Residential Steel Buildings Basics

While steel buildings used to be almost exclusively used for industrial warehouses and garages, a range of finishes and facades has made steel construction a popular choice homes in many areas of the country.

Because the steel panels and beams that make up most of the construction are pre-cut at a factory, steel buildings offer substantial savings in both time and money over traditional construction. With appropriate insulation, interior drywall, and exterior finishes like brick or stucco, steel buildings can make attractive, energy-efficient homes.

Do be sure to choose a supplier who has experience specifically with residential construction. Many steel building suppliers focus on commercial construction and aren't as familiar with the ins and outs of residential construction.

Points to consider:

• What will your steel building be used for? (Home, garage, shed?)
• What style steel building are you interested in? (straight-wall or arch)
• What are dimensions do you need? (width, length, & height)
• Will you need insulation? If so, how thick?
• Will you need gutters and downspouts?
• Do you need an installer to erect the building?
• What is your estimated budget?

Related articles - December 2008

Common terms:

• Barn construction
• Residential steel building
• Metal building
• Prefab home
• Steel construction
• Steel frame building
• Steel home
• Steel structure

Leading manufacturers:

• Alliance Steel, Inc.
• Butler Manufacturing Company
• Ceco Building Systems
• Kirby Building Systems
• NCI Building Systems
• Nucor Building Systems
• Ruffin Building Systems
• Star Building Systems
• VP Buildings