Tag: Prefab

A DIY Guide to Install Insulation for Steel Buildings

Posted on by Norsteel Buildings

Steel has fast become the preferred building material of choice because of its many advantages like cost-effectiveness and versatility. Because of that, many steel buildings are being fitted with all the finishes found in traditional structures. 

One such essential is insulation.

If you’re wondering what the best insulation for steel buildings is, we’ve got you. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about insulation for steel buildings.

The Importance of Insulation for Steel Buildings

Many have debated the importance of insulating steel buildings. However, in most cases, insulating your steel building has several benefits you just can’t ignore. These are benefits like:

  • Reduces condensation
  • Reduces energy costs
  • Improves temperature regulation
  • Better acoustics

As you can see, insulation is no longer an option if you want to get the best out of your steel building. It’s a necessity.

Insulation Options for Steel Buildings

When it comes to insulating your steel building, you have a couple of options. These vary in the material used as well as the method used to insulate. 

Blanket Insulation

Blanket insulation, also called batting or fiberglass sheets, is another steel building insulation option you should consider. The “blanket” consists of mineral fibers of rock wool or processed fiberglass. This is processed into a roll that is used to line the face of the building. However, make sure to install it carefully for full effectiveness and durability. To do this, you must use a strong adhesive to secure the sheets to your building.

One of the major advantages of this type of steel building insulation is that it’s inexpensive. It’s also widely available at virtually any big box store, making it popular for DIYers and a feature on most job sites.

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation for steel buildings is the best option if your building has obstacles or has hard-to-reach gaps and holes. This is because you can easily spray it onto the surfaces you want to apply it on. The caveat is that it’s also one of the hardest types of insulation to remove. It’s also one of the most expensive.

Foam insulation is one of the best insulation for steel buildings in cold, dusty, or damp environments as it does an excellent job of protecting the inside of the building from external elements. 

Loose Filling Insulation

Loose filling insulation is a great solution for odd spaces that are too tight to fill with regular rolls or panels. However, it will sag over time and can absorb moisture which may lead to mold growth. The trick is to know where the best place for this type of insulation is.

Rigid Board Insulation

Rigid board insulation is one of the more expensive but effective insulation options for steel buildings. It’s particularly suited for buildings with flat roofs. Panels are easy to erect and they are designed to block heat or cold effectively. The only caveat to rigid board insulation is that it requires professionals to install it.

Tips to Ensure a Successful DIY Insulation

If you’re planning on insulating your steel building on your own, there are a few things you must take note of.

Determine the R-value and Understand Insulation Ratings

All the insulation options for steel buildings mentioned above have different ratings that make them suitable for different climatic conditions. One of the most important is the R-value. The term “R-value” may sound intimidating, but it just describes thermal resistance. This is the ability of the insulation to maintain constant temperatures despite external climatic factors. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation material works.

Choose the Right Insulation and Follow Instructions Closely

The right insulation for your steel building is determined by the size and design of your building as well as the climatic conditions of your area. For example

  • If your building has hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, foam is the best option as you can effectively fill these without having to physically reach them. 
  • If you’re in a place that’s humid or experiences a lot of moisture, fiberglass options like blanket insulation aren’t the best. They’re easily destroyed by moisture.

To get the best out of your insulation, you must closely follow the instructions for your insulation type of choice.

Insulation for Steel Buildings — An Essential You Can’t Ignore

Weighing the initial cost of construction against long-term energy efficiency is crucial when deciding which insulation type will best suit your steel building or metal home. The decision may not be as simple as it seems at first glance. But understanding how an efficient form of insulation can save you in utility costs over time could make all the difference.

Whether you’ve already built your steel building or are still in the planning stages, consider working with Norsteel for your steel building. We’ll help you get the best out of your building.

6 Fun Uses of DIY Steel Building Kits

Posted on by Norsteel Buildings

Steel building kits are a great way to save money and have some fun in the process. DIY metal buildings can be used for many purposes, from small steel sheds to large prefab metal buildings that can be customized to fit your needs. Whether you want it for storage or as a workshop, there is an option out there for you!

Read on to learn about five DIY metal building kit projects that you and the whole family can enjoy.

1. Build an Entertainment Room For Your Family

Interior of a steel prefab recreational building

You can easily build an entertainment room for your family with our steel frame garage building kit. This is a DIY project that can be completed in less than two days.

The kit includes the following: steel frame/ribs, roof panels, and joists, metal plates for walls, bolts/nuts, and screws. We even offer optional insulation add-ons for all of our kits, so you can create the interior of your dreams!

Once the garage is complete, add a pool table, a flat-screen TV, or even a mini-golf course that the whole family can enjoy.

2. Build a Home For Your Dogs or Pets

If you’re looking for a DIY project that will keep your pup or cat entertained, our metal building kits are the perfect solution.

Let your pets roam around in their own living space with access to a backyard – indoor and outdoor living space for pets! Plus, try adding enrichment items such as kennels, ramps, and even cat trees.

Your pets will love their brand new DIY steel building and you’ll love how easy our buildings are to assemble.

3. Build Your Own Shower House

If you’re looking for a way to spend less time standing in line at your local gym or YMCA, this is the perfect DIY project! You can create a makeshift shower house by attaching one of our metal building kits to another steel structure such as a patio or deck.

This is a great way to save money on gym memberships, as well as make your outdoor space more functional!

The DIY metal building kits are easy enough for beginners and can be completed within just one weekend.

4. Build a Playhouse For Your Kids

Don’t just build any playhouse – build one with an industrial edge to it! Our DIY steel frame garage kit can be used to create a playhouse and is perfect for any little one’s imagination.

You can use either a small steel building or a prefab metal building kit to build a DIY playhouse. Once it’s built with one of our optional insulation packages, install drywall and paint. Then it’s simply a matter of decorating with pillows, blankets, their favorite toys, and whatever else their hearts desire!

Plus, if you’re looking for more outdoor space, you can use this DIY steel frame garage kit as a summer hang-out and have fun with your family on those warm weekend nights.

5. Build a Small Steel Building For Added Storage

If you need a small steel building but don’t have the space for an existing metal structure, there is always DIY. Building your own DIY steel shed can be accomplished by purchasing a prefabricated kit, which are easy to assemble with basic tools.

A metal building kit prefabricated metal shed is the perfect storage solution for those who have limited space on their property, or want an outdoor storage unit they don’t need to drive to.

It is also a great way to use up floor space for an individual who has just moved.

6. Build a Steel Frame Garage For Cars or Projects

A prefab garage constructed from DIY metal buildings kits can be used as storage or even as a workshop. The steel frame garage is a DIY project that can be done with low to no tools and minimal construction know-how in just one day.

If you need extra space for your cars, or simply want a place to work on personal projects, a DIY steel frame garage offers a great solution.

Buy Your DIY Steel Building Kit Today!

Now that you have some exciting ideas for your DIY metal building kits, it’s time to put your plans in action!

Our DIY steel building kits are affordable, easy to install, and can be used in a variety of ways.

DIY steel building or metal shed kit can be assembled in a day with the help of a few friends. These buildings are a great investment for homeowners who need additional space but don’t want to build an entire garage from scratch. Plus, your DIY steel building requires few, if any permits to be installed.

Don’t wait another day to get started on this DIY metal building project! Check out our line of DIY steel building kits today!

The Building Timeline of Most Do-It-Yourself Metal Building Kits

Posted on by Norsteel Buildings

Are you considering building a metal prefabricated structure? Here’s what to expect when using a do-it-yourself metal building kit.

What to Expect When Building Metal Prefab Structure

Before construction commences, you ought to understand the scope of the project. The size of the construction will considerably determine the complexity of your build. You can use a small metal building kit for faster and cost-effective deployment of the structure. Here is an outline of what to expect from the process:

Time and Labor Commitments

A prefabricated build can be an intensive and time-consuming process. The time and labor requirements of the project depend on the type of DIY metal building kit you are using.

Conventional buildings take longer than prefab buildings. Erecting traditional structures is not as straightforward as with DIY metal building plans.

A traditional construction project typically requires putting together different parts of the building over an extended period of time. Managing this drawn out workflow can be overwhelming. There are usually many different parts, originating from different locations, arriving at different times of the project, all that you have to coordinate to prevent costly mistakes.

Like seasoned construction managers, you have to work in phases to avoid mishaps during construction. You can benchmark the progress of the project at any point during the construction.

Project Management and Timeline Estimation

You can categorize the process of putting up a metal building into three phases. The first involves putting up the trusses and columns for support. In the second phase, you’ll focus on completing and assessing the sturdiness of the main frame. And the final stage involves placing metal sheets in your prefab building.

Contrary to misconceptions, almost half of the time spent on the project will be on the last phase. Many enthusiasts assume that the most challenging phase is putting up the columns.

While putting up trusses and columns can be complicated, a lot can go wrong during the last stage of your project. The final phase is an intricate process requiring a series of panels to complete the structure.

Planning is essential for sheeting the structure to save time and to minimize the risk of redoing the work. But despite the construction challenges, there are a variety of sheeting profiles for cladding and finishing applications. You can choose colors to mimic other materials, such as wood and plastic. The versatility of the finish is ideal for home offices, storage rooms, eateries, and restaurants, among other applications.

Utilizing Do-It-Yourself Metal Building Kits

One of the benefits of using do-it-yourself building kits is that it saves time and labor. The prefab steel building kit is delivered complete with support trusses and columns.

You do not need sophisticated tools for your DIY building projects. The manufacturers can deliver the kit with holes for fasteners and bolts. You will get a guide with numbers corresponding to different sections of the structure.

Building kit manufacturers perform extensive checks to ensure the building is sturdy and durable. The design of the parts is as per your local building codes.

Why Use Steel Prefab Buildings

Steel is the most common choice for metal prefab buildings. The material is lightweight, making it easy and fast to assemble.

Steel has a high strength-to-weight ratio, which makes it suitable for many residential and industrial applications. You can disassemble the structure and move it to another location.

A wooden structure would be much more expensive to construct. Acquiring the materials for the project can take time. The delays imply that you’ll be generating leasing and warehousing costs. With steel buildings, you don’t have to worry about materials lying around. 

Another advantage of steel structures is that they require less maintenance than other materials. Wood and concrete require a lot more care than metal prefab structures. That makes steel buildings an even more cost-effective option.

Professional Assistance During the Design Customization

Whether you are building extra storage or a home office, you may need to adjust parts of the structure. Fortunately, steel is versatile and flexible enough to accommodate most changes.

Steel kit buildings do not require an inner column. The absence of such obstructions, common in conventional buildings, allows you to optimize interior space. You can incorporate extensions into the structure in case you need to expand in the future.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to work alone through the design and construction process. You can consult experienced engineering experts to tailor the project to your needs.

Bottom-Line

The time and resources a metal building requires mostly depend on the size of the project. The smaller the construction, the easier it is to erect the structure. Steel is versatile and does not require inner columns. Steel simplifies the building process and allows for adjustments. If you want a custom design, we recommend working with a designer from the first phase. Visit our website to work with Norsteel for your steel building!

7 Ways to Customize Your Steel Garage Kits

Posted on by Norsteel Buildings

A custom steel garage kit offers homeowners, commercial business owners, mechanics, auto enthusiasts and gearheads the chance to create a space that truly fits their needs, whatever those might be.

Because steel is incredibly durable, malleable and adaptable, it’s the perfect material for garage construction. Plus, steel is 100% recyclable and can easily be modified, updated or reshaped over time.

When looking for your next project or workspace, steel is the way to go. And you can make it custom with Norsteel Buildings. Here are seven options for additional customizations you might want to consider:

1. Roofing

Roofs offer the height, spaciousness and protection from the elements you need, and there are several options on the table.

Standard roofs usually have horizontal sheeting that goes in the direction of the corrugation and have rounded corners. This is the most common default option.

There’s also an A frame style that looks more like the roof of a home. The corners are typically boxed and you may wish to include an overhang of awning near the front entrance. With the additional triangular height, you can also include vents or windows between your roof and door.

Another popular choice is a vertical roof, which, as its name implies, has sheeting running vertical. A vertical roof is often better in areas where there is heavy rain, snow or debris. The ridge cap at the peak of the roof helps keep the elements out and allows them to drain right off the building using gravity.

2. Siding

The siding of your building really comes down to the preference of horizontal or vertical corrugation, similar to roofing. A steel garage kit with vertical siding will handle debris better, which means it doesn’t need to be cleaned as often.

3. Size/Measurements

Of course, the size of your building and its dimensions are totally up to you. A one-car garage will be cheaper than a multi-car building, and if you intend to house heavy equipment you’ll need additional height. 

Based on the position in which your building is oriented and how much equipment you intend to store, you might need additional gravel or pavement entry and exit points.

4. Doors

Your steel garage will have several points of entry, and each of these might require a different door type.

A traditional walk door often appears on the side of the building. Additionally, you can feature several rollup overhead doors in the front and back to allow large machinery and vehicles to enter and exit.

Your doors can also be customized to include horizontal window panels or even angular shapes beyond a conventional rectangle.

5. Windows

The placement and purpose of windows can be customized when fabricating your steel garage kit. A few considerations that often come into play are:

  • How many windows do I want/need?
  • Where should windows ideally be located throughout the building?
  • Are there safety measures to account for so that toxic fumes are able to be appropriately ventilated in a confined space?
  • Are windows cosmetic or functional to a given need?
  • How private/secure do I want my steel building to be?
  • Will a window obstruct a cable or column?
  • Will windows be insulated or have screens?
  • Will they be tinted or tempered?
  • Will they slide horizontally or vertically?

6. Skylights

Windows in the roof of your building can help with ventilation, increase visibility and bring in some rays from the outdoors. In buildings that are jam-packed and with limited window or door options, a skylight can give the impression of more depth and space.

7. Add-Ons

There are plenty of additional features you can tack on to your steel garage kit, now or in the future. 

Some of the more common add-ons we see are:

  • Fire resistance and insulation materials for harsh weather and disaster prevention.
  • Surveillance and alarm systems, including CCTV, motion-sensored lights and keypads.
  • Climate-controlled features for ventilation, heat and cool air.

Because steel is so versatile, it’s easy for customers to purchase a simple setup one day and then slowly add more customizations over time.

Contact Norsteel Today!

Ready to tackle your next steel building project? Norsteel buildings can provide you with custom steel garage kit prices and help you select a design that meets your needs, today and tomorrow.
Work with Norsteel for your steel building. Request a quote today!

The Complete Guide to Steel Building Foundation Design

Posted on by Norsteel Buildings

Before the 18th century, there were two types of metals that were commonly used. These were wrought iron and cast iron. Though steel was available, it was recognized as a premium material which was very expensive.

However, at the beginning of the 18th century, people realized the strength and cost-effectiveness of using steel for construction. The whole world seized this as an opportunity to use steel as an optimal material for building.

The Complete Guide to Steel Building Foundation Design

It is not surprising today that steel is widely used as the core material when building foundation design. Steel building foundation designs provide quick construction and cost savings. They allow endless possibilities for customization. 

These customizations of steel building provide unique benefits to every industry-specific purpose. Below-mentioned are the guidelines that can help you to customize your steel building design options.

Size

When it comes to sizes, there are no standard sizes for steel or metal buildings. You can design every steel building as per your preferences and choices. To know how much square footage of steel you will need, you will have to simply measure it.

Take your time and measure all the aspects that would be a part of the building. This includes measuring the equipment, machine, and office space you will need. When you do this with precision, you will be able to build a building wherein everything fits spaciously.

Quality

There are many suppliers of steel in the steel building industry. Whereas most buyers focus on buying material that is the cheapest, that might not work well for the steel foundation types that last long.

Comparing prices is of course vital as you want to ensure that you are getting a fair market value. However, choosing the cheapest material is not a good option. When the quality is sub-standard or compromised, the building will not be durable.

Height

Steel or metal buildings are usually low-rise and can be used for building one or two-story buildings. Though the standard range for steel building height is 40’, it can at times go even higher. Many city laws give clearances when you want the building to be higher.

The metal building foundation details will require additional planning if you want to construct higher buildings. When considering the height of the building, you should determine how you plan to use the building in the present as well as if any expansions will be needed in the future.

Window, Lighting, and Doors

As with any type of structure, steel building foundation design should include adequate ways of lighting. To be able to easily perform the tasks that your building is built for, there should be the correct number of windows and light fixtures.

When you install properly insulated windows, it can help to reduce utility costs. This is because such windows can help provide proper ventilation and natural light. A steel building can easily be customized to install windows anywhere.

As for the doors, your steel building foundation design should include them in a sensible and convenient location. You will need to put doors in for entry and exit as well as for emergency exit.

Weather Proofing

Inspect the local weather conditions around your steel building design. If the weather conditions are too unpredictable, then you will have to prepare in advance to accommodate them. The same goes if the prospective area is often prone to natural disasters. 

If heavy rainfall is often expected, then you will need to add an extra layer of weatherproofing. To withstand hurricanes and earthquakes, appropriate changes to the base foundation structure will need to be considered. Fire exits and safety equipment should be made ready if the area is prone to wildfires.

Get Started with Professionals

Start with planning out your steel building foundation design. Plan out every small detail from the size, to height, to lighting to resistance. Once you have laid out a comprehensive plan, you will know what steel material you need to match your preferences. 

Now that you know what you want, Work with Norsteel for your steel building to get help from an experienced and professional team that can make your plan a reality.  By planning your design ahead of time, you will be able to discuss the future look of your building in-depth.

If you already have it ready and are now looking for a trustworthy and experienced company to supply you with steel material, then don’t delay! Work with Norsteel. 

With knowledge of many building types and their construction, their team will be able to help you with every step of your project. Right from the design finalization phase to the final construction.

How Long Do Steel Buildings Last?

Posted on by Norsteel Buildings

Did you know that buildings have a “life expectancy?” If you are going to build a new structure on your property, then make sure that you are investing in a design and the right type of materials that will stand the test of time. Whether it’s a small shed or large manufacturing plant, the building must hold up against weather conditions and other factors that can cause wear and tear.

Why bother putting time and money into the construction of a building if it will only last a few years? During the design process, evaluate how the building will be used which will help you determine the right materials to ensure steel building longevity.

Your choice of materials is one of the key factors that will affect the lifespan of the building. As you are finalizing design details, compare the durability and maintenance requirements for steel buildings, plastic sheds, wood buildings, and more.

Longevity of Steel Buildings

How long do steel buildings last? A well-built structure with quality materials can easily last more than 50 years, depending on the use of the building over time. If you want to ensure the lifespan of the building, then it’s essential to choose quality materials that withstand seasonal damage.

Steel is an excellent choice for building materials if quality and durability are your priority. But, not all steel buildings are created equal. Consider these factors that can affect how long steel buildings last:

  • Design: A well-built steel building helps to minimize wear and tear. For example, when the building includes features that manage water flow and protect the building joints, it’s likely that the steel building will have a longer lifespan compared to a building with poor design. How long do prefab buildings last? With a good design, they can hold up just as long as a custom-designed building.
  • Use: If you are rough on the building, you can expect wear and tear to show more quickly. Manufacturing with chemicals inside the building can take a toll over time because of the corrosion that can affect the steel. However, if you’re only using your steel building as a storage shed, for example, your building will last longer than manufacturing buildings because there isn’t as much wear on the steel.
  • Location: Local climate patterns can affect the durability of the building. For example, areas with heavy snowfall require extra maintenance because of the weight of the snow on the roof. Also, steel frame buildings in coastal climates can wear out more quickly because of the air’s humidity and salt. Heavy industrialization in the area can take a toll on the building due to the high levels of pollutants in the air.
  • Maintenance: Steel doesn’t require a lot of care compared to other building materials. But it’s important to stay consistent with occasional maintenance-related tasks to extend the life of the building. Without occasional cleaning, maintenance, and repair work, damage to the building can occur because of rust, mold, and corrosion.

The optimal approach to ensure the durability of your building is to talk to a steel building expert about your goals. Our team can provide recommendations to ensure that your new building performs as needed.

How to Maintain a Steel Building

Inspect the building regularly to identify areas that require maintenance or repair work. Maintenance requirements vary depending on location because seasonal changes can play a role in the building’s durability. Consider these common recommendations for steel building maintenance:

  • Wall Pressure: Find anything that might be touching the walls of the building. You want to avoid unnecessary weight that might strain the building, such as equipment leaning against the wall.
  • Wall Contact: Avoiding undue contact is essential to prevent water from staying on the surface of steel buildings. Moisture is one of the most significant vulnerabilities that threaten the durability of the steel. Clean up the landscaping and other things that are coming in contact with the steel building.
Advantages of Pre-engineered Steel Buildings - Continuous Savings
  • Roof Limitations: Know the roof limitations so you know when snow needs to be cleared. If you think that the roof is reaching the weight threshold because of accumulated snow, then have a plan in place to clear the snow safely. It’s a good idea to check the roof during the warmer months as well because a buildup of muck and leaves in the rain gutters can cause undue wear and tear.
  • Regular Cleaning: Avoid rust and corrosion on steel buildings by cleaning off the grime and dirt that accumulates. Washing the steel panels regularly will keep the materials in top-notch condition. You can buy industrial cleaners designed for steel buildings or create a homemade solution using water and ammonia. Steel buildings should be cleaned every few months, inside and out. Ideally, your building should be washed a minimum of once a year to remove substances that could cause harm to the building.
  • Fresh Paint: One way to protect the building is by adding a fresh coat of paint. After the steel panels are washed thoroughly, add a quality exterior paint to act as an extra layer of protection against the weather elements.
  • Repair Work: Scratches and scuffs might seem like minor issues, but these points of damage can become weak points in the building. When the damage is continuously exposed to the weather, it can lead to corrosion and rust. Buff out the marks and be proactive about repairing any areas of damage.

Minor problems can start creeping in, which is why you need to be proactive with repairs and maintenance. These seemingly small tasks can go a long way to add years to the life of your building.

Steel Building Warranty

When you choose quality building materials, you can know that the building will stand firm for many years. Many manufacturers of steel buildings offer solid warranty coverage, including 40- and even 50-year structural warranties (depending on the type of building you construct).

This written guarantee ensures that if anything goes wrong with the materials, then repair or replacement is offered within a specific timeframe. Keep in mind that the warranty doesn’t necessarily last for the lifetime of the product and won’t cover every issue. Read about the available warranty when deciding on the type of steel building you’d like to construct.

At Norsteel Buildings, we’re committed to providing our clients with the best solutions in the steel building industry. If you’d like to learn more, then contact us to talk to an industry expert. We pair you with a building consultant for personalized recommendations about the specific products and materials that will best suit your needs. We’re proud to be a leader in the steel building industry: 1-866-971-7575.

How Much Do Steel Buildings Cost?

Posted on by Norsteel Buildings

If you are considering adding an additional steel building to your property, then one of the first questions to ask is: how much do steel buildings cost? It’s essential to know your budget when choosing the right plans and materials for your building.

Total cost can vary, and really depends on a variety of factors. Simply put, there isn’t an easy answer or a general price one can reference for steel buildings without first having specific information about the project. This question is too broad to answer without more details like location, size, design, and features. Here are a few things that can affect your steel building cost:

Cost of Steel Building Materials

While many factors determine the cost of your prefabricated steel building, these expenses fall into two categories: materials and labour. Materials will be one of your most significant expenses, but – unless you consider yourself a handy person – there will likely be additional labour expenses for hiring a contractor to assemble the building.

One of the most cost-effective ways to construct a steel building is by purchasing a kit. A premanufactured kit comes with everything you need for construction and assembly, including beams, anchor bolts, framing, roof purlins, door frames, trim, optional insulation, hardware, and more.

Compare the cost of a customized building to a prefabricated kit, and you’ll see that the kit saves quite a bit of money on the final price. Since the manufacturer can replicate the same equipment for multiple customers, they can drop the price on materials and design.

One of the benefits of steel is that metal tends to be more affordable compared to other popular building materials. If you are on a tight budget, then you’ll likely find that metal meets your goals for both affordability and durability. If you are choosing materials based on price alone, then steel buildings are often the clear winner.

Steel vs. Wood

Even though steel tends to be a bit cheaper than wood, there are pros and cons to this decision. For example, wood offers a lot of options for customization. Also, if you dedicate time and effort to maintenance then wood can hold up over time without having to worry about corrosion or rust. On the other hand, metal is superior because it requires far less maintenance to ensure longevity.

Ultimately, it’s important to consider your priorities when choosing building materials. If you want to save money and minimize maintenance, then metal is the clear choice. Click here to read our blog on metal vs. wood buildings.

Cost of Labour

Once you’ve compared material pricing, also consider the cost of labour and installation. Smaller steel building kits can often be assembled following the DIY instructions from the manufacturer. Either you’ll need to invest the time to put the building together, or you will need to hire help to assist after the materials arrive on site.

For larger steel buildings, it may be necessary to hire a contractor to assist with assembly. Since most manufacturers offer materials only, you will need to bring in the labour to put these materials together.

If you are looking for a local contractor, then our team can assist in helping you find an experienced provider in your area.

Labour costs

Most contractors charge based on a cost per square metre. The price per metre depends on the finished size of the building. As a general rule of thumb, the cost of larger finished buildings tends to be less per square metre than a small or average-sized building. These labour costs can be eliminated completely if you choose to build the structure yourself.

Optional Add-Ons

A variety of accessories and add-ons can also increase steel buildings cost. Sometimes, these add-on costs can increase the price as much as 20 – 30%. These are some of the expenses you might pay:

  • Delivery: Ask the steel provider if delivery is built into the pricing, or if you will pay an additional fee for the materials to be dropped at the job site. Often, delivery is calculated based on distance from the supplier or manufacturing site.
  • Foundation: Does your steel building need a foundation? Nine times out of ten this is the case, in which case you will face additional costs to lay the foundation before the building is assembled.
  • Windows and Doors: The placement of windows and doors can increase the cost. For example, it’s common for a basic steel building without windows to cost less than a building with many windows. Also, the type of doors (including walk doors and roll doors) will affect the price.
  • Insulation: Insulation is often available as an optional add-on from the supplier, which will increase the overall cost. These materials are designed to slow heat transfer and help to maintain your desired indoor temperature.
  • Vents: Depending on the use of your steel building, it might be necessary to add extra ventilation features. For example, buildings used for manufacturing and equipment often need to maximize ventilation for safety.
  • Gutters and Downspouts: It’s essential to have an excellent system to manage snow and rain runoff. These features help with routing the water to minimize damage and wear on the building.

As with any type of construction, the success of the project is in the details. It’s vital that you evaluate your long-term goals when choosing accessories, add-ons, and design features for your project.

Customized Solutions for Steel Buildings

At Norsteel, we offer cost-effective quality solutions for steel building construction. If you’d like more information about how much steel buildings cost, then contact our knowledgeable team any time. You can speak with a building consultant to learn more about available materials and services. Then, we’ll finalize your order and deliver the building for construction on your site.

We offer a personalized experience for our clients, including building customization, information about the building and permit process, and anything else you need to ensure the success of your project.

To learn more, reach out to our expert team at Norsteel Buildings. Contact us to discuss your needs for the project so we can provide recommendations and pricing estimates: 1-866-971-7575.

Choosing the Right Material For Your Mini Shed

Posted on by Norsteel Buildings

If you don’t have enough storage space or need a separate workspace, adding a small shed can be a great solution. Building a mini shed is an excellent investment for both homeowners and business owners. But it’s important to learn about the industry so you can invest in a shed that will hold up for many years.

Storage sheds come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with the option to custom-design the specs to match your unique needs. There are many online resources with blueprints and building instructions, but it can be costly and time-consuming to build a shed from scratch. Instead, many people find it easier to purchase a mini shed and either install it themselves or have a contractor do it.

With the right team, your mini shed can be installed in half the time of a conventional build. First, you will need to select the materials, colours, and design features for your new shed. Our team will then deliver all the building materials so you can get started on your shed right away!

Pros & Cons: Plastic, Wood, and Metal

As you learn more about the industry, you’ll find sellers who offer sheds in various materials: plastic, wood, and metal. The materials you choose will have a long-term impact on the performance and durability of the structure. So, take a bit of time to research your options before finalizing the design of your mini shed.

Here are a few things you need to know about these common materials:

Wood Sheds

Wood is the traditional material used for mini sheds. When homeowners choose a DIY approach, they often choose wood because it’s easier to work with when someone doesn’t have formal training in the industry.

The outside of a wooden shed can be painted and designed to make it stylish. Often, the goal is to match the appearance of the shed to the colours and design themes on other main buildings on site. Inside, wood sheds have exposed beams and an unfinished appearance.

Even though wood is versatile, there are some notable drawbacks to using this material for mini shed construction. For example, wood can attract insects and be challenging to clean if nests or infestations occur. Additionally, wood is vulnerable in harsh weather, resulting in deterioration and rotting that can happen over time. The risk of rotting is higher if the shed is improperly built or designed with low-quality materials.

It’s necessary to repaint a woodshed regularly since the paint will fade and peel over time. This restoration process can be time-consuming, requiring that the exterior surface of the shed be sanded and re-painted, every few years.

Wooden Shed

Plastic Sheds

Materials used for plastic sheds include vinyl, resin, or high-density polyethylene. These materials are typically lighter in weight compared to wood and metal, but the plastic can be strong and durable in all weather conditions. Sometimes, plastic sheds are reinforced using double-wall construction and integrated steel supports.

The advantage of plastic over wood is that the materials require little maintenance. You don’t need to worry about rusting or rotting because of weather conditions. Also, there is no need to paint or refinish the surface. The plastic is built to last, ensuring long-term durability for many years. Over time, the sunlight can deteriorate the plastic, causing the surface to fade and crack.

One drawback of a plastic mini shed is that the plastic can’t hold much weight hanging from the ceiling or walls. Some people don’t like the appearance of these sheds because the plastic looks more like a “playhouse” than a functional structure.

Plastic Shed

Metal Sheds

Metal is a great choice if you are looking for a material that meets all requirements for durability and quality. One of the most notable benefits of metal is that these sheds offer better security than the features offered with wood or plastic sheds.

Metal sheds are a smart investment because the material outlasts wood and plastic. Metal stays strong in all weather conditions, is fire resistant, and requires little to no maintenance. Additionally, solid construction ensures that metal sheds are rodent-proof and insect resistant. You don’t need to worry about potential damage to the shed walls because of insect infestations.

Keep in mind that there is a big difference in the quality of a cheap metal shed kit compared to the services offered by a more professional team like Norsteel. Cheap kits come with thin panels that often corrode over time. On the other hand, high-end metal sheds are made with rigid, strong metal that is corrosion-resistant.

Higher grade metal sheds offer security and quality that is unmatched compared to other shed materials. If you want to protect your tools or equipment, then a metal mini shed is the industry’s top choice. This superior quality costs a bit more compared to cheaper alternatives in the industry. But the extra cost is an excellent investment because of the long-term durability that comes from a well-built mini shed.

Metal shed

Mini Shed Top Choice: Metal Materials

Metal storage sheds offer a variety of benefits that aren’t available from wood or plastic. At first, it might be tempting to invest in wood because of the lower upfront cost. But the long-term costs can add up for maintenance and repair work on wood sheds. Installing the right shed gives you the advantage of protecting your equipment and avoiding expensive repair or replacement costs in the future.

When you look at the overall value of this investment, it’s easy to see that metal is the material of choice for mini shed design. We offer pre-engineered steel that is designed to provide the best functionality and durability features that you need. The value and strength of these materials provide the lasting quality that you need in the future.

If you have questions about mini shed design, then Norsteel Buildings is here to help. We provide a personalized experience for our clients. Reach out to learn more about available building applications. You can contact us online or call if you have questions or comments: 1-866-971-7575.

Cool DIY Sheds To Add To Your Yard

Posted on by Norsteel Buildings

We all need extra space for storage, recreation or both. Steel DIY sheds offer you an affordable storage and building solution that delivers both style and function for your backyard. Steel offers numerous structural, cost, and environmental benefits over wood – click here to read our blog on steel vs. wood structures – and can be easily modified or added to to achieve whatever look you’re going for!

DIY sheds come in all shapes and sizes; from simple outdoor storage sheds, to decorative and homey garden sheds that add to the aesthetic quality of your backyard. With a DIY steel building kit from Norsteel, you can get your structure set up in as little as a week without breaking the bank. With the basic framing and insulation complete, it’s just a matter of making your shed your own.

Check out some of these cool DIY shed ideas that you can add to your yard!

The Blank Canvas

The tried-and-true prefab metal shed is a perfect solution for the first-time DIYer. With all the structural benefits of steel, 12 wall colour and 6 trim colour options, a metal DIY prefab shed can offer you both style and function at a fraction of the cost.

Customization of your prefab DIY shed is easy too. We offer a number of optional accessories including insulation, gutters, downspouts, and interior liners, so you can easily add to the interior and exterior of your building after its been erected. Prefab metal buildings from Norsteel all come with at least one framed opening which can be used for a standard door, or for a garage door later on.

While we like to think our prefab buildings are perfect just the way they are, we understand that many of our customers might look at them as blank canvases on which they can create the building of their dreams. Whether you want to add wood or stone accents to the exterior, or completely renovate the interior space to make it livable, anything is possible with the basic steel prefab building in place.

Here are a few cool DIY shed ideas that can really expand the usable space of your backyard:

Prefab Steel Building Residential Garage kit

The Home Office

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are now working from home for a time – and some are staying remote forever! For those who don’t already have a home office, with a little creativity and extra work a DIY shed can serve as your backyard home office.

With a steel frame and a bit of customization, you can achieve a look similar to the one above. The building pictured here is built using a metal frame, with a sliding glass door and wood paneling added to the exterior for a unique look. On the inside, wood flooring and drywall have been added to make the office feel warm and inviting. The result is a sleek modern home office for the remote worker!

DIY sheds home office

The Man Cave

Maybe bringing the office home sounds like the exact opposite of what you’re after. If you’re trying to escape the daily grind, instead of bringing it home with you, maybe a backyard getaway is more your style? A DIY shed can just as easily be converted into a man (or woman) cave for you and a few friends to escape to on the weekends.

The backyard shed pictured here has been converted into a sport-watching, beer-drinking, backyard escapee’s dream! With a metal exterior and interior wooden framing, insulation, drywall, and warm hardwood flooring added to give it that homey feel, this same look could easily be re-created using a prefab metal building as the base of your structure.

DIY shedds man cave

The Backyard Studio

Maybe you’re looking for a more creative outdoor workspace? Thanks to the large framed openings available on many of our prefab metal buildings, turning a DIY shed into an artist’s studio with ample natural light is totally doable with one of our EasyBuild steel building kits.

The artist’s studio pictured here is framed in wood and uses stucco to insulate and add some texture to the exterior. This same look can be achieved using a prefab metal building kit. Simply add a layer of metal netting between the metal exterior and the stucco to ensure that the stucco will adhere effectively to the exterior of your building.

But don’t worry, you won’t need stucco to achieve a livable outdoor studio. Thanks to our optional insulation packages, your new backyard studio space will be effectively insulated without any additional work or accessories. It’s really that easy.

DIY sheds backyard studio

The Tiny House

With just a little bit of space, you can create something big, bold, and surprisingly luxurious!

Creating a home away from home – or rather, a backyard mini-home – is easy with a DIY prefab building kit. Equipped with a kitchen, seating area, upper loft, and even a washroom, the tiny home pictured here pulls out all the stops to achieve a fully livable building. The addition of plumbing and a second floor push this building to new heights, as it truly becomes a backyard guest house.

DIY sheds tiny home

Prefab Metal Building Kits from Norsteel

Norsteel makes it easy to create a usable, visually interesting, and cool DIY shed for your backyard. From start to finish, we’re your expert partner in all things DIY construction.

Already have an idea for your backyard shed? Contact us today and one of our steel building experts can help you plan out the construction of your building. We’ll help you build an office where you can focus; a man cave you can escape to; a backyard studio where you can be creative; or even a tiny home where you can live.

Click here to contact us today. Let’s build something great together.

With a prefab steel building kit from Norsteel, your building will retain all the benefits of metal framing, exterior panelling, and roofing, while your interior will still be yours to customize and create.

Advantages of Steel Buildings: Savings Year After Year

Posted on by Norsteel Buildings

ADVANTAGES OF PRE-ENGINEERED STEEL BUILDINGS​

​Pre-engineered Metal buildings provide customers with savings, year after year.

15. Ask and you Shall Receive

The advantages of choosing a Pre-engineered Metal Building solution continue to accumulate year after year.

Consider that prefab steel buildings are energy efficient because they are excellent insulators for both heat and cold. The insulating properties of steel will keep the heat from escaping from your building during the winter. Also, the roof on your steel building will reflect the sun. In the summer, this deflection reduces the cooling load on the steel building which reduces cooling costs. This energy-efficiency is one way that a pre-engineered metal building will continue to provide you with savings year after year.

​Another way that prefab steel buildings save money relates to maintenance. A typical prefab metal building system, with pre-finished metal panels and screw-down galvalume roof, costs very little to maintain. Metal surfaces are easy to clean, and the modern metal finishes offer a superb resistance against corrosion, fading, and discoloration. Pre-engineered steel buildings don’t decay or decompose. Their columns don’t split or suffer damage due to rodents or insects. There is virtually no maintenance on a steel building, so there is very little to warrant future spending in terms of upkeep.

Advantages of Steel Buildings Continuous Savings
Energy Efficiency Thumbnail

Apart from continuous savings related to energy-efficiency and low-maintenance, steel buildings are recognized with an “A” fire rating. Many customers don’t realize that this non-combustibility factor can save them significant money on insurance premiums for the life of their pre-engineered steel building. Some Insurance Companies label steel framing as “Superior Construction” and offer discounts on insurance up to 35%. Customers are encouraged to check with their insurance carrier for more details on the possibility of these available annual savings.​

Closing Out

When comparing available construction options, we recommend that our customers consider all the factors.

This involves a broader scope comparison of all the costs as well as the potential savings. Comparing different building options should involve a complete understanding, considering not just the initial costs for site prep, materials and labour, but also the longer term costs of ownership – costs like maintenance, repairs, and insurance. Customers should consider how much value they place on safety and environmental friendliness as well.

When it’s all said and done, we believe you will recognize that choosing a prefab steel building will save you money – year after year.

Contact Us Today!

When you buy a building from Norsteel, we become your partner throughout the construction process. We work with you, or with your general contractor, to ensure that all your steel building requirements are met. Your project is our project, and we’ll be with you the whole way through.

For more information on specific metal building applications, click here to learn more about our line of products. If you have any questions or comments, click here to contact us today.