Several reasons why steel houses are good options over other types of homes. Steel houses are known for their durability, strength, and resistance to weather conditions. These require minimal maintenance and are easy to clean. However, a steel house can be more expensive than the others too. Are you aware of how much it costs to build a steel house?
There is no concrete answer regarding the cost of building a steel house. It will depend on several factors, but you can get ideas from an estimation of some organizations. Another way to quickly compute is to get the cost per square foot of building a steel house in your area. Nationally, the average is around $19 to $25 but can be $50 to $120 per square foot, depending on the type. Building a steel home can also be lower than $19 or more than $120. Modular steel homes are the most expensive, costing around $60 per square foot. On the other hand, a Quonset hut only costs approximately $12 per square foot.
What affects the price?
Numerous factors affect the cost of steel building. For one thing, each of its essential components may demand optional or necessary expenses. But let’s go first with the primary cost determinants like the following:
- The trend in the price of steel during construction – As a general rule of thumb, it is safe to say that building a steel house in 2022 will likely cost more than it had in 2021. It is because the price of steel continuously rises in recent years. And it is expected to continue to do so in the coming years.
- The size and complexity of the home – The bigger a steel home is, the more materials it will need. Therefore, the price of a sizable steel home will be higher than that of a small one. The size of steel homes also affects their heat and energy efficiency. A big steel home will have better heat and energy efficiency than a small one. Moreover, a giant steel home will cost more to transport than a small one.
- The area or state where the steel home will stand – The cost of living in different states or regions can vary greatly. It means that the cost of labor, materials and other construction-related expenses also differ widely.
The availability of steel homes also varies in different states or areas. It means that the demand for steel homes in certain areas may be higher than in others, which can drive up the cost. Lastly, the regulations and building codes are not the same in most states. So the cost of compliance with these codes can also add to the overall price of the steel home.
Ways to increase or decrease the cost of building a steel house
A good rule of thumb is to go for a standard and simple type to lessen the expense. Pre-engineered kits, for example, can offer cost-effective steel homes.
You may also look at the components and see where you can reduce and allot more budget. Some essential parts to check are the foundation, framing, labor, systems like electrical, and planning and permits.
For more specific information on the cost of constructing a steel house, it is advisable to speak with a reliable contractor or other expert in the field.
