r/metalbuildings

We work with steel buildings here in South Florida, and one thing we see a lot is people comparing quotes that look similar but actually aren’t.

A few big differences to watch for:

• Is it engineered for Florida wind code?
• Does the quote include stamped plans?
• Cold-formed steel vs tube frame vs red iron
• Are framed openings included?
• Delivery/install actually included?
• Warranty differences

A cheaper quote isn’t always apples-to-apples. :)

I ordered a 20 x 30 red iron building from Sunward Steel, arriving in 3-4 weeks. For the 3070 walk door of this standalone garage / shop, I'm looking at Home Depot for inexpensive. I live in Hawaii and everything else is crazy expensive.

I'm installing an outswing door. The girts are 8c16 - 8" deep (16 gauge, C channel). There is one pre-hung door available that I can order for $800. It's made for standard 4-7/8 width walls. I can order custom through the pro desk a door with a knock down frame made for 8" walls. But this costs an extra $1,000.

Since I don't plan on drywalling the interior, I'm wondering if it'll work to install a 4 7/8 frame to my 8" girts. The extra 3" would be exposed on the inside. Since its an unfinished storage shop / garage, are there any other downsides I'm missing? If it were ever trimmed out, a jam extension should work, as I understand it?

I've never built a building, so this is all new and I don't want to make a total newbie mistake ordering an incompatible door. I'd like to avoid spending an extra $1,000 on a door if I can help it.

Thanks in advance!

Hey all,
I’m located in the Elizabeth City, NC area (27909) and I’m looking to put up a metal garage/shop on my property. I’ve been getting quotes from a few companies, but I’m seeing mixed reviews and wanted to get some real-world feedback from people who have actually gone through this.
What I’m looking for:
20x30 fully enclosed metal building

Around 10–11 ft wall height

Vertical roof

12 gauge framing

10x10 roll-up garage door + 1 walk-in door

Likely installing on leveled ground (no slab for now)

I’ve already looked at places like Carolina Carports, Alan’s Factory Outlet, and a couple local dealers, but reviews seem all over the place—especially when it comes to install crews.
Looking for:
Companies that service NE NC

Good install experiences (that’s my biggest concern)

Anything to watch out for before ordering

If you’ve had one installed in this region, I’d really appreciate hearing who you used and how it went.
Thanks!

Hello - Needing to move fast on making a decision and was unfortunately pretty naive when it comes to the different metal buildings structures this time last week.

Looking to build a conditioned ~40x50x18' (with 2 12-15' lean-to's on the long sides), 2 garage doors in Middle TN. Am planning on owning this property for decades so I do want high quality but this is the first building on the property and still need to build a primary home so do not want to spend excessive amounts.

I am planning on closed cell foaming whatever I end up going with.

If you assume tubular is $50K for materials and labor (so no pad prep, concrete, insulation, electrical, doors), how much of a premium would you pay for CFR or red iron?

How much of a premium would you pay for a standing seam roof vs standard exposed fasteners?

Any other advice or suggestions?

Thank you!

Just had a 24x30 metal shed put up Originally the sales guy said it would have 6 anchors and that over 25’ requires the extra 2. They only put them in the corners, nothing in the middle on the 30’ sides. Is there a standard practice for the anchors? They do have rebar hammered in every 2-3 feet as well.

I am preparing to get quotes on a 30x40 metal building and we want to build a porch off the front but really don't like the standard metal frame support pole look. We want it to have the more tradition wood pole look, is it possible to safely build off of a metal tube building using in this fashion or are we better to stay all metal? Thanks