Steel building construction has become increasingly popular in recent years due to the many benefits it offers. Indeed, many businesses and homeowners find these cost-effective options for their durability against various elements.
The cost of a steel building
Despite its advantages, the construction cost of steel buildings has also been increasing in recent years. It is mainly because of the demand and price of steel, labor wage, logistics, and tariffs.
In estimating the cost, the standard way is knowing how much per square foot of steel building construction. Generally, it goes around between $10 and $25, while the highest can be over $120. The most expensive part is typically the steel frame, which can account for up to 60% of the total cost. It is because framing requires a lot of steel to construct.
Foundation – Another possibly expensive part of a steel building project is the foundation, which can be pretty costly depending on the terrain. Add the idea of the complexity of a building authority’s requirements regarding the foundation. Typically, it demands more labor and materials when your place regularly experiences typhoons, snow, flood, and other elements.
Foundation, however, will be less expensive depending on materials like concrete, asphalt, or wood. Among these, the concrete slab can be costly but cost-efficient in the long run. Given its strength, it can hold the entire weight of the building with minimal maintenance from time to time.
Roof and walls – Roofing and walls can be relatively affordable, mainly if they are made from recycled materials. Moreover, the roof can be installed quickly and inexpensively using prefabricated panels.
Doors and windows – Windows and doors may take up to a 30% cut from the overall cost of steel building construction. Investing here will pave the way for practical things like superb ventilation and security.
Labor – The big chunk of the fee for labor goes into paying for the mastery of a builder in steel. Steel experts are rare in some places, making their wages higher than in others. Nevertheless, it pays off because the benefits of a steel building only materialize when its constructed with high quality. Additionally, an expert can do better in customization, whether it is more of a requirement or aesthetic customization. It takes skills, experience, and the right tools for a qualified one to assemble the entire structure from scratch.
Complexity – If a building owner prefers specific designs, add-on interior or exterior features, and sizable dimensions, these also affect the overall cost of the construction project. One extra but valuable add-on is insulating the steel building. It makes the structure energy-saving and has a comfortable temperature.
Other than these, the location of the building is another critical point in construction costing. It is since the price of all the factors above differs from the standard costs or fees per state. It is astute also to scout first what the local prices in your area are to get a more accurate estimation.
The ways to make it cost less
If you do away from the conventional method, the cost of steel building construction can be more affordable. It is because of the availability of prefabricated steel building kits, which have made the construction process much simpler and faster. The average cost of a prefabricated steel building is $19 per square foot.
Overall, the cost of steel building construction varies depending on the size and complexity of the project. However, it is typically cheaper than traditional construction methods like masonry or concrete. If you are considering building a steel structure, be sure to budget appropriately and consult with a contractor to get an accurate estimate for your project.
