If you have already decided on a pre-engineered metal building, or PEMB, for your next project, you’re more than halfway through the entire process. But in thinking about the building’s purpose and scope, what should the dimensions be? How large should the overall metal building be? Continue reading to find out some great tips to help you determine the best size, and then contact Reel Steel Construction Inc to help with the day of building and constructing of your new metal building. We help serve all of Florida in getting the right metal building for everyone’s needs.
The Basics
Although pre-engineered metal buildings are something likened to an erector set when you were a child, they also don’t come in prescribed sizes. There are no “standard” models in metal buildings, per se, and every steel building is designed to the client’s exact wishes and local codes. And if your head is in more of a house floor plan, there are no layouts or plans to choose from either. PEMB’s create a self-supporting structure. There are no preconceived floor plans or layouts, you get the complete interior design freedom with these buildings. Instead of calculating the square footage of the interior space like in a home design, for metal buildings you will actually calculate the square footage of the outside dimensions of the steel. Thus, a metal building will have slightly larger square footage than what you are designing towards.
Specific Dimensions
When it comes to the actual area of a metal building, most are going to be above the 30-foot by 30-foot range. There are smaller pre-engineered buildings but are seldom sought after, so that may require a custom quote. The most common or sought after size for a steel building is in the 40-foot by 60-foot range, but they can be bigger. Most metal buildings are not going to exceed one or two stories, though, so a building height of 40 feet is typical standard size, but if you are seeking a taller structure, you may need a custom quote . A steel building system will measure it’s height to the top of the eave, not to the peak of the ceiling. If you’re really keeping to a budget, keep in mind that the lower the pitch of the roof, the more economical of a building package you will get. Single slope roofs work best for most PEMBs projects, especially if you plan to expand your building in the future, or are looking for inexpensive yet sturdy materials.
The beauty of pre-engineered metal buildings is that it’s easy to expand down the road, no matter when you purchased your building. Although you want to nail down a good estimate of your width and length requirements for your current building, it’s also easy to add on or expand once the space becomes too small and limiting. Most metal buildings are going to have the main frame, which consists of the rafters and columns that are your main support for all of the additional framing. If you get the expandable frame, though, this frame is made to support any future expansions, as long as they are the same width and height. If there’s a good chance that you’re going to need to grow your business or structure, make sure to get the expandable frame and there’s no worrying about specific sizes and planning for years in advance.
The Bottom Line
No matter what sizes you choose for your pre-engineered metal building, the possibilities are endless. You can custom select the width and length for your steel building today, and with an expandable frame, you can easily keep adding to it with each passing year. Everything will look sleek and original, without any eye sores of a traditional add-on space. The choice is clear!
Contact Us
Have you determined the best dimensions for your pre-engineered building? Now it’s time to contact Reel Steel Construction Inc.! We serve all of Florida to ensure you get the very best in metal building materials, and the expert service in installation. Call us today!