your building in that manner. You can add as many windows as you want to the structure. Adding windows will allow you to take advantage of natural light and reduce the artificial light you have to rely on.
You can also install skylights on your metal building. Skylights are a great way to reduce overhead costs while allowing you to have large wall space inside your building as well. When you choose the window configuration in advance, the window cut-outs will come prefabricated for your building.
Factor #4: Doors
With doors, you need to think about what type of access you need to the building and fire code requirements. For example, if you are moving big equipment or inventory in and out of the building, you will want to install some overhead doors.
To meet fire code requirements, you will need to have self-framed walk-through doors with the appropriate signage installed over the top of the doors to make the exits clearly identifiable.
When ordering a metal building package, remember that you can customize the package. Think carefully about the square footage, height, windows, and doors you need, as all these aspects of the package can be adjusted in the manufacturing process before the package is sent to you to be put together.
For more information on metal building packages, contact a company like Blue Steel Manufacturing.