COMPARE Quotes for Metal Buildings
Modern, durable structures customized to YOUR exact needs
BuildingsGuide Simplifies the Buying Process
Because it’s the easiest place to research choices and pricing for commercial, agricultural, and residential pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB).
And because you fill out just one form to receive four free, no-obligation, competing quotes from high-quality, vetted manufacturers. You don’t have to wonder if you are talking to a quality company.
And YOU SAVE. Quoting companies KNOW they are in competition for your business.
Since 2004, over 200,000 buyers have saved an average of 28% on their project by using our multiple quote service.
Why Choose BuildingsGuide?
Looking for the best building supplier for your construction project? Let us help you find the best one for your needs and budget. We’ve partnered with some of the best manufacturers across the United States and Canada.
Here’s how our service works:
Metal Buildings We Offers & Why
BuildingsGuide offers two kinds of metal building kits: Rigid Frames (red iron buildings) and Quonset hut buildings.
Both construction options are clear-span buildings that are high-quality, ensure fast construction and durability, and will withstand the harshest environments.
Other solutions include:
Tubular buildings are common and great for very small applications (less than 1,200 sq ft), such as a small shed or carport storage area, but they are unsuitable for homes or larger structures. Also note: A tubular steel building can’t handle heavy snow or wind load and is a temporary shelter that doesn’t add value to your property. Still, this may be a good choice if you need the lowest possible price point.
C-Channel buildings (AKA cold formed steel buildings) are another construction option also used for smaller applications such as storage sheds or small workshops, and may not meet all local building codes.
Rigid Frame
When you picture a metal frame building, you probably think of Rigid framed red iron buildings with their solid I-beam construction and maximum usable space. These buildings allow you to build anything from a garage/shop to a barn, a large warehouse, or a Rigid home. All steel I-beam buildings are permanent, long-lasting structures engineered for your local conditions and building codes.
Kit packages are available in sizes from 900 square feet to 100k+ sq ft.
Kit Packages
$15-$25 /sq ft
Foundation
$5-$10 /sq ft
Construction
$5-$10 /sq ft
Quonset Huts
Quonset huts are metal structures characterized by their semi-circular shape and corrugated galvanized steel panels. Quonsets are a versatile steel building that can be used for various purposes, including garages, workshops, farm sheds, and funky homes. They are an economical solution, are quick and easy to assemble, have low maintenance, and withstand extreme weather conditions.
Available in sizes from 100 square feet to 10,0000+ sq ft.
Kit Packages
$10-$20 /sq ft
Foundation
$4-$10 /sq ft
Build Cost
$3-$6 /sq ft
The Benefits of Steel Buildings
Cost Savings Fast construction, low material cost, insurance savings, and low maintenance.
Safety Safe, strong & sturdy, dimensionally stable, reduced fire risk, and improved grounding.
Environmental Recyclable, reduce waste, energy efficient, and less toxic.
Plus Ease of expansion, ease of relocation, unlimited layout choices, and no painting required. Full list of steel building advantages
Help to Get You Started
For first-time builders, we have created several resources to assist you in getting started with your build project.
Help to Get You Started
Start by exploring the following planning and design guides for inspiration
- Ideas & Inspiration
- Floor Plans
- Customization
- Metal Building Designer (3D)
Construction Resources
Detailed below are several resources to help you understand the PEMB erection process and what to expect.
Customization Options
All prefab buildings start as a basic shell. You then add custom options to suit your intended application and required style.
- Roof styles and profiles
- Door choices
- Color combinations
- Siding, paneling and façades
Frequently Asked Questions
At BuildingsGuide, we understand that not all pre-engineered metal buildings are created equal. That’s why all the buildings we supply are metal buildings designed to meet your unique requirements and specifications.
Whether you need a 3-car metal garage building, an auto shop, a 4-bedroom kit home, or a 50,000 sq ft warehouse building, our experienced vendors will assist you in creating the ideal solution.
Let’s dig in and look at what metal buildings have to offer.
What are pre-engineered metal buildings?
A metal building is a pre-fabricated structure engineered to your exact requirements and specifications.
Our manufacturer’s metal buildings are 100% custom-engineered to your size, roof style, functionality, and look requirements.
Engineered for Safety. When constructing a new building, it’s essential to prioritize safety by ensuring it meets or exceeds local codes for wind, snow, and seismic loads. These code compliance measures are carefully adhered to ensure the longevity and durability of the structure. Although not visible to the naked eye, they are the most critical customization for safety and security.
Tailored Dimensions. Each building is manufactured to the exact dimensions you specify and are available in the following sizes:
Widths: from 30 ft to 200 ft
Lengths: from 40 ft to 500+ ft
Heights: from 8 ft to 30 ft
Our most popular sizes include the extremely versatile 40×60 metal building and the functional 30×40 metal building kit package.
Multiple Roof Styles. Most buildings are shipped with gable profiles with either a 1:12 or 2:12 pitch, with the chance to increase this to 6:12. Our second most popular option is the single slope available in pitches from 1/2:12 to 4:12.
Other available roof styles include monitor and gambrel, popular choices for farm storage, and, more recently, barn homes & barndominiums.
Designed for Functionality. Access and walk doors fitted and positioned precisely where you need them… select from several popular door types. Add sheltered spaces such as porches and patios, or add extra covered outdoor storage space with the addition of a lean-to. Again, all of these structural upgrades are manufactured to your requirements.
Unique Designs. You can alter the exterior of your steel building to match existing structures, blend into the environment, or match your company brand.
Add a unique color scheme and mix-and-match paint choices for walls, roofing, siding, and trim with over 100 available combinations.
Kit packages come with commercial-grade metal exterior panels, but you can opt to swap these out for architectural siding, insulated panels, and more.
Why choose a steel building?
Get precisely the building you need in terms of both form and function. From the dimensions and shape to the color and finish of the exterior, our dealers will work with you to create a solution that is tailored to your exact specifications.
Key benefits of a steel building include:
Precision-engineered and manufactured. Our steel buildings are durable, functional, and long-lasting, with warranties of 30+ years. Each PEMB is manufactured to meet or exceed your local building code requirements, even in the harshest and most unpredictable environments.
Bespoke plans & layouts. No need to hire an architect. All the packages supplied by our vetted distributors include free designing and configuration consultation as part of your kit package.
Designed for functionality. Unlike off-the-shelf steel structures sold online and at big box stores, our steel frame buildings are manufactured to meet your specific needs, whether you need a second-level, oversized entryway or any other option.
Our suppliers also have a range of roof styles, including traditional pitched to arched Quonset buildings.
Service. Your chosen supplier will work closely with you throughout the configuration process, ensuring you get the ideal solution.
Please note. You are not obligated to purchase upgrades such as doors, windows, roofing, and siding materials from your chosen vendor. You can order a standard package with the desired number and dimensions of framed openings, and you then finish the building with materials sourced by you, your designer, or your architect.
What can PEMB structures be used for?
Some typical building applications include:
Barns
- Roof styles: gable, gambrel, and monitor profiles.
- Doors: overhead, sliding, and hydraulic.
- Decorative: weather vanes and cupolas.
- Lighting: translucent skylight panels.
See our metal barns page for sample plans, layouts, and design ideas.
Garage/Shops
- Roofing: traditional gable or single slope for a modern look.
- Door choices: overhead and roll-up.
- Functional: insulation, gutters, and downspouts.
- Shade & cover: overhangs and lean-tos for additional covered carport parking.
See our metal garage kits and metal shop buildings pages for more details.
Homes
- Roof profiles: traditional gable, the single slope for a contemporary look, or monitor for barn-style houses.
- Door selections: virtually any, including sliding, architectural, and more
- Aesthetic enhancements include exterior facade panels – stock or architectural metal siding, roofing, and color combinations.
- Functional: insulation, gutters, and downspouts.
- Lighting: large windows positioned where you need them.
- Structural: overhangs for porches, covered deck areas, and patios. Add a lean-to for attached carport parking spaces.
See our metal buildings with living quarters page for sample configurations and layouts.
Warehousing & Storage Facilities
- Roofing: traditional gable or single slope are the most common choices.
- Doors: overhead, roll-up, and personnel.
- Structural: overhangs, lean-to office spaces, and covered entryways.
For details on how to select the best size warehouse along with details on how to build a warehouse, refer to our metal warehouse buildings page, and for cost details, see our article on the cost to build a warehouse.
For inspiration, see our metal building designs and metal building floor plans.
How do I choose the best supplier?
BuildingsGuide works with some of North America’s best metal building suppliers, allowing you to pick a quality partner for your project quickly.
Once you request a quote, we match you with four suitable vendors based on your location and requirements. Before selecting a company, you may want to consider the following.
Price alone should not be the deciding factor. Steel buildings are a significant investment in both time and money. It is essential not to settle for the first or the cheapest manufacturer you come across. Take the time to research and shop around to find at least three quotes from manufacturers you trust and feel are best suited for the job.
While cost is important, do not decide solely based on the lowest offer you receive. You will need to be sure that your building is manufactured to meet all local codes and is backed by a solid warranty for the framing, siding, and roofing materials.
Check reviews and references. Thorough research is critical when choosing a PEMB manufacturer. Reading online reviews and requesting references are effective ways to gather information. Ask detailed questions about their past projects and experience, such as the size and scope of projects, completion time, issues faced, and customer satisfaction.
Shipping Points. Most distributors will ship from multiple locations throughout the country, but you should verify the closest shipping point to your intended job site. This will have a bearing on what you pay for delivery costs. Although this will probably not be a deal breaker, it is something to consider before placing your order.
Here are some questions you might want to ask prior to placing your order:
- How long have you been in business
- Do you specialize in pre-engineered building system construction?
- Are your buildings certified to meet my local code?
- What is included in your base package?
- What is included in the final quote, and what is not included?
- What type of warranty is provided?
- Are stamped engineered drawings included in the package?
- Do you provide a construction manual?
- Is shipping included in the final price?
- Will we be required to have lifting equipment to offload the building? If so, what type?
How much do metal buildings cost?
Typically, the base kit package for a steel building costs between $ 15 and $25 per square foot. Upgrade options such as doors, windows, and insulation can add 10% to 30% to the final cost.
For more details, see our metal building prices page.
