Aside from the financial benefits, one major advantage in erecting a metal building yourself is that you don’t actually have to be a construction professional to get the job done. With the help of an instruction manual, detailed plans and drawings, and a couple of friends or family members, building a prefab metal building is a feasible task for most people with a little experience handling basic tools.
Smaller, more simple builds, like a carport, barn, hobby shop, or garage work best for DIY approaches, however, if the building is bigger or more complex it would be wise to invest in hiring an experienced building contractor to make sure the job is done correctly.
Should I Build My Own Metal Building?
Pre-engineered metal building kits have many advantages. If you can pay close attention to the manufacturer’s instructions, understand basic construction, and can physically perform the work, it isn’t difficult to assemble a metal building yourself. And, if you run into issues you can easily bring in a professional to help out. By doing the construction yourself, you will save quite a bit of money in construction fees and you can work at your own pace.
Common Pitfalls of DIY Metal Building Construction
While erecting a metal building yourself is fairly straightforward, there are common mistakes you should avoid that can jeopardize the longevity and durability that steel fabrications are known for:
Get the proper permits.
Most construction projects, no matter how small, require approval from your city, parish, or county to meet local building ordinances. Check with your local building department for approval before beginning your build to avoid getting halfway through your project and finding out you are in violation of some code.
Follow best safety practices.
If you aren’t a professional, you probably lack the safety training of experienced professional contractors. Read up on basic on-the-job safety measures.
Other things to consider:
- Prepare the job site. Prepare the soil, grade, or pour a foundation if required. Remove all rocks, debris, and roots from the installation site.
- Resist the urge to cut. A pre-engineered metal building has already been measured and cut for your specific build. Every piece in your metal building kit arrives in the right size and shape, so when in doubt call the manufacturer’s customer service with any questions or problems.
- Install the fasteners correctly. Correctly installing the building’s fasteners is crucial to the building’s performance. Always use the recommended tools and procedures, and make sure to drive the fasteners in completely until they sit flush on the washers.
- Follow the instructions. Failing to follow the directions when building from a kit can damage the structural integrity and performance of your metal building. Even more seriously, it can invalidate your warranty.
Should I Hire a Professional Instead of DIY?
Erecting a metal building is generally a simple process most people without construction experience can handle but it does require careful attention to detail. If you begin the project and run into issues, or are in doubt about the process, contact the experienced professionals at ADCO Metals today. We sell metal building kits and offer installation services, too.
