There’s no simple answer to how much your pre-engineered metal building will cost. Many factors can impact the final price, including the building’s intended purpose and size, the amount of site preparation needed, and the overall project timeline and labor costs.
Working with a commercial contractor with a proven record in pre-engineered metal building construction will help you solidify your building vision and provide a trusted and accurate building quote.
Below, we walk you through everything you and your contractor should consider when finalizing your metal building cost.
6 Factors That Can Influence the Cost of a Metal Building
1) Purpose and Use of the Building
Whether your building will be used for storage, manufacturing, or other specific industrial purposes will dictate the design and structural requirements, impacting the overall pre-engineered metal building cost. Below are factors to consider when it comes to your building’s overall intended purpose:
- Storage vs. Manufacturing: Storage buildings are typically much more simple and straightforward as compared to a manufacturing facility. Storage and warehouse settings do not require the mechanical infrastructure, office area, equipment needs, or building enhancements that manufacturing functions need.
- Office Space and Additional Areas: Adding office space requires interior walls, HVAC systems, electrical wiring, plumbing, and connectivity systems, raising the overall project cost.
- Commercial and Industrial Needs: Commercial buildings that serve a higher volume of occupants typically involve specialized layouts, sophisticated electrical and mechanical systems, and a higher level of finishes. Conversely, industrial projects typically come with larger infrastructure demands through things like thicker floors, equipment foundations, larger electrical and mechanical demands, or overhead cranes.
The answer to the “How Much?” question simply doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. Careful planning and consideration of these factors will help you obtain a more accurate metal building price estimate and ensure your project meets all necessary functional and regulatory standards.
2) Building Size and Dimensions
It should come as no surprise the size of your metal building will influence the overall cost. More building, of course, means more building materials and more labor hours to assemble them.
Every aspect of a building project, from site preparation and foundation work to the building envelope and electrical systems, increases in complexity and cost as the building size grows. While economies of scale can help offset some costs, the extent of these savings will vary depending on the specific project.
Determining the best size for a metal building should also include considerations for future expansion. Accounting for future growth can sometimes slightly increase project costs in all the previously mentioned areas, but investing in future growth from the start will streamline and reduce the logistical and economic costs of future expansions and save you money in the long run.
A.C.E. Building Service has been Northeast Wisconsin’s trusted design-build contractor for over sixty years. We have extensive experience constructing metal buildings at a fair and honest price that far exceeded customer expectations. Check out our full project gallery!
3) Building Materials and Components
Choosing building materials and components can contribute to the balance of price and functionality to optimize initial and long-term costs. Some elements to consider when determining if a building material cost will be worth it in the long run are:
- Investing in a durable roofing system like Butler’s MR-24® roof system, the industry’s most trusted standing-seam metal roof system. While these types of systems will increase the initial cost, their weathertight performance will save you money in future maintenance and roof replacement expenses.
- Increasing building insulation beyond code minimum can contribute to initial higher building costs but improve energy efficiency, reducing long-term energy costs over the life of the building.
- Building finish materials play a role in overall cost as well. There are many different materials to choose from at many different price points.
Finishing touches like doors, windows, skylights, and accessories like interior partitions, ventilation systems, finishes, and fixtures will also impact your overall metal building cost.
Your design-build contractor should work with you to understand your overall project budget and help determine where you can (and shouldn’t) cut costs when it comes to building materials and components. For example, you may have your heart set on marble countertops, but quartz tops may offer a very similar look and appeal at a fraction of the cost. Asphalt may be substituted for concrete, composite siding for masonry, LVT for hard tile, and other countless options can help keep your overall commercial project cost in check.
Discover the difference between “hard” and “soft” costs in construction!
4) Location and Site Preparation
The location of your metal building can also play a role in the overall project cost. Proximity to water, the openness around the building, snow load considerations, and seismic considerations should all be taken into account.
The specific site of your building on the property and the required site preparation are also cost- controlling factors. Things like soil types, stormwater management provisions, and site topography can all greatly influence the cost of site preparation. For example, it could be a factor of x3 or more to prepare a site on bedrock versus one on clay.
Lastly, local zoning regulations can greatly influence project costs. Some municipalities may require a more significant level of exterior finish materials, a minimum level of landscape materials and plantings, and may have specific stormwater management requirements. Conversely, others may have far greater or far fewer requirements.
Uncover five inconspicuous factors that can add cost to a building project!
5) Customization and Design Complexity
Customizing your metal building can improve functionality through architectural enhancements like clearspan design for large unobstructed spaces, multi-level spaces and mezzanines, personalized layouts and specialized areas, and more. Insulated panels, skylights, ventilation, and lighting options can further improve a structure by increasing energy efficiency.
Aesthetic enhancements such as custom finishes and facades, windows, doors, and a list of other options all improve your building’s curb appeal while, in many cases, providing functional benefits as well. Specialty windows and doors, for example, can improve building appearance, energy efficiency, and security. However, it’s important to note that increasing design complexity often requires more detailed planning, specialized labor, and time, all of which will increase engineering and construction costs.
Learn everything you need to know about pre-engineered metal buildings and how you can start building with us today!
6) Construction Timeline and Labor Costs
When considering the costs associated with a pre-engineered metal building, it's important to understand the impact of the construction timeline and labor costs. The length of the construction timeline can significantly influence the overall pre-engineered metal building cost, as extended timelines often lead to higher labor expenses.
The design-build project delivery method is an effective approach to managing construction timelines and labor costs. Unlike traditional construction methods, where design and construction phases are separate, the design-build approach integrates these phases. This streamlined process can lead to significant cost savings and a more efficient timeline. Having a single entity responsible for design and construction improves communication. Potential issues are identified and resolved quickly, and overall project coordination is enhanced.
Learn how to effectively plan your construction project timeline here!
Explore Our Metal Building Design Gallery
Understanding the size and basic design of your metal building is a great starting point for estimating your overall project cost. At A.C.E. Building Service, we are here to provide expert advice and guidance needed to help you bring your metal building vision into reality. This is why we created a comprehensive metal building design gallery featuring our most popular building sizes and designs.
Whether you need a new metal building for small manufacturing operations or a large-scale industrial or warehouse facility, our metal building design gallery contains six common building sizes and configurations that are fully designed and ready to build.
Take a look and select the one that’s right for you, or let us know how we can help custom tailor a building to your specific requirements and start the process of getting you a trusted and accurate project quote.
Why Choose an A.C.E. Pre-Engineered Metal Building?
A.C.E. Building Service has been designing and constructing metal buildings since 1963. Recently named a 2023 Top Metal Builder by Metal Construction News, A.C.E. has built a reputation as an industry-leading pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) contractor offering commercial and industrial construction services.
Through our design-build project delivery approach and long-time partnership with Butler Manufacturing, we are with you throughout the entire lifespan of your project. We are not just your contractor but your trusted partner, offering the complete guidance and support needed to ensure every aspect of your project is considered.
Together, we can bring your metal building vision to life at a fair and honest cost. Ready to talk to us about your metal building project? Contact us today!
