Is it cheaper to build my building myself or to hire a crew? We get asked this question nearly daily. Ultimately, the answer is a quick and simple “yes.” Opting to erect your building yourself can save thousands and even tens of thousands of dollars in many cases. At Great Western, we provide 24/7 customer support and an industry-leading erection manual with every building we produce. That way, those who choose the DIY path can confidently proceed with their build.
That said, there are a handful of factors that folks may overlook when it comes to the erection process. In this article, we’ll cover the cost of hiring an erection crew and what you need to consider, including your foundation, the tools and equipment you’ll need to rent, and the level of difficulty you will face when erecting your own building.
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Purchasing and receiving your metal building kit is only step one. As you may know, the cost of a steel building varies greatly based on your location and code requirements, the size of your building, and the accessories and components it includes. In general, you can expect to spend $15 to $25 per square foot for the building kit itself. This typically does not include things like delivery, accessories like doors and windows, or buildings that require substantial wind or snow loads, as these require far more material to manufacture. For reference, see our post about understanding metal building pricing.
According to AmeriBuilds, owners can expect to spend $5 to $15 or more per square foot for an experienced construction crew to erect their building. You can expect to spend $24-$43 per square foot for a “Shell” building, which includes the concrete foundation and the building’s assembly, and $50 to $100+ per square foot for a fully finished “Turnkey” metal building (insulation, accessories, wiring and electrical, etc.).
Additionally, it’s important to note that an erection quote may not include things like your foundation, site clearing, interior finishing, or permit costs, according to Kafa Fab. So, it’s important to clearly understand what your quote does and does not include, as not all erection crews and construction companies offer the same services.
We understand this can feel intimidating, and seeing your $30,000 steel building kit turn into a potential $100,000+ project may feel like the final nail in the coffin when it comes to whether you can afford a building. That’s why we strive to make things as transparent as possible.
Opting to erect your building yourself immediately eliminates the above-quoted $5-$15+ per square foot worth of labor costs. That means, for example, a simple 40×60 foot building could be upwards of $12,000-36,000 cheaper if you erect it yourself. This sweat equity you put in turns into fiscal equity once your building is finished.
Obviously, that’s an enticing proposition. However, folks often overlook a lot of things when it comes to the DIY approach. For one, installing the structural framing of a steel building by hand, while possible, is a daunting task. So, renting a telehandler and/or scissor lift is necessary for the erection process. You may also need to rent specialty construction tools that some folks may not have on hand. Also, while some of our customers have the ability or the desire to pour their own foundation/slab, we recommend having a professional contractor perform this service.
Finally, perhaps the biggest consideration is time. While having full schedule flexibility throughout the building process is nice, DIYers often spend weeks erecting their buildings when they’ve got the time to do so. Nights, weekends, holidays, etc., make for great times, but if you have a tight schedule, most professional erection crews can have a steel building standing and complete in a matter of days.
Another thing to consider with your building project is coding, permits, and inspections. Understanding the ordinances, required measurements and distances, building permits, etc. is a finicky endeavor. Professional crews typically have plenty of local experience with the red tape involved and can make the process relatively painless. If you opt for the DIY route, having someone to consult who knows codes and permits is a phenomenal resource. So, while we do have plenty of customers who have successfully DIY-erected their buildings, in our opinion, it is worth considering a qualified erector or General Contractor to expedite the project through the building authorities’ rules and regulations.
Liability is another consideration. Obviously, if you’re erecting the building yourself, you are liable for safety issues and injuries on your property. Alternatively, proper construction companies carry their own insurance and cover their crew with Workers’ Comp. If you’re planning on erecting the building yourself, it’s important to remember that in most cases, you’re responsible for the people you bring onto your property.
While this isn’t the case for all companies, as long as you erect your building as outlined in the building-specific construction drawings and the erection and safety manual, all GWB warranties, including the lifetime structural warranty, are honored. We love the DIY community, and strive to make our building kits as friendly and straightforward to install as possible.
Some companies may require you to have your building erected by an MBCEA (Metal Building Erectors Association) certified crew or other stipulations to honor your warranty. In addition, some manufacturers of paint, panels, accessories (doors, windows, etc.) may void your warranty if they are not installed by a professional. So, it’s important to understand what is and isn’t covered in warranties and what does and does not void them.
In short, we think that you should! Great Western takes pride in our DIY friendliness and loves to see personal success stories where our customers get to take pride in their own hard work. Check out our YouTube channel where we showcase numerous DIY builds. However, we want to ensure that you truly understand what you’re getting yourself into.
As to whether erecting the building yourself is less expensive, the simple answer is: yes. Though it will cost you a fair amount of time and patience, it’s a rewarding experience and leaves you with more equity in the finished product. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your level of confidence in learning and understanding the erection process and the amount of time you have to dedicate to the project.
Feel free to reach out to us directly with any questions. Some buildings are more DIY friendly than others – our team will be able to guide you on what to expect should you choose to erect your building yourself. We’re happy to help you understand the building process as best we can.
Ready to get started on your dream building project? You can fill out the form below for a quick and easy quote in moments, or you can design your dream project with our 3D building designer and submit that exact design for a quote.
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