Many of today’s larger companies house their operations in steel structures.
Considering these types of buildings have been around for more than a century, people sometimes think they are outdated. What they don’t realize is that most retail spaces, like Walmart, use steel structures. Retailers then add their branding to change the look and feel of the building. When you walk into a Walmart or other major retail center, the ceiling is a steel structure painted in appealing colors to create a specific mood for shoppers.
Try something similar in your warehouse or shop. Consider these factors when choosing a steel structure for your company:
Aesthetics
At The Reinhart Group, we have noticed a trend in Lloydminster toward companies looking for something outstanding. More and more, they are opting for single slope buildings. These give you a sealed seam roof which, if low-angled, can give you a roof that lasts longer and has fewer leaks. If you need something straightforward, like a farm building, you probably want to keep it simple rather than going for something sloped.
Functionality
Design should be based on building use. For example, will there be a crane? A crane will dictate column size. If your need is for a large open area, like a warehouse, you may want a clear span so nothing impedes easy movement. If you need air nozzles, posts may be a better option.
Budget
Not many people know that steel buildings are priced per ton. Adding or subtracting a couple of beams can impact the bottom line.
Something else to consider is the size of a building as it relates to its use. A small business or large company, new to an area (and not yet sure about expansion), for example, might opt for less square footage, perhaps a building 6,000 square feet. A size like this allows functionality with overhead doors, drive through bays, and office space. Functionality drastically decreases, however, when you go below that size.
Larger projects, can sometimes be up to 600 feet long. Sizes like this enable trucking companies to have long drive through bays allowing for equipment to pass straight through because there are doors on each side. Even though it costs more to have that extra door on the other side, people absolutely love it. It promotes safety and efficiency and has become increasingly popular.
While we recommend an experienced builder for these types of structures, however there is another option for smaller buildings such as farm shops. Kits are an affordable way to erect a steel structure at a fraction of the cost. Farmers can save money by doing much of the work themselves.
Getting the perfect fit
You, too, can create the same sleek appearance retailers have mastered when using a steel structure as the base for your shop or warehouse. It is important to determine how crucial aesthetics are versus functionality. Once that is determined, you can select an appropriate size based on your budget.