As of recent, it seems that there has been an uptick in companies that are needing to expand their facilities.  I have been getting a lot of calls from clients interested in adding on an addition to their existing facilities.  Some of my clients have an existing metal building and some do not.  Either way, a Custom-Engineered Steel Building is a cost-effective and quick solution to any business owner looking to add more square footage to their space.

A few factors for a business owner to consider prior to commencement of any Expansion Project is:

1. The Condition of the existing building
2. How closely the addition needs to match the aesthetics of the original structure
3. Confirming there is another space to build per the setbacks
4. The grade of the lot

If the condition of the existing building is poor, many times it is more cost-effective to demolish the structure and start over.  Additionally, if the original building is not in compliance with current building codes, it is also sometimes more cost-effective to go with a full demolish.  So, please examine the condition of your original structure verses what your area’s codes will require you to “upgrade” and decide what the best solution is for your Investment.  Is it to demolish and start over or to keep the structure you have and just add onto it?  Once that is decided, consider the aesthetics.

A Custom-Engineered Steel Building is so versatile that it can be designed to match any exterior look on the market.  With all the various options available comes an array of price-points.  If you want your addition to have a brick exterior wall just like the brick on your existing building, just know it will have a higher price per square foot than an addition with standard steel sheeting.  That said, any exterior look is within reach with a Custom- Engineered Steel Building.

Most local Building Departments have guidelines for how close you can build to your property lines.  Please practice due-diligence and confirm with your local municipality that you can build the size building that you think is best for your Expansion Project.

Get proper site-work estimates on your lot.  Make sure you are fully aware of what the cost of grading, excavating, installation of utilities, etc. will be prior to moving forward.  I have seen site-work quotes “kill” a project.  And you do not want to be blind-sided by an unexpected cost during the Construction phase of your project.

Once you have hurdled these initial considerations it is time to move onto the actual expansion.  What type of expansion are you considering?  Is it an endwall or sidewall expansion?  Will this expansion create valley conditions between the two structures where snow or rain can penetrate the exterior?  Do I need additional engineering to “beef-up” my existing structure?  Am I creating a condition where snow can drift off onto the other building resulting in a structural issue?  What type of flashing is required to weather-proof my two buildings?  Does this expansion require a load-bearing endwall or a full rigid frame endwall?  Am I making my building wider, or longer, or both?  What will be the Foundation Requirements for my expansion?

There are a myriad of questions that need to be asked and answered just like the ones listed above.  Make sure any Building Rep you are speaking to asks you these type of questions.  Anyone at SOLID Steel would address these concerns in our first discussion with you because we want to custom engineer a building that works for your business 30 to 50 years from now and not just on day one.  If you are not being asked questions like the ones above, hang up.  Move on until you find someone who is as interested in your investment as you are.

No matter what idea you have for future expansion, a Custom-Engineered Steel Building can produce the results you are planning.  Reach out to a Building Solutions Manager and share your ideas with us so we can supply a solution that works for you!