What Are The Steps to Erect A Pre-Engineered Steel Building and The Mistakes To Avoid?

Many prefabricated metal buildings are ideal for many different types of businesses. They can be erected quickly.

The key to erecting a pre-engineered steel building is avoiding common mistakes.

Even though it can be simple, it doesn't mean it's easy. Steel building construction is still a significant undertaking.

You've invested in a job site, purchased a prefabricated steel building system, and you've likely hired people to help you with the assembly.

When done right and when mistakes are avoided, erecting a pre-engineered metal building can be one of the quicker construction projects you undertake.

Your steel building components come with building plans and sometimes even videos telling you what to do.

It seems simple, but several steel building erection mistakes need to be avoided.

As long as you have a little experience, they can be avoided with just a little planning and common sense.

In the article below, we will discuss a few steps involved in pre-engineered steel building constructions and some mistakes to avoid.

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What Are the Steps To Erect A Metal Building?

The method of construction of steel frame structure is pretty straightforward if you follow the building plans and design and have a little know-how.

The steel frame building construction sequence consists of a few different steps. We'll talk about three of them below.

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1. Preparing The Foundation

The first step in a successful steel building project is properly preparing and executing your foundation.

Most prefabricated steel building providers will provide you with the necessary drawings and information needed to locate and set your anchor bolts.

If you aren't experienced in this area, it might be a good idea to work with an experienced foundation contractor so that the slab is laid correctly and the anchor bolts are properly located.

If this step is completed correctly, your steel building will be a breeze to erect.

See how STEVENS can help you avoid mistakes with your pre-engineered metal building.

 

   

2. Primary Framing

The primary framing during steel building construction consists of your primary I-Beam columns and rafters.

All of your primary steel is welded, pre-cut, and pre-punched for easy installation.

These are the heaviest and strongest steel pieces that you will bolt together and fasten to your foundation.

Once you get your frame installed, you can bolt your secondary members to your primary framing.

   

3. Roof and Wall Sheeting

Once your framing is complete, you can install the insulation and your wall and roof sheeting.

You should begin the installation with the wall sheeting first.

You can attach the sheeting to the secondary framing using self-drilling fasteners.

When your walls are done, you can start work on the roof panels and install the weather stripping.

Weather stripping is important because it will help keep your building leak-free.

There are several mistakes you should avoid when erecting a steel building

What Mistakes do you need to Avoid?

Failure To Get Prior Approval

You should never build anything without getting a building permit.

You will need to know your local building codes before ordering your steel building kit. Trying to erect your pre-engineered steel building without the proper permits could be disastrous. 

Ordering your kit before you know your local codes could turn out to be a huge waste of time and money.

You could discover that your steel structure violates local regulations, zoning, or easements.

This will likely cost you a fortune in fines. 

Your local authorities might even force you to take down your new structure!

You absolutely need to contact your local building department before you order your prefabricated metal building. 

Unprepared Job Site

Never start construction before your job site is ready.

Make sure your site is cleared for your building, including a large area around it, so you have enough room to unload and store parts.

The concrete for your foundation needs plenty of time to cure before it supports the load of your steel building.

It needs at least a week in fair weather before it can handle the load of your structure.

You also need to be sure you have adequate roads and access ways for delivery trucks, construction equipment, and construction workers.

It's also in your best interest to mark all of your utilities, especially overhead power lines and your underground lines.

If your site isn't prepared or cleared properly, you won't have room to unload or move parts and equipment.

This can create a safety hazard from the beginning.

Steel building erection accidents and delays in delivery and construction are prevalent when you haven't prepared your job site.

Not Reading the Building Plan

Always read the instructions that come with your metal buildingThere are builders out there who think they know enough to put together any metal building kit without reading the instructions or going over the building plans.

Or they just think they'll be able to figure things out as they go.

But instructions and plans are included with every commercial steel building kit for a reason.

They ensure proper assembly from the beginning.

Experience isn't enough when it comes to putting together a custom pre-engineered steel building.

And don't think that prefabricated buildings are "cookie-cutter" construction because there's no such thing.

Even stock prefabricated buildings will require changes based on the construction site and local building codes.

The instructions for steel structures are written to include the building industry's correct techniques and the metal building manufacturer's requirements, and the equipment requirements and safety advice.

Ignoring Safety Measures

Enthusiastic do-it-yourselfers sometimes tend to jump into a project too quickly without the proper safety equipment. 

They are confident in their ability to “figure out” prefab steel building construction as they go.

However, metal building mistakes caused by a lack of care and planning are often very dangerous.

Pay close attention to all the safety procedures in the manual that comes with your kit.

Make sure everyone involved with the job has the appropriate safety gear like hard hats and safety gloves.

Adhering to the manual’s instructions and safety protocols protects your building and the builders.

 

Why Contact STEVENS For Help Constructing Your Building

It might be okay to erect smaller prefabricated buildings by yourself, but large industrial metal building projects are better left to the experts.

That's where STEVENS comes in.

STEVENS' prefabricated building systems team takes pride in focusing on its relationships with clients.

They work to ensure that they understand their client's specific needs and their steel building project requirements.

They develop and erect commercial prefabricated metal buildings that provide building solutions that fit several industries' needs and designs while also meeting all the local codes and requirements for industry-specific steel buildings.

With STEVENS, you get a full-service construction and pre-engineered metal building systems team for your next steel building project.

To see what STEVENS can do for you, click the button below.

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Check out our other pre-engineered metal building articles:

Why Prefabricated Metal Buildings Are Ideal For Recreational Sports Facilities

What Kind Of Maintenance Does A Metal Building Need?

Why Choose Pre-engineered Metal Buildings For Your Warehouse

 

 

About The Author

ben-sparhawk

I'm Ben Sparhawk, the Content Writer and Marketing Account Manager for the esteemed STEVENS company. As someone passionate about crafting captivating content, I take great pride in creating pieces that highlight STEVENS' capabilities and communicate the depth and breadth of their outstanding work.

In my role, I'm constantly striving to develop messaging that resonates with our clients and effectively showcases the exceptional work that we do here at STEVENS. I believe that communication is the key to success, and I work tirelessly to ensure our marketing efforts are engaging and informative.

When I'm not working, I often spend time with my three wonderful children. Becoming a dad is one of the best things that has happened to me, and I love every moment I get to spend with my wife and kids. You can also find me in the gym, trying to better myself, and I also enjoy spending time outdoors hiking or checking out local parks.