There has been a rash of radio advertisements that tout metal building “packages” with comments such as, “You can get a 5,000 square foot metal building for under $35,000!”
Caveat emptor comes to mind here. Sheridan Construction has been asked to erect some of these building packages that unwary customers have purchased. Our in-house pre-engineered building erectors have built thousands of Butler Builder® buildings, as well as several competing firms’ buildings that were purchased directly by owners.
When asked if we would submit a proposal to erect one of these “radio ad” buildings, we took a look at a package provided by a buyer, but did not offer a proposal. Here’s why:
- These are national advertisements and not “one size fits all.” The companies offering these low prices select the lowest possible roof snow load for that price. A building designed for southern states with a 20 pound roof snow load will not work in Maine where we build 42 pound buildings in the south and 60 – 80 pound buildings in the north.
- These prices do not include building insulation, framed openings for overhead doors, pass-doors, or windows. Those all need to be added to the low price advertised.
- Freight costs are not included.
- Labor and equipment for erection are not included.
- The roof panels are “screw-down” roofs and not the more desirable standing seam roof.
In addition, the package we evaluated but declined a proposal for included an insulation package that did not meet the current energy codes in Maine. That, combined with the screw-down roof would not allow for a cost-effective increased insulation solution.
We also compared a simple Butler Building package with a screw-down roof, no insulation, and no added amenities to get a feel for the price difference. The materials price for this in the Portland, Maine area is under $28,000. Changing to Butler’s MR-24 standing seam roof brings it to just over $30,000. Both require freight charges added.
When a building such as this gets the proper insulation, overhead doors, pass-doors, windows, concrete foundations, slabs, erection, and stamped engineered plans required for obtaining permits, the overall project budget can approach $200,000. Additional project costs such as earthwork, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, and plumbing and electrical still need to be considered. This is where things often fall apart for the buyer.
Sheridan Construction has been a Butler Builder® since 1947, building over 3,000 buildings. We welcome your inquiries into the cost of a complete build of your new facility.
