Building a "Cold Formed" steel workshop

[hellspcangel911]

Hi All,
Some of you may have seen my other posts on building a 40x60 workshop near my house. Ive narrowed it down to two companies, Olympia and Outback Buildings. The price including the 20x40 mezzanine is about $14,400 less with Outback because they "are the only cold formed steel building system". I didnt pay much attention to it in the beginning but after seeing one of their buildings in person, the difference is huge.
Its basically using thin wall steel to construct the support members instead of just thick beams.
While the owners I spoke to are happy with the product it wasnt what they expected when they purchased it either. They said the long mezzanine beams were wobbling as they unloaded them from the truck, almost worried they would bend. Its very similar to using steel studs to frame out walls.
The only issue they raised is that there were a lot more pieces as part of their kit than expected. Some of the large supporting columns were made up of 4 pieces that had to be bolted together. In the end they hired an erector to complete their build, it took three weeks to finish with a full crew by a professional erector- though his first time doing a cold formed kit.

Aside from the price the kit also allows for more customization (mezzanines, balconies, eaves, openings...etc) and the engineered slab requirements are less. Its also 100% galvanized.....


Anyone else have any experience with one of these types of kits? Any issues to be aware of? The company rep has been very responsive and on point, which is more than I can say for most in the area.

 

[TTMotorsports]

Handeeman on YouTube documents his versatube building build. Imo looks like a pain in the **** and many many more pieces to complete. The 11k saved would be blown really quick after 3 weeks to errect vs 5 days.

 

[hellspcangel911]

I’ll take a look, thanks for pointing it out. I’m planning on erecting it myself, a friends and family thing so the cost vs time metric is a little different in my situation.
One argument for it is that while there are more pieces they each weigh a lot less... you don’t need a lull just some scissor lifts.


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[Bears Fan]

Just curious on what the wind load and snow load ratings are on one of these buildings versus a standard build and do you ever have plans on hanging any kind of hoist from one of the roof trusses? would this building support something like that?

 

[hellspcangel911]

Building a "Cold Formed" steel workshop

When it’s assembled it’s actually very solid, a lot more than it appears but I wouldn’t hoist anything serious off of it.
30 psf ground snow load
115 mph wind speed, exposure ‘C’ 2015 IBC



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[readhead]

These buildings are less expensive because there is very little fabrication by the manufacturer. Just punch in some specs and start the roll former. Little or no welding required. The downside is the labor involved if you are paying someone to erect it. The first and only one I did I lost my ***. Took twice as long as a red iron building. The final product was fine and very sturdy. Just a different way to the same end.

 

[hellspcangel911]

Thanks Readhead, your opinion is always very valuable. Any issues to watch out for with one of these systems vs red iron?


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[TTMotorsports]

I'm going to errect a red iron shop myself in 3 months. Trying to get friends and family to help for more than a week is hard so I'll spend a few grand and rent scissor lift and boom to get it done quick.

 

[LXCam]

Given enough toothpicks makes for a fine strong jewelry box

My shop is basically a versatube system but on a smaller scale. Carries a 110mph wind load but I don't have to worry about anything more then that. It's been up 9yrs without issue and has seen plenty of 70-80mph gusts. Like red said if outside labor is factored in, I'd go with a red iron structure. But if your doing it yourself it would sure be my consideration.

 

[readhead]

Study the plans and build as many sub-assemblies as possible on the ground. Alignment of the parts is key when building up the components. Impact drivers are essential and ones that can provide final torque. Organize the fasteners and have one person in charge of distributing bolts to the component assemblies. If you don't you will loose track of bolts quickly and people will use the wrong bolts in the wrong places.