Steel. Stick, ICF, Concrete Block

[Junglejett]

Steel, Stick, ICF, Concrete Block

I know this a very broad question but I will throw it out there. I am going to build a 1200 sq. ft. building and am now debating on construction technique. Originally, it was going to be a standard steel building and finished inside. I am struggling with the standard look of steel but obviously, cost is a factor. If the cost difference is huge, then steel it is. If not, then I will give it further thought.


Again, it will be finished inside.

Thoughts? And thanks in advance!

 

[loganb]

Re: Steel, Stick, ICF, Concrete Block

Where are you and what is the intended purpose when finished?

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[matt_i]

My first ask is to put your location in profile.

Most people just respond with "oh I'm in Xxxxx, YY"

But then we will be forevermore wondering on every subsequent new post where you live.

If you do this now it will help focus answers that can benefit you best. "Best choices" vary across the country due to regional differences in climate and soils.

 

[jack stand]

I have found that if you are finishing the inside and with HVAC, you may as well stick frame it costs wise.That also allows you to insulate it properly over some roll out metal building BS with a poly cover. You also can do the typical metal exterior for the cost saving over a more "normal" residential look. I've also put matching siding on the side of the building facing the road with metal on the other 2-3 sides.

 

[u2slow]

When I was shopping... steel was only attractive (costwise) if I could make do with a cookie-cutter design, or pickup something that been ordered and cancelled; for a discount. Custom designs were costly.

I went with stick-frame due to needing a custom design, and I felt I could better DIY what was left if I ran into issues. As it turned out, site prep broke my budget early on. Nearing lockup, I chose to have the concrete floor poured instead of finishing the inside.

 

[Junglejett]

Re: Steel, Stick, ICF, Concrete Block

Phoenix area. It will have a finished interior. “Office space” at airport.

Where are you and what is the intended purpose when finished?

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[MushCreek]

I built our house ICF. The energy efficiency and quietness is amazing compared to any other house I've lived in. The price will probably be a deal-breaker for you, though. Even DIY, it was expensive. My second choice would be steel-skinned SIP's, third would be stick. You haven't said whether noise suppression would be a factor (I would think so at an airport), but concrete block would be good for that, although you'd have to do some serious insulation in that climate. You could probably do a 'poor man's ICF', building with concrete block, then gluing foam on the walls inside and out.