Apr 20, 2023 / by Smart Sites
Choosing the size of a metal building can be a challenging task. You want to make sure that you have enough space to meet your needs, but you also want to avoid overbuilding and spending more than necessary. To help you determine the perfect metal building size, here are some factors to consider:
Intended Use
The first thing to consider is the intended use of the metal building. Are you planning to use it as a residential home, a commercial warehouse, or a manufacturing facility? The intended use of the building will dictate the size requirements. For example, a residential home may require less square footage than a commercial warehouse.
Available Space
Another factor to consider is the available space on your property. You will want to measure the available space and determine what size building will fit comfortably in the designated area. Additionally, you will want to ensure that there is enough room for any necessary equipment or vehicles that will be stored inside the building.
Height Requirements
The height of the metal building is another important consideration. If you plan to store large equipment or vehicles inside the building, you will need to ensure that there is enough clearance height to accommodate them. Additionally, if you plan to install mezzanine floors or additional storage space, you will need to ensure that there is enough height clearance for these features. It is necessary to consider any potential future needs for height clearance when selecting the size of the metal building. For example, if you plan to add larger equipment or vehicles in the future, you may need to account for additional height clearance requirements.
Budget
Your budget will also play a significant role in determining the size of the metal building you can afford. You will want to consider the cost per square foot for the building and ensure that it fits within your budget. It is important to remember that a larger building will typically cost more than a smaller one, so it may be necessary to compromise on size to stay within budget.
Future Expansion
If you anticipate the need for expansion in the future, it is important to factor this into your initial size calculations. Adding onto a metal building can be more challenging and expensive than adding onto a traditional building, so it is crucial to plan for potential expansion needs from the beginning.
Zoning Requirements
Zoning requirements can also play a role in determining the size of your metal building. Some areas may have restrictions on the size of buildings that can be built on a property, so it is important to check with your local zoning authority to ensure that you are compliant with any regulations.
Design Features
The design features of the metal building can also impact the size requirements. For example, a building with a pitched roof may require more height clearance than one with a flat roof. Additionally, the inclusion of windows or skylights can impact the amount of square footage needed for the building.
Building Codes
Building codes may also impact the size of your metal building. It is important to ensure that your building meets all relevant building codes, including fire safety and structural codes. These codes may dictate the required size and design features of the building.
Site Preparation
The site preparation for the metal building can also impact the size requirements. For example, if the site has uneven terrain or requires significant excavation work, it may be more challenging to build a large building. Additionally, if the site has poor drainage or soil conditions, it may impact the structural requirements for the building.
Future Resale Value
It is important to consider the future resale value of the metal building. A larger building may have a higher resale value than a smaller one, so it is crucial to consider this when making your size calculations. Additionally, certain design features or amenities may increase the resale value of the building, so you should factor these into your calculations as well.
Determining the size of a metal building requires careful consideration of multiple factors, including the intended use, available space, height requirements, budget, future expansion needs, zoning requirements, design features, building codes, site preparation, and future resale value. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you choose the right size metal building for your needs and budget while also accounting for potential future expansion and resale value.