Constructing a steel building is a big undertaking that requires careful planning and execution to be successful. Being aware of the different steps involved in the process ensures your project runs smoothly and successfully. Here are some things you need to know to make your project successful:
To begin, it is essential to understand the desired form and purpose of the building. This may vary depending on whether it is being used as a residence, business, or agricultural building. Make sure to account for all items to be housed in the structure and ensure it will fit in the available 2,400 square feet.
Erecting a new structure can be costly, but the final costs can be reduced with careful planning. You will need to factor in the cost of the building kit package, additional accessories (doors, windows, etc.), the foundation, permit fees, construction, insulation (if required), and interior finishing. Taking the time to budget for all of these components upfront will help ensure that any unexpected costs do not blindside you.
Typical installed (turnkey) costs:
The height of your building will largely depend on its intended purpose. When it comes to steel buildings, it's important to note that the height is measured from the eave. Additionally, any doors should be placed at least two feet below the eave.
Some typical building heights include:
End Use Heigh Range Garage / Shop 10’-18’ Barns 12’-22’ One story home 10’-14’ Tw0 story home 18’-26’NOTE: Standard buildings are limited to 30 feet in height. Special engineering will be required if you need to go higher than this.
All door and window openings require an engineered frame. You must decide how many framed openings are required and what size each should be.
Standard kits usually include one framed opening for a walk door and one for an overhead door. Be aware that each additional framed opening will add to the overall cost because of the required steel.
A popular alternative to the 40x60 is our 60x40 metal building kit. This is generally specified when large openings are required on the front of the structure for aircraft hangars and large agricultural sheds.
Be aware that a 60x40 metal building is more expensive than a 40x60 building because it has a higher roof peak and, therefore, requires more steel to produce.
Before erecting a new structure, you’ll need to ensure that the proposed site is suitable and can, in fact, be built on. This includes ensuring that there are no setbacks that would prevent construction, that utilities can be easily accessed and routed to the job site, and that the ground can support the weight of the building.
You also need to check for any easements on the property that could restrict where and what you build. Finally, you should create a map of the area, including any access routes. A local structural engineer can assist you with this preliminary project stage.
In most cases, a building permit WILL be required. Exceptions include rural and farm properties; verify this when speaking to your local building department. Once you have chosen a site for your structure, start the permit process by contacting the building department.
Be prepared to provide plans, property title documents, and other details about the build. Having as many details as possible about your project will help make the process go more smoothly.
Our suppliers engineer your building to meet codes for wind, snow, and seismic conditions in your area. Ensuring your building is safe and up to code.
Read our guide to planning a construction project for more details and this very good thread on GarageJournal about planning a 40x60x16 building.
You have a few options available to you when it comes to financing a steel building. You can either pay for the kit outright, finance it through a lending institution, or lease it. If you decide to finance, you must find a suitable lender and provide all your building details before applying for the loan.
Leasing is another option that may be available to you, and it can be a great way to get your kit without having to pay for it all upfront. Some suppliers also provide financing options, so be sure to ask the question when you speak to them.
See our article on financing steel buildings for additional information.
The first step you need to take when considering building pricing is to determine which type of metal building you'd like to own. There are three main types of Steel Buildings and they are:
Rigid frame 40 by 60 metal buildings use a heavy gauge interior frame. This Frame is usually comprised of what people call I-beams. The interior metal frame is then clad in lighter gauge metal cladding. Because of the work involved in assembling the heavy gauge steel beams, it's often best to hire a professional for the construction of this type of building. Because of that, this type of building is more typically used for larger-scale structures than smaller residential buildings. That said, a 40 by 60 metal building would be a perfect size.
Prices for this style of building typically start at around $7 per square foot. You will find with a rigid frame steel building at its cost per square foot reduces significantly as the size of the building increases.
This style of steel building is much less durable than the two options mentioned above. Similar to the rigid frame building it uses an internal framing system. That frame is then clad in metal sheeting. Pricing for this type of building is more dependent On the individual building chosen. These buildings are more often sold as complete kits than as customized metal buildings. Their lower levels of durability make them better suited for small residential buildings such as carports or sheds.
Quonset metal buildings are often also referred to as Arch style buildings. This type of structure uses pre-cut Arch panels that are bolted together in a semi-circular shape.
Prices for Quonset buildings typically start at around $5 per square foot. Because of its durable Arch design, this style of building offers Superior snow and wind loading. They're both together design so offer is one of the fastest do-it-yourself construction methods for handy individuals.
Determining a 40 X 60 metal building cost it's not as simple as you may think. While every metal building may appear similar, each one has been customized for that specific use location and set of local building codes.
The bulk of the cost of a 40 X 60 steel building is in the raw steel material itself. There's a minimum amount of Steel required for any metal building. As you increase the square footage of your building typically you will find the cost per square foot decreasing because less raw steel is required to cover each additional square foot. For example, a 30x40 metal building cost is typically around $9.60/square foot, whereas a 40x60 metal building cost reduces to around $7.50/square foot. If you go up to a large 100x200+ steel building then costs can drop below $7 per square foot.
While metal buildings do pack up quite compactly, the steel is heavy and shipping costs will be a factor. Often factories will include shipping costs, as they can tag the building onto another load going in the same direction provided you can wait. Be sure to ask if this is an option since otherwise, you'll be adding an additional 6-8% cost onto your order.
Concrete slab foundations are the most common foundation type for a 40x60 metal building. Factor in an additional $4-6 per square foot for your foundation to be constructed. When pricing a 40 by 60 building, that means you will need 2,400 square feet of foundation which is about $10k for the foundation to be constructed. There are some less expensive options such as a peripheral wall or pier foundation, depending on the situation.
On top of the cost of a basic structure, you also have the costs of any accessories that are added. Accessories can include items such as:
There is of course the cost to build your building once it arrives. This is a project you could undertake yourself, particularly if you're considering an arch steel building. If you're looking at a rigid frame building then we would normally recommend you hire professionals for safety reasons unless you're comfortable working with heavy equipment. The rigid steel beams are heavy and can be dangerous for those who do not know how to properly lift and secure them.
Professional construction costs for a prefabricated metal building will typically run you $5-8 per square foot.
As you can see above, there are many variations in pricing so these numbers are purely estimates, but hopefully, they help give you an idea of whether or not a 40x60 building is in your budget.
Low Range High Range Building Only Cost $16,800 $43,200 Per Sq. Ft. Building Only $7 $18 Foundation $12,000 $19,200 Doors & Windows $2,400 $9,600 Utilities $0 $2,400 Accessories $600 $6,000 DIY Finished Cost $31,800 $80,400 Per Sq. Ft. $13 $34 Labor Cost $12,000 $19,200 Turn-Key Cost $43,800 $99,600 Per Sq. Ft. $18 $42
These are of course estimates so if you're looking to get an official quote for your building, you can do so here.