Texas Metal Building | WolfSteel Buildings
Starting a Texas Metal Building Project can be an exciting journey, but without proper planning and foresight, it can quickly turn into a regrettable experience.
Throughout our years in the metal building industry we’ve witnessed countless clients express their regrets, often saying, “I wish I had known this sooner” or “I should have done things differently.”
In this article, we will dive into the top 4 regrets we’ve seen customers make in their metal building projects, and how you can avoid making the same regrets. By learning from these common mistakes, you can make informed decisions to save time and money on your next Texas metal building project.
REGRET # 1: FAILING TO RESEARCH THEIR METAL BUILDING COMPANY
One of the most common regrets we’ve encountered is customer do not conduct thorough research on their chosen metal building company.
In the Texas tubular industry, you will encounter a blend of manufacturers and dealers competing for your business.
It is essential to understand whom you are dealing with. Dealers are sales representatives who sell metal buildings for manufacturers. Manufacturers manufacture and prefabricate metal building components, preparing them for assembly on-site. Manufacturing companies also have in-house sales teams.
To make an informed choice, consider these key factors in your research:
1. DEALER OR MANUFACTURER? – A critical distinction lies in whether the company operates as a dealer or a manufacturer.
2. LOCATION MATTERS – When researching your project, consider factors such as the company’s location because this can influence your decision if you intend to meet with your builder or sales person.
The geographical proximity of the company to your location can also determine how quickly your projects get underway.
3. INSTALLATION OR KIT-ONLY? – What products and services does the company offer? Do they align with the project you are planning?
Tubular Metal Building
Most tubular metal building companies include delivery and installation in the quotes they present to you. There are a handful of exceptions that offer kit-only options so make sure that the company provides this option.
Red Iron Metal Building
The choice between KIT ONLY and INSTALLATION INCLUDED is very common in the red iron industry. It is crucial to determine if the company you have chosen not only provides the metal building but also handles the installation.
In the case of Texas metal building companies that offer KIT-ONLY options, this would mean you will need to find a separate builder to install your red iron metal building. This distinction can significantly affect the overall project cost, as labor expenses are typically not included.
What does WolfSteel Think?
- We have noticed that crucial details are often missed from one part of the process to the next, leading to regrets and additional cost to fix. WE AIM TO PREVENT ALL OF THAT.
This is precisely why we founded WolfSteel Buildings – to REVAMP Industry Standards. We serve as your general contractor, acting as your single point of contact from start to finish. We manage all aspects, including site prep, permitting assistance, concrete work, metal building construction, insulation, accessories, and more. Our goal is to ensure a SEAMLESS and HASSLE-FREE experience for our clients.
- To conduct effective research, we recommend utilizing resources such as online reviews and social media platforms. If you’re purchasing through a dealer, don’t hesitate to ask them about the manufacturer responsible for constructing your Texas steel building.
- Choosing between a dealer and a manufacturer is a preference based on customer service, the level of assistance they provide, and their reviews. We like to compare it to the car industry. You don’t buy a car directly from Ford; instead, you purchase it from a Ford dealership. While you’re getting the same product, the difference lies in the customer satisfaction and experience you will receive from them both in the PRE and POST sale.
This diligence ensures that you make the right decision and embark on your Texas metal building project with confidence.
REGRET # 2: OVERLOOKING PERMITS AND RESTRICTIONS
Permitting is another area where customers often fall short in their preparations. It is a critical aspect of any metal building construction project, and it’s essential to thoroughly understand it.
Additionally, it has become increasingly popular to obtain permits in Texas in recent years.
First, determine if your Texas metal building project requires a permit and whether the responsibility falls on your chosen company or yourself. Many companies in the metal building industry do not handle permitting, but the trend is shifting towards more involvement in guiding customers through this process.
Always check your HOA’s rules, as well as the city or county regulations, to ensure your project aligns with their regulations. This research ensures a smoother and more successful Texas metal building project right from the start.
What does WolfSteel Think?
- WolfSteel Buildings strongly recommends researching what’s allowed on your property, including metal building construction, adherence to house aesthetics, and property setbacks. Ignoring these factors can lead to costly changes lates on, especially when navigating city regulations or HOA.
For added convenience, we offer assistance with this service to our clients at an additional fee.
REGRET # 3: NOT SETTING A REASONABLE BUDGET
The Texas metal building industry has experienced price increases. The days of 2020 metal building prices are gone. Therefore, to prevent regrets related to your budget, it’s crucial to set a budget range rather than a fixed number.
Always consider your NEEDS and REASONS FOR PURCHASING a steel building. Ensure you include all these necessities before focusing on aesthetics. By doing this, you can be sure that you fully assess if your budget is feasible for the project you have in mind
Whether it’s a Tubular or a Red Iron metal building project, always make sure you’re comparing similar quality and scope in your budget comparisons. Assess factors like turnkey solutions, quality, and the offerings provided by different companies.
What does WolfSteel Think?
- No, we aren’t telling you to break your bank for the project. Having a scale or an average of how much to spend is essential, considering unexpected expenses that may arise during permitting, engineering, etc. For instance, additional fees may occur when permitting your backyard space or if your building requires extra doors, it might need your additional reinforcement for structural integrity. These unforseen expenses can add up.
- Consider whether you’ll finance your project through your bank or the company directly and examine the associated rates and discounts. Open communication with your sales representative is key, as they can customize solutions to meet your financial constraints.
REGRET # 4: SHORT-TERM THINKING VS LONG-TERM PLANNING
Thinking about the immediate need without considering long-term usage is another common regret.
When embarking on a Texas metal building project, it’s essential to consider the long-term perspective. Your steel building’s purpose may change over time. Many clients opt to completely transform their metal buildings later on.
For example, will you be adding heavy machinery later on in the future to reinforce your concrete? Will you be purchasing an RV where you might need enough height clearance on the building and doors? Will you be using this building as a residential home where you might need to engineer the metal building for residential construction?
What does WolfSteel Think?
- Consider whether you will need electricity, insulation, or envision turning it into a personal haven like a man cave or she shed. Think about potential changes in your vehical size or the necessity for accommodating family gatherings.
- All of these considerations can affect the building’s dimensions, height, and panel orientation.
These are regrets we have commonly heard from our clients, and we will continue to listen attentively to their feedback. If we come across more common regrets, we will create an updated video and blog to address them.
While planning a new Texas metal building project may seem extensive, a few years down the road, you’ll be grateful you thought about every aspect.
By conducting thorough research, prioritizing permitting, budgeting realistically, and thinking long-term, you can avoid falling into these common regrets.
Also, do check out the following videos as part of your research.
If you have any questions about our Texas metal building projects, need permitting assistance, or are interested in starting your turnkey project, please don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at 844-941-0999.