50 x 60 x 16 Steel Building

[Socal 610]

Hello All,

I would like to start by saying what a amazing website and thank you all for your contributions.

I have just broke ground on a 3,000 SQ ft steel building, the building will have a 3:12 roof pitch and 1' overhang on all four sides, fully insulated. The grading is done and the forms are set. The concrete is scheduled for Monday the 27th. Since I hired out the erection of the building it should move fairly quickly.

The building will be RV storage the second bay will have a 11k lift for auto maintenance and restoration projects, the third will be for boat, truck ,ect, ect!

I will be installing a restroom/storage room with a loft on top. there will be a section for my man cave/Harley storage. With neon lights, a bar and very long (24') chrome pole. HeHeHe!

I will provide a 100amp panel for power and copper pipe throughout for air.

Attached is a couple pictures, and will update as possible. (First pic show what it will look like)

 

[Zinger1Brock]

good luck,and have fun building it.

 

[Socal 610]

I wanted to keep you guy's updated on the progress, attached are three pictures of the work (7 1/2 trucks of concrete)from today, the last is the view from my kitchen window.

I had some low spots in the grading, I figured they would throw some dirt in there but they just filled it with concrete . A good portion of the slab is twelve inches deep, Tomorrow they will saw cut the expansion joints and deliver the steel building on the 5th.

Thats about it for now I'll keep posting as the work continues

 

[NTORACN]

Nice shop!!! Looks like you live off Old Woman Springs road by the back way up to Big Bear. What bldg mfg did you go with and how much for the building? Why 12" concrete?

 

[Socal 610]

Nice shop!!! Looks like you live off Old Woman Springs road by the back way up to Big Bear. What bldg mfg did you go with and how much for the building? Why 12" concrete?

I live in Phelan around the base of wrightwood. The building is MFG'ed by Forbes Steel Inc. The concrete was 12" in spots because the the grading wasnt great and instead of fixing they just ordered 5 1/2 more yards.

 

[Dstrompf]

I live in Phelan around the base of wrightwood. The building is MFG'ed by Forbes Steel Inc. The concrete was 12" in spots because the the grading wasnt great and instead of fixing they just ordered 5 1/2 more yards.

How many yards was the job originally supposed to call for? Extra concrete is usually ordered for grading inconsistencies and such...typically it's somewhere around 10%. It stinks if they failed to mention this to you before. I guess it's better to have too much than too little right?

Anyways, it sounds like you've had this project planned out for a while...I'm interested to see how this garage/man cave turns out Keep us posted!

 

[930dreamer]

Great start, keep the pics coming.

 

[mws444]

Gotta love the steel! It looks like I am not far ahead of you, they are erecting the steel on mine now. Maybe you got lucky and the extra concrete will be where your lift is going.
I would however get a concession from the contractor on the extra concrete.

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

Keep us informed with any progress. Looks good

 

[Socal 610]

Sorry for not updating this thread, but this dream building has become a living nightmare.

Hiring Forbes Steel Inc was the biggest mistake I could have made, my building sits 7/8th complete six months after signing the contract, and these guys don’t show up for weeks at a time. Won’t answer the phone, emails.

A brief explanation to follow:

1) The screw used for the panels are to short plus they used impacts(for a insulated building) so every panel is dented and the rubber washers are deformed, torn or completely missing.
2) I have at least two panels per wall that are dented and scratched, yet they put them up anyways.
3) There forklift leaked hydraulic oil all over the slab, they tried to correct this by throwing dirt on the oil, then drove the scissor lift on the dirt (that had rocks in it) , so I now have gouges in the slab.
4) Because the building has been left open in the weather insulation is tearing off the backing, the Vinyl backing is ripped in spots.
5) They haven’t paid there subs so I have a lien placed on my property.

I'm sure I missed a few detail, and the saga continues.

You Guys that have insulated buildings, can you tell me if you have dimples from the screws? let me know. I fill this could have been prevented by using longer screws?

 

[Nighttrain]

What guage of steel are they using? 26ga or 29ga? That maybe a reason for the steel to dent in a bit but they used too strong of a setting/torq on the drills. You may want to get a lawyer involved on this. Its hard to see but did they put in any type of footings in the slab for the steel colums? Looks like someone is building this that does not have the experience needed to build it.

 

[Socal 610]

What guage of steel are they using? 26ga or 29ga? That maybe a reason for the steel to dent in a bit but they used too strong of a setting/torq on the drills. You may want to get a lawyer involved on this. Its hard to see but did they put in any type of footings in the slab for the steel colums? Looks like someone is building this that does not have the experience needed to build it.

Night train,

Your name reminds me of my first Harley Davidson.

Back on topic, the paneling is 26ga roof and walls.

 

[Foxxtrot]

It's these kind of guys that give contractors a bad name!
Definitely get an attorney. Good luck!

 

[mws444]

I agree on the lawyer part, they can also remove the lien from your property. I really hope you have not paid the contractor yet. As a rule it is best to only allow draws during contruction and under no circumstances advance more than 80% until they bring receipts for the subs and materials.
Take a look at the pics on my thread, I have only found two very small dents in my whole build, and it is 80 x 125.
There is also a difference in the tensile strength of steel sheeting from one manufacture to the next.

Man I hope you get it all fixed.

 

[Socal 610]

I agree on the lawyer part, they can also remove the lien from your property. I really hope you have not paid the contractor yet. As a rule it is best to only allow draws during contruction and under no circumstances advance more than 80% until they bring receipts for the subs and materials.
Take a look at the pics on my thread, I have only found two very small dents in my whole build, and it is 80 x 125.
There is also a difference in the tensile strength of steel sheeting from one manufacture to the next.

Man I hope you get it all fixed.

The material is 26ga panels from Mc Elroys Steel which is a nation wide company. Do you know the grip length on the fasteners they used for your insulated walls? All the screws on my building are 3/4" i believe.

 

[mws444]

The overall length on the 5/15's screws is 1 1/4. the ones you discribe are actually what refered to as lap screws. they are meant to only attatch the two pcs. of sheet metal at the lap. When you ordered your building did they spec the insulation? If so they should have sent the longer fasteners, at the very least the contractor should have pointed out the problem and procurred londer fasteners.

 

[Nighttrain]

as mws44 mentioned those screws are too short. He and I have the same building manufacture. You may on your own want to back out one of those screws which are into the purlin and try a longer screw in the same hole and not torq it down too tight. Just enough to compress the rubber gasket. See if the dent in the steel is reduced. 26 ga steel is what I have and it should be fine for you.

And my first harley also was a nighttrain.

 

[Socal 610]

The overall length on the 5/15's screws is 1 1/4. the ones you discribe are actually what refered to as lap screws. they are meant to only attatch the two pcs. of sheet metal at the lap. When you ordered your building did they spec the insulation? If so they should have sent the longer fasteners, at the very least the contractor should have pointed out the problem and procurred londer fasteners.

mws444,

The insulation was part of the deal from the beginning, I signed with these guys turn key from the ground up. He should of had the correct screws from the get. Another problem is the contractor hasn't been back since the slab was poured, just his workers once in awhile. I have a ton of UN answered emails with issues that should have been resolved.

On a better note, they should up yesterday. I will upload some more pics shortly.

 

[schwalby]

This really *****, sorry to hear it happened.

Like someone said about the lien. I am assuming your contract is with the builder and you never signed anything with the subs. If that is the case and you can prove you have been paying the builder they can only put a lien on his property not yours. They always try to go after the home owner since they know you will want the lien and will pay them. Also most likely the builder has or will have a bunch of liens on his property so them getting their money from his is pretty much not going to happen.

 

[blue dog]

Any update. hopefully we got this worked out.
I am curious as to the cost per sq ft for a building like this, building, erection and slab ?

 

[hidollartoys]

Where is the 1ft overhang(soffit)?

 

[HAP]

The insullation at the base of your wall panels should be folded over on itself and stappled so that the vinyl backing caps the bottom to prevent wicking water up the wall. All of the stuff you are pointing out is the reason I errected my 40x60 steel building myself. It took me about 3 months of after-work and weekend days to complete the building. I would say that handling and installing the insullation as per the instructions was the hardest part (especially doing it alone) The slightest amount of breeze made it impossible to not damage the stuff. I would hit the ladders at 0630 and by 1030 the breeze would start as the sun warmed the air.
Btw: my own nightmare was with the concrete crew, a real circus act...

Hope you get it all worked out soon.

HAP

 

[Socal 610]

Any update. hopefully we got this worked out.
I am curious as to the cost per sq ft for a building like this, building, erection and slab ?

Blue Dog,

I'm sorry to say my building isn't done, though the contractor says he's done.

$18.67 SQ FTlans, permits, concrete, insulation, insulated doors with double pane windows, half *** build.

Where is the 1ft overhang(soffit)?

Hidollartoys,

I will post some pictures.

The insulation at the base of your wall panels should be folded over on itself and stapled so that the vinyl backing caps the bottom to prevent wicking water up the wall. All of the stuff you are pointing out is the reason I erected my 40x60 steel building myself. It took me about 3 months of after-work and weekend days to complete the building. I would say that handling and installing the insulation as per the instructions was the hardest part (especially doing it alone) The slightest amount of breeze made it impossible to not damage the stuff. I would hit the ladders at 0630 and by 1030 the breeze would start as the sun warmed the air.
Btw: my own nightmare was with the concrete crew, a real circus act...

Hope you get it all worked out soon.

HAP

Hap,

I agree, many things need attention. The building would have been done months ago, with alot more care and attention to detail if I had done it.

Being in a contract with a deadbeat builder is the worst.

 

[Socal 610]

Hello All,

The Contractor is "walking", he removed the doors from my contract ( I ordered them immediately), he called for final inspection, says if it passes he's done and all money owed, will then be due. Looks like I'm on my own!

The Guys contractors license is suspended for some issue with his Workman's comp insurance, I just found this out , he's had a crew here while the suspension has been in place.

The pictures I'm posting show the horrible workmanship. One of the front corners looks so bad, it makes me thing the hole building isn't plumb.
Take a look at the so-called soffit material, not to mention the fascia trim is 4" and the soffit material is 8" so you get a two toned fascia down the side of the building.

Ignore the Date, Stupid camera

 

[mpire]

If you give him any money, then you will be the fool.

Time to call an attorney.

 

[Socal 610]

More pics, more issues.

The concrete in the door opening will need to be ground back a good six inches, the other leg of the door jamb is down in the transition.

The old forklift they have stained the slab in multiple locations.

The insulation was poorly installed.

The drip edge "Rat Guard) was cut short in two places.

Last pic shows a missing brace from the peak of the building.

I cant wait to be done with this guy. After I complete the building, a new thread will be opened that will document the inside build.

I apologize for all the complaining and belly akin.

 

[Socal 610]

If you give him any money, then you will be the fool.

Time to call an attorney.

I'm no Fool, just made a bad decision on the builder.

I have one on retainer!

My contract if very convoluted, and very one sided. I won't move forward until I pass final.

 

[SuperSocket]

The builder can call it done and call for the bill all he wants... but that does not mean you should comply.

I would lawyer up and have him deal with the lawyer from this point forward... I would not give that dirty contractor a single red cent.

Does not matter how convoluted the contract is and how one sided it is, you can't just take things out and call it done while delivering a **** product.


I'd expect all those short cut pieces to be replaced, all dented panels to be replaced, the slab fixed, doors installed and diamond grinding of the floors to remove the oil before I would do any type of payment.


Even then, I would still get a discount to pay my legal fees and his unprofessional conduct and delays. You can perhaps even put emotional stress and loss into the equation.

 

[Justanoldguy]

Looking closely at the concrete pour and it looks like the steel has been left lying on the dirt. It will do nothing there except waste your money.

 

[mws444]

I agree with the others here. Do not give him any more money! I doubt there is a a judge or jury in this great state who will award this joker a penny, in fact he should be found liable for all repairs. I have been there and done that with crappy contractors, but always jumped in the middle of it before it got very far along. If your lawyer is telling you it is a one sidded contract, get another lawyer. It is very easy to get protions of a contract ruled void, when shoddy workmanship is provided for in the print.
In fact I would use that money to hire a good contractor to repair and tell the crook if he shows again on your property he will be arrested for trespassing.

If you have already paid the idiot, you are out of luck. I doubt he has anything not already in hock, or worth a judgement.

 

[mpire]

I would check out the laws and provisions regarding him entering a contract with you while not having a contractors license in good standing.

Is it even legal?

 

[Socal 610]

I would check out the laws and provisions regarding him entering a contract with you while not having a contractors license in good standing.

Is it even legal?

Mpire,

The contract was signed long before his license was suspended. I do know that operating as though he is licensed is fraud, I am aware of this and will take appropriate actions.

 

[Socal 610]

The builder can call it done and call for the bill all he wants... but that does not mean you should comply.

I would lawyer up and have him deal with the lawyer from this point forward... I would not give that dirty contractor a single red cent.

Does not matter how convoluted the contract is and how one sided it is, you can't just take things out and call it done while delivering a **** product.


I'd expect all those short cut pieces to be replaced, all dented panels to be replaced, the slab fixed, doors installed and diamond grinding of the floors to remove the oil before I would do any type of payment.


Even then, I would still get a discount to pay my legal fees and his unprofessional conduct and delays. You can perhaps even put emotional stress and loss into the equation.

Ockie,

I don't plan on giving him a dime, I do have a Lawyer on retainer, but up until Friday I didn't know his license was suspended or that he considers the job complete. My lawyer is ready to proceed on Monday.

All monies owed will be used to correct his mistakes, and back charge against his bond accordingly.

To tell you the true, I was happy he removed the doors from the contract, I have the doors on order and will install my self without more damages to my building.

 

[Socal 610]

I agree with the others here. Do not give him any more money! I doubt there is a a judge or jury in this great state who will award this joker a penny, in fact he should be found liable for all repairs. I have been there and done that with crappy contractors, but always jumped in the middle of it before it got very far along. If your lawyer is telling you it is a one sidded contract, get another lawyer. It is very easy to get protions of a contract ruled void, when shoddy workmanship is provided for in the print.
In fact I would use that money to hire a good contractor to repair and tell the crook if he shows again on your property he will be arrested for trespassing.

If you have already paid the idiot, you are out of luck. I doubt he has anything not already in hock, or worth a judgement.

MWS444,

I tried multiple times to jump in the middle but he never answered emails phone calls, last time I seen the guy was at the concrete poor. I leave for work at 4:00 A.M. his guys would show up , I would come home from work find some work done and more problems , I tried even taking a couple days off work to track them down or catch them at my house.

I did put no trespassing signs up around my property and advised him not to come around.

I'm sure the guy company is going under and using everybody's money for his bills.

 

[DZL JIM]

He might want money for the work done, but you need money to fix the damage they did.
Get the contractor on retainer to work-up an estimate equal to, or more than, what the original builder wants, to fix all these issues.