How Much Does Commercial Metal Building Cost?
The cost to erect a commercial metal building averages $13 to $27 per square foot. But this price can go as low as $8 a square foot (or as high as $140 per square foot), depending on current steel prices, your building’s size and design, the options available to you, and any customizations you pick.
Metal commercial buildings cost less than wood buildings, which average at $36 per square foot to build. Their construction takes months rather than weeks, and their lifetime maintenance costs are higher.
Size Matters with Commercial Metal Buildings
Commercial metal building prices range from $22,000 to more than $38,000. It all depends on building size, the number of windows and doors, the insulation used, and creature comforts like electricity, plumbing, and HVAC.
Popular commercial building sizes under $22,000 are 40×40 foot, 40×50 foot, and 40×60 foot. Larger buildings cost $38,000 or more. You can expect to pay around the following for buildings of these sizes:
- 40×60 foot building: $38,000
- 32×40 foot building: $22,000
- 50×100 foot building: $76,000-$83,000 on the East Coast and $83,000 to $97,000 on the West Coast
Your budget isn’t the only factor that affects building size. You must select a size that your land will support. You might want a 40×40-foot structure but learn your lot can only accommodate a 30×40 foot building. Make sure you know your lot dimensions and local requirements for placement to right-size your building.
Building height also affects cost. You might try to save money with a shorter building, but a structure that isn’t tall enough won’t work in commercial use, while a building that’s too tall lacks shade and costs more to heat and cool. A rigid-frame building provides ample usable space and headspace. Ceiling heights range from 20 to 40 feet, with most commercial buildings favoring the greater height.
“I don’t know the word ‘quit.’ Either I never did, or I have abolished it.” – Susan Butcher
Insulating Your Metal Building
A variety of insulation options exist for commercial metal buildings. Some insulation solutions work better than others and some are more costly. The most popular insulation options are fiberglass insulation, spray foam, double bubble insulation, and prefabricated insulated panels.
- Double bubble insulation acts as bubble wrap for a metal building to control temperature and condensation and is a cost-effective solution for moisture control and minimal heating and cooling.
- Fiberglass insulation at 2 inches thick works well. Its R-8 value is lower than the R-32 value of insulation in most homes. Fiberglass insulation works best in applications with minimal heating and cooling.
- Spray foam closes gaps between the base, corner, eaves, and around all panel terminations to keep the building airtight. Most installers recommend some spray foam in corners and cracks to prevent heated or cooled air from escaping.
- Insulated metal panels also offer some benefits. Each panel comprises two single-skin metal panels and a foam core sealed at the sides. These prefabricated panels lock together to create building walls. But they are more expensive than traditional metal building panels.
Windows and Doors of Commercial Metal Building
Windows and doors play an essential role in the look and function of a commercial metal building. Their shape, size, and location all call for consideration. When employees work inside, windows and doors must insulate them from heat, cold, and sound, all while offering fire protection and energy savings.
Hollow metal doors are the most affordable choice. Galvanized doors work as exterior doors and cost less than commercial steel doors, which offer superior endurance, security, and reliability. Heavy-duty, commercial-grade, metal roll-up doors for commercial buildings also add to the total price.
“You only have to do a few things right in your life so long as you don’t do too many things wrong.” – Warren Buffett
Process To Get Commercial Metal Building Cost Estimate Report
Here I am going to share some steps to get your commercial metal building cost estimate report.
