Shop kits 50x100 source online or locally?

[live4soccer7]

I see a lot of shop kits out there, however does anyone have any experience with them? From what I see and what I've been told by a local designer, a metal frame/infrastructure will be more cost effective in a larger shop (ie, 50x100).

For example, if I go on Ebay I can find them all over the place from companies and they provide the necessary documentation and specs that are needed for permitting in your area.

 

[MrSurly]

For a build that large I would START by contacting red iron contractors in your area. at least to get a baseline idea of costs and needed site planning.

There is no way I would order a kit of this size without a LOT more info.

and, yes, in that size, red iron is going to be the most cost effective for a clear span build.

 

[MrSurly]

I wouldn't put any faith in this claim:"and they provide the necessary documentation and specs that are needed for permitting in your area."

You will need to learn what the requirements are in your area, or plan to utilize a pro there to navigate permitting, etc.
You will at a minimum need engineered foundation drawings done.

 

[readhead]

Where are you located?

 

[matt_i]

Just keep in mind the cost of ground prep, foundation design and concrete itself can exceed the cost of the delivered pile of metal.

Then you have to pay a crew to erect it.

And the cost of wiring and finishing is higher.

They are nice buildings, don't get me wrong, I would do the same for that size too. But don't be fooled by the low cost of the steel.

Another issue is having a contact to go back to in case a piece of metal is damaged upon receipt or as the project progresses. Likely your ebay contact will have put on the invisible suit.

 

[mike93lx]

I can't imagine ordering a 5000 sq ft building on ebay. That seems crazy.

Please add your real location in your profile, at least state. You will get much more help with any question that can be impacted by region or climate.

 

[Bretny]

You should do both!. Why wouldnt you?

 

[nadogail]

I was once involved with erecting a steel building that somebody had ordered.

My recollections were, "I didn't know they made beer cans that big". The building was marginal because IMHO the panels were extremely thin.

 

[930dreamer]

In this case buying local would be a must.

 

[dcg9381]

I wouldn't put any faith in this claim:"and they provide the necessary documentation and specs that are needed for permitting in your area."

I buy it.. For the building part. It probably means that the building is bolt-up and has an engineer's stamp on it.

If you read it as "everything you need for a permit"- not hardly...