Frequently Asked Questions
Check out some of our Top Frequently Asked Questions and Answers.
Building Types & Construction
What is a cold formed building?
Cold-formed buildings use nearly weld-free, roll-formed components for a clean, modern look and fewer defects. Made with galvanized Cee & Zee purlins, they resist rust and have self-healing properties, making them durable and low-maintenance.
What are the different building types on the market?
The most common building types are cold-formed, red-iron, and tube frame buildings. For structures between 750 and 20,000 sq. ft., cold-formed buildings are the best choice, offering durability, low maintenance, and a clean, modern look.
Why should I care about what building type I am getting?
It’s important to know the type of building you’re getting. For example, a lower quote might seem like a better deal, but the building type affects quality and longevity. Tube-frame buildings typically come with a 20-year warranty, while our cold-formed buildings offer a 50-year warranty. Paying a little more upfront can give you decades of added durability and peace of mind.
What is the difference between Cold Formed and Red Iron buildings?
Cold-formed and red iron buildings differ in design and technology. Red iron buildings are older, low-tech designs, while cold-formed buildings use a modern system that maximizes the value of every foot of steel. Fun fact: red iron gets its name from the red oxide coating applied to protect it during shipping—but it’s only temporary, and the steel is still prone to rust over time.
What is the difference between Cold Formed and tube frame buildings?
Tube frame buildings are a lower-cost option but have a shorter lifespan, usually with a 20-year warranty or less. Cold-formed buildings, on the other hand, come with a 50-year warranty, giving you long-lasting durability and peace of mind.
Are Prime buildings made of all steel?
Yes! All Prime buildings are made entirely of steel. Unlike some companies that mix wood and steel to cut costs—which shortens the building’s lifespan—our buildings are 100% steel for maximum durability and long-term value.
What types of steel buildings are available for homes?
Not all “steel homes” are truly steel—many companies sell wood-framed buildings with metal siding. At Prime, we provide 100% steel, cold-formed buildings designed specifically for residential use. Whether you’re looking for a home, barndominium, or even a mixed-use space, our buildings deliver lasting strength, cost savings, and modern design.
What types of buildings can be constructed?
Our metal building kits can be customized for almost any purpose. Customers have built residential homes, garages, carports, aircraft hangars, storage units, office buildings, barndominiums, and more. With Prime, you can design a building that fits your exact needs.
What is a barndominium?
A barndominium, or “barndo,” is a metal building that combines residential living space with the strength and efficiency of a steel structure. They’re affordable, energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and a popular choice for modern, flexible living.
Does buying a steel building save money versus traditional construction?
Yes—prefab steel buildings are one of the most cost-effective construction options. They’re engineered for each project with minimal material waste, which lowers costs. They also assemble quickly, saving on labor, and their durable design means long-term savings with little to no maintenance.
Is a steel building a good investment?
Steel buildings are more than just a space for storage, work, or play—they’re a smart investment. When permitted on your property, they can significantly increase its value. For example, a $100,000 building project—including concrete, installation, amenities, and permitting—can typically add around $250,000 to your property’s value, making it a cost-effective way to enhance your investment.
Purchasing & Manufacturer Info
When purchasing a steel building from Prime, am I buying from the manufacturer or a broker?
When you buy from Prime, you’re buying directly from the manufacturer—not a broker. We’re the client-facing division of a parent manufacturing company with over 75 years of experience. In just the past few years, we’ve completed more than 1,500 steel building projects.
Are you buying from a US-based manufacturer or from a company that buys components overseas?
Prime Steel buildings are proudly made in the USA using mill-certified, traceable American steel. We never outsource or use cheap overseas materials—our focus is on quality, durability, and long-term value for our customers.
Are you a manufacturer or a broker?
We’re not a broker—you’re working directly with the manufacturer. Prime is the client-facing division of a U.S.-based manufacturing company with plants across the country.
Is this the best price I can get?
Yes! We provide the best possible price for your building while maintaining the highest standards of quality and durability.
Cold-formed buildings use nearly weld-free, roll-formed components for a clean, modern look and fewer defects. Made with galvanized Cee & Zee purlins, they resist rust and have self-healing properties, making them durable and low-maintenance.
Can prices change after I receive a quote?
Our quotes are based on current steel market rates. If fabrication is delayed, pricing may be adjusted to reflect market changes at that time.
Can I lock in my price?
We aim to honor your quoted price, even with minor market fluctuations. In extreme cases, such as significant steel price surges, adjustments may be necessary.
I heard prices are going up—what should I do?
If you’re ready to move forward, contact us as soon as possible. We’ll work to secure your price at the current rate before any increases take effect.
There’s a price difference in my quotes—why?
If you notice a difference in your quotes, it’s usually due to updates in engineering for load requirements, such as snow loads. We carefully review each quote and can adjust pricing if needed to accommodate these changes.
Is engineering included in the deposit?
Yes! The cost of engineering is applied toward your deposit and subtracted from your final order total. Minor revisions typically don’t require additional engineering fees.
Permitting & Engineering
Will I need a permit to build my building?
In most cases, a building permit is required for a steel building, though some locations—like certain agricultural areas—may be exempt. We recommend checking with your local permitting office to be sure.
Do I need a permit for my building?
Permits are typically required. Contact your local county office for pre-approval. Some clients proceed without permits but still use our engineered plans to meet code requirements—however, your city may require compliance at a later stage.
Do you provide engineered plans?
Yes! We provide engineered plans and handle the necessary documentation to make the permitting process straightforward and hassle-free.
Do the engineering documents include only the building design?
No, our engineering documents include both the full building design and the foundation design, giving you everything needed for construction and permitting.
How do I know if my building meets local load requirements?
Our engineering tool calculates rain, snow, and wind loads based on your zip code to ensure your building meets local codes. You can also confirm compliance with your local permitting office.
Do I need to check special load ratings?
If your project requires specific snow, rain, or wind load ratings, we recommend checking with your local permitting office to ensure all requirements are met.
The county rejected the engineering documents due to roof/ground snow loads. What can be done?
Our buildings are designed to meet the 2022 CBC Building Code. Some counties may have additional requirements, and these are only confirmed once your permit application is submitted. If changes are needed, we’ll work with you to update the engineering documents accordingly.
What foundation options are available for my building?
We offer three foundation options for your building:
- Full Slab
- Concrete Piers
- Foundation by Others (using a third-party engineer)
If you choose “Foundation by Others,” we provide the necessary load and straining information for your engineer. Sloped or modified foundations are also considered “Foundation by Others” and fall outside our standard scope.
Do you provide interior design services?
No, we specialize in structural engineering only. We design the main frame and foundation to handle all applied loads, but non-structural elements, including interior design, are outside our scope.
Production & Delivery
How long does it take until my steel building is delivered?
Delivery timelines depend on the complexity of your building, but our steel buildings are delivered much faster than traditional red iron buildings.
When does production start?
Production starts as soon as you give us the go-ahead. While permits aren’t required to begin fabrication, we strongly recommend securing them for your project.
When do I choose colors?
You’ll choose your building’s colors toward the end of production. Our support team will reach out to finalize your selections. Keep in mind that color availability may vary and could affect your final invoice.
How long does it take to receive materials?
Standard materials are typically ready within about 2 weeks, depending on production capacity and color availability. Doors may take 4–6 weeks to arrive.
What if some material is damaged or missing when you deliver my building?
Inspect your delivery when it arrives and note any damages on the Bill of Lading (BOL), then notify us. If any materials are missing or damaged, we’ll replace them at no additional cost.
Assembly & Installation
Will my building come with an assembly instruction manual?
Yes! Every Prime metal building comes with a clear, easy-to-follow assembly guide. All materials are labeled for a straightforward process, and many customers successfully assemble their buildings without a contractor.
Will I receive state-certified blueprints?
Yes! We provide state-certified, stamped structural and foundation engineering documents with every building to simplify the permitting process.
Do you offer installation services?
Yes! Many customers use our Installation Partner. We provide separate quotes for the building and contractor installation. To secure your installation, simply pay the deposit listed under the Contractor Installation Estimate. We manage engineering, manufacturing, delivery, and installation for a seamless experience.
How do I find a contractor to build my steel building?
Steel buildings are relatively easy to assemble, and many contractors nationwide can handle the construction. Depending on your building size and location, we can help connect you with qualified contractors.
How does the framing attach to the foundation?
The framing is secured to the foundation using baseplates and redhead anchors once the concrete pad is complete, ensuring a strong and stable structure.
Insulation & Weather Protection
How can I insulate my steel building?
You can insulate your steel building with our rolled batt insulation, featuring a tear-resistant backing for added durability. Many customers even choose to install it themselves for a simple, cost-effective solution.
Do you provide insulation for buildings?
Yes! We offer insulation for both the roof and walls. It can be included in your quote or added as a separate line item. Many clients also choose to source insulation directly for better pricing—if you need a referral, we recommend Service Partners at 559-264-2618.
How are exterior bolts and screws sealed against the elements?
Our buildings don’t require exterior bolts. Any exterior screws used are high-quality, color-matched, and include seal washers to provide long-lasting protection against the elements.
Will exposed fasteners leave visible shiny dots?
No—our exposed fasteners are color-matched to blend seamlessly with your building’s panels, avoiding visible shiny dots.
Steel & Framing
What type of steel framing do you use?
We use 10–16 gauge steel framing, tailored to your location, engineering requirements, and local permitting regulations for maximum strength and compliance.
What gauge is the framing?
The exact gauge of framing is determined by engineering requirements, but it typically ranges from 12 to 14 gauge.
Cold-formed buildings use nearly weld-free, roll-formed components for a clean, modern look and fewer defects. Made with galvanized Cee & Zee purlins, they resist rust and have self-healing properties, making them durable and low-maintenance.
What material is the framing?
The framing is made from cold-formed steel with a galvanized finish, featuring C-purlins for vertical support and Z-purlins for horizontal support.
Is there a more affordable framing option?
Yes! For a more affordable option, we can provide framing with a red oxide finish instead of galvanized steel.
Sheet Metal (Roofing & Siding)
What type of sheeting do you use?
We use PBR panels for all roofing and siding—this is our standard and only option for sheeting.
What gauge is the sheeting?
Our standard sheeting is 26 gauge, with the option to upgrade to 24 gauge for added durability.
What color options are available?
We offer a full range of color options for roofs, walls, trim, and roll-up doors. You can view the available sheeting colors on our color chart.
Do you offer standing seam roofs?
No, we do not offer standing seam roofs. All our buildings come with durable exposed fastener roofing.
Will exposed fasteners leave visible shiny dots?
No—our exposed fasteners are color-matched to blend seamlessly with your building, preventing any visible shiny dots.
Windows, Doors & Time Frame
Windows?
Standard sizes are 3×3 or 4×4. For other sizes, a custom framed opening is required, which must be provided and installed by the client.
Man Doors?
Standard sizes are 3×7 or 4×7. Custom sizes require a framed opening provided and installed by the client.
Roll-Up Doors?
Available sizes range from 8×8 to 14×14 in 2-foot increments (except 12×14). Some custom sizes, like 8×9, may be available—please confirm with your estimator.
Roll-Up Door Colors?
We offer a variety of colors, including Dark Red, Bright Red, Green, Blue, Dark Brown, Brown, Dark Tan, Light Stone, and Light Gray.
Pricing & Engineering
Is this the best price I can get?
Yes! We provide the best possible price without compromising on quality or durability.
The price seems high—can you lower it?
While lower prices may exist elsewhere, our buildings are built to last a lifetime and come with one of the longest warranties in the industry. With prices expected to rise, securing your rate now is a smart choice.
Can prices change after I receive a quote?
Our prices are based on current steel market rates. If fabrication is delayed, pricing may be adjusted to reflect market changes at that time.
Can I lock in my price?
We strive to honor your quoted price despite minor market fluctuations. In extreme cases, such as significant steel price surges, adjustments may be necessary.
I heard prices are going up—what should I do?
If you’re ready to move forward, contact us as soon as possible. We’ll work to secure your price at the current rate before any increases take effect.
There’s a price difference in my quotes—why?
If you notice a price difference in your quotes, it’s usually due to updates in engineering for load requirements, such as snow loads. We review each quote carefully and can adjust pricing if needed to accommodate these changes.
Is engineering included in the deposit?
Yes! The cost of engineering is applied toward your deposit and subtracted from your final order total. Minor revisions typically don’t require additional engineering fees.
How do I calculate the peak height of my building?
How to Calculate Peak Height:
Use this formula:
Peak Height = (Slope Width × Pitch) ÷ 12 + Leg Height
Example:
- Slope Width: 20 ft
- Pitch: 3.12
- Leg Height: 15 ft
Calculation:
20 × 3.12 = 62.4
62.4 ÷ 12 = 5.2
5.2 + 15 = Peak Height of 20.2 ft
This gives you the total peak height of your building.
What are the load capacities for mezzanines?
Our mezzanines are available with strength options of 40, 80, 125, and 240 PSF to suit your specific needs.