10 STEPS TO PLANNING YOUR STEEL BUILDING

Whether youre a first-time buyer or

an experienced builder, theres a lot of
planning that goes into the construction
of each and every metal building.
We know that this might seem overwhelming at first, so to help you get started, weve
compiled a short list of helpful information to have handy when youre ready for a
building quote. Determining these details in advance makes it easy to get an accurate
estimate and expedite the building process.

CONTENTS
Step 1. BUDGET NUMBERS AND QUOTES 2

Step 2. TIMEFRAME 3

Step 3. BUILDING LOCATION 5

Step 4. BUILDING USE 5

Step 5. PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, SKETCHES 8

Step 6. ROOFING AND WALLS 8

Step 7. FRAMED OPENINGS 9

Step 8. ROOF VENTILATION OR INSULATION 10

Step 9. GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS 10

Step 10. CONTRACTORS 11

CONCLUSION 12

PAGE 1
 1 BUDGET NUMBERS AND QUOTES

A budget number is just a ballpark estimate based on your buildings general

specs, like height, length, width, and square footage. This rough figure makes it
easy to evaluate options and configurations that fall within your budget range.

A quote is a highly customized estimate based on your buildings unique

requirements. While we need a few more details about your building plans to
generate a quote, its an accurate, personalized way to forecast your building
cost before you begin construction.

For a fast quote, visit Whirlwind Steels Quick Quote Generator. You can get a quote
three different ways:

A rough estimate based on width, length, height, and roof slope of your
proposed building

An accurate estimate and 3D rendering for a customized quote using our

1/3
online designer tool

A quote prepared by our experts based on a few questions

Since the early
1990s, the steel
industry has
reduced its energy
use to produce a
ton of steel by
approximately 1/3.

PAGE 2
2 TIMEFRAME

Whether you need your steel building in one year or three months, knowing your
general timeframe makes it easier for us to accurately factor time and labor into your
customized quote.

TIMEFRAME GUIDELINES

The purchase of a steel building is generally broken into five sections, each
of which may vary, depending on the size and/or complexity of the project.

QUOTE STAGE

If quoting online you will have a price in minutes, and generally a detailed
quotation will be sent to you within 48 hours. Buildings with a little more
complexity, with items such as lean-tos, crane supports, and bi-fold door
supports may require 3-4 days. Large complex projects such as multi-
building churches, schools, or government projects may require 7-10
business days. However, providing more detail up front can significantly
speed up the process.

PREPARATION OF BUILDING DRAWINGS

For typical box buildings most plans will be ready in about one week.
Buildings with a little more complexity, with items such as lean-tos, crane
supports, and bi-fold door supports may require 2-3 weeks. Large complex
projects such as multi-building churches, schools, or government projects may
require 3-4 weeks.

APPROVAL PROCESS

During the approval process you are given the drawings of your building to review
before production of your project is scheduled. You have the option of approving the
drawings with no changes, approving the drawings with minor corrections/changes
noted, or returning the drawings to us so we can make more substantial changes. In
this case we would send the drawings back to you for a second review. You can have
as much time as needed to review the drawings; however, we cannot schedule your
project for production until you have returned the approved drawings to us.

PAGE 3
 NOTE: Many smaller projects are straightforward and the requirements are very clear. In these
instances the approval process may be skipped or waived and the project can be scheduled
directly for production, saving time and firming up a delivery date early in the process.

Every steel building, regardless of

use or category, is manufactured
with non-combustible steel.

DETAILING

This is the time when all of the shop fabrication plans are created and double-checked
for correctness and accuracy. This is also the time when any special requirements,
such as non-standard walk-doors, special colors, etc., are ordered. Complexity of your
project plays a huge role in this stage. Plans for typical box buildings will be ready in
1 to 2 weeks. Again, more complex buildings with lean-tos, crane supports, bi-fold door
supports, and other details may require 2 to 3 weeks while projects such as multi-
building churches, schools, or government projects may require anywhere from 3 to 8
weeks for detailing to be completed.

PRODUCTION AND SHIPPING

While complexity of your project does play a part in this stage, its not as significant as
you might think. Generally, we allow 3 weeks for fabrication of most projects. The first
week is the plan week when we make sure we have all of the necessary materials. The
second week is the fabrication week when the actual parts and pieces are produced.
The third week is the ship week where we load and schedule your project for delivery.
On really large projects some of the fabrication time may spill over into this week.

NOTE: Some projects are very large and may require more materials than the erector wants to
receive at one time. Material theft is always a concern. If a project is going to take an extended
period to erect, the erector/contractor may feel the safest place for some of the material is right
here in our plant. In these instances we may phase the project, delivering just a portion of the
total project over multiple dates in an agreed upon timeframe.

PAGE 4
 3 BUILDING LOCATION

Knowing where your building will be located (city, state, zip)

means we can incorporate area-specific building codes and
standards into your pricing and recommendations. The location
also lets us accurately assess wind, snow, seismic, and other
location also conditions like deed restrictions, neighborhood covenants,
lets us accurately building setbacks, and approved colors - that can impact build-
ing design and prices.
assess wind, snow,
seismic, and other
local conditions 4
BUILDING USE
that can impact
the building
Barn or gymnasium, strip mall, or car port one of the most
design and price. important parts of the estimating process is determining
exactly what your building will be used for. Our quotes are
custom-tailored to your buildings specific type and purpose
to give you an accurate number from the start.

BUILDING TYPES

These descriptions are determined by the geometry, or shape, of the building main
frame.

Welded Rigid Frame (WRF) This is the most common frame type, consisting
of tapered columns and rafters.

Lean-To (LT) The high side of this frame will attach or lean on another
building frame.

Column and Beam (CB) This frame has one or more interior columns,
allowing for very large spans.

Single Slope Welded Rigid Frame (SSRF) This frame may be straight or
tapered sections, depending on the span and the load requirements.

Welded Tapered Beam (WTB) This frame has straight columns and a
tapered rafter with a horizontal bottom flange. This is used for spans of
50-0 or less.

PAGE 5
 WHAT WILL YOUR BUILDING BE
USED FOR?

AGRICULTURAL

A simple, sturdy, and quickly

erected building that will last
for decades with minimal
maintenance. Your property
and livelihood are well protected.

COMMERCIAL

Highly flexible and customizable,

commercial steel buildings can be
finished in almost any texture, color,
or design you need. The end result is
a very attractive commercial space that
can match its surroundings.

GOVERNMENT

A low-cost, high-value alternative to wood and brick, a steel

government building is key to providing housing for public services. With
a streamlined construction process, labor costs are also kept to a minimum.

INDUSTRIAL

From warehouse to factory, an industrial building made of steel can withstand

any weather outside and any wear and tear on the inside. Our steel buildings can be
designed to accommodate many types of cranes.

30
YEARS
The amount of
energy required to
produce a ton of
steel has been
reduced by 50% in
the past 30 years.
www.worldsteel.org

PAGE 6
 INSTITUTIONAL

Complex structures such as hospitals and churches are served well by being built with
steel. These are highly flexible buildings that are easily expanded or redesigned for
different uses.

RECREATIONAL

A recreational building has to hold up to heavy use and provide an open floor plan.
High ceilings are available for a variety of sports options.

RESIDENTIAL

Building a home with steel means building a home that is resistant to fire and environ-
mental damage while still looking attractive. With available trim and color options, a
steel residential building will fit into any neighborhood. Whirlwind Steel offers an array
of ENERGY STAR-qualified roof products that come with a 35-year warranty.

Every steel building, regardless of use or category, is manufactured with

non-combustible steel. It will meet or exceed all safety building codes while
providing a low-maintenance, cost-effective alternative to wood and stone.

50%
The housing and
construction sector
is the largest
consumer of steel
today, using around
50% of world steel
production.
www.worldsteel.org

PAGE 7
5 PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, SKETCHES

If you have them, building plans or sketches are a great way to show us exactly what
you envision so we can generate the most precise estimate possible. In many cases,
engineered drawings are required before building permits can be obtained, so its a
good idea to have yours completed by the time youre ready for an estimate.

Dont worry! Your steel building can be designed with any color, texture, or finish you
desire. Your metal building doesnt have to be a grey steel box. Almost any style you
can imagine is possible with steel buildings.

6 ROOFING AND WALLS

Much of your estimate will depend on the type of material and color you choose for
your roof and your walls. Our new online designer includes a custom paint section that
will allow you to see different finishes for your building.

ROOF DESIGN DECISIONS

Roof wind loading

Type of roof (fastenings and support structure choices)

Fire resistance

Energy efficiency

Drainage

Condensation mitigation

Making the correct design decision for the roof will extend the life of your building and
add to its value.

PAGE 8
7 FRAMED OPENINGS

Framed openings offer your building an added layer of support and security while
allowing you to customize entrances and doorways to your buildings specific needs.

Some examples of typical framed openings include:

Personnel door(s)

Overhead door(s)

Rollup door(s)

Window(s)

Louver(s)

Bottom-rolling hangar door(s)

To get the most accurate quote possible, it helps to know:

What kinds of doors, windows, or louvers you need

How many doors, windows, or louvers you need

Where you want your doors, windows, or louvers

Doors and other openings can be outfitted with wind-locks in high wind areas.
Each type of door comes with compatible bracing to provide durability and ease
of operation in any width you require, including airplanes and large equipment.
Doors can be outfitted with hydraulic or electronic openers if needed.

PAGE 9
 effective gutters and downspouts
will stop foundation displacement
through soil movement due to water
ponding.

8 ROOF VENTILATION OR INSULATION

Depending on the purpose and location of your building, your roof may need an
added ventilation or insulation system for durability and energy efficiency. Deciding
in advance what kind of roof insulation and ventilation system you need will help
you get a more accurate estimate and protect you from having to make costly
repairs down the line.

Fiberglass, reflective foil, rigid board, and insulated panels are all options available
for insulating your steel building. Insulation significantly improves return on invest-
ment for any metal building, keeping it clean and in prime condition longer and pro-
tecting the health of those using it.

9 GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS

Gutters and downspouts are another important consideration when it comes to the
longevity of your building. By moving rainwater away from the building, these trim ac-
cessories facilitate external drainage to keep water, snow, and mud from leaking into
your building or splashing onto the walls and mitigate foundation damage due to soil
erosion at the base of the foundation. In addition, effective gutters and downspouts
will stop foundation displacement through soil movement due to water ponding. As-
sess your drainage requirements now to ensure a more exact quote and a
longer-lasting building.

PAGE 10
10 CONTRACTORS

While the use of a contractor is not required, we find that the experience and expertise
of a good contractor goes a long way in preventing critical (and costly) building errors.
Here are just a few of the things a contractor can help with:

Permitting

Site preparation

Foundation

Electrical

Plumbing

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning

Erection

Project management as needed

Whirlwinds Preferred Contractor Network is a group of

contractors who have been pre-approved by Whirlwind for their
exceptional service. These are contractors who we know and
trust, and wed be happy to help you find the right contractor for
your building.

PAGE 11
CONCLUSION

A steel building is the best investment you can make. It is durable, cost-effective, and
attractive. A metal structure is easy on labor costs because it can be pre-engineered
and delivered right to the site ready to assemble. And it is the ultimate green building.
It can help you save on utilities and insurance, and can be re-used or recycled unlike
other structural materials.

At Whirlwind Steel, we have more than 50 years experience engineering and

manufacturing state-of-the-art metal buildings, metal building components, metal
roofing, metal wall systems, and solar rack systems. With IAS-certified manufacturing
facilities across the country, we provide the high-quality materials, proven expertise,
and unparalleled customer service you need to complete the perfect metal
construction project for any industry.

STILL HAVE SOME QUESTIONS?

Were happy to help.

Just give us a call at 888-867-0945 or visit us at

www.whirlwindsteel.com, and well be in touch to help you
plan the perfect building.

PAGE 12