Category Archives: Projects
Tips For Construction Safety For Your Metal Building
Worldwide Steel building kits are designed under the assumption that you’re going to want to erect your new metal building on your own, maybe with some help from a small crew of friends or a local contractor. So we’ve designed our construction process to be super-simple, even if you’re not in the construction industry. As long as you have common sense and a couple more sets of arms willing to help you get the walls up, you can DIY the entire build. Most of our customers don’t even need to rent a crane or any other heavy equipment!
Our metal building systems are manufactured to make construction easy. Our trusses are pre-punched, our sheet metal attaches to purlins and girts with self-drilling, color-coded screws, and we include a step-by-step assembly manual to guide you through your unique building process, start to finish.
But – and this is a big but – just because our steel buildings are simple to erect doesn’t mean they’re accident-proof. You’re working with huge, heavy sheets of metal and tall steel beams, so site safety rules still apply. Here are just a few we consider non-negotiable.
1. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
The right clothing and safety equipment can mean the difference between a bandage and a hospital stay on a steel building construction site. Here’s what you’ll need to wear:
- A hard hat. Everyone on or near the steel building construction absolutely must wear an OSHA-approved hard hat, all the time. Even if you’re not actively building, there is always a risk of head injury due to falling objects.
- Boots. Always wear sturdy work boots. They should have good ankle support and no-slip rubber soles. We strongly recommend steel toe boots for peak safety.
- Gloves. Some of the sheet metal building materials can be sharp on the edges. Wear work gloves to protect your hands from lacerations.
- Goggles. Again, make sure they’re OSHA-approved and have a pair handy for anyone who is using a drill or a saw.
- Masks. You don’t need a mask when you’re working with steel, but you should have them on hand for when you’re working with insulating materials or wood trim.
2. Eliminate as many fall risks as possible
To us, this means doing as much work as you can on the ground. We think avoiding the possibility of a fall altogether is much safer than even the most thoughtful fall protection. If you do as much assembly as possible at ground level, you can then lift and install the components (like walls and roof panels) once they’re more complete. For the times when you absolutely need to be up high (every job has these, of course), you can continue to mitigate your risk. Things like ladder safety and avoiding roof work in windy or slippery conditions can go a long way.
3. Communicate with everyone working on the project
Whether you’ve hired help or just convinced your buddies to help you raise the walls on your steel building, everyone on site needs to take the project seriously. This means wearing the correct PPE, knowing how to handle the building components and erect the steel framing, and paying attention to what’s going on around them. Keep emergency numbers and a first aid kit available near or on site, and be sure everyone around the project knows where they are.
4. Keep the job site clean
Sound silly? It isn’t. A picked-up construction site is a safe work environment. Not only will clear work areas prevent falls and falling objects, they’ll allow clearer exit paths in case of an emergency (like a fire). This means keeping all your work surfaces clean and dry, sealing containers that you aren’t using, keeping all objects and tools off work surfaces, stairways and out of hallways, and putting all your equipment away when it isn’t in use.
5. Admit when you’re out of your depth
Thanks to all the resources available today, there’s a lot that can be DIYed. But sometimes, aspects of a steel building project really just call for a professional. Think complicated electric or HVAC installations that could benefit from some oversight from a more qualified person. Don’t be afraid to call for assistance in the form of a general contractor when you think you need it. You’ll end up safer and with a better building in the end … and yeah, you can still say you built it yourself!
For more information, safety protocols and steel building recommendations, download a copy of our Steel Building DIY Instructions. This guide comes with every metal building kit we send out, but we decided to make it available to you before you buy, too. It’s a sneak peek at the metal building construction process and a good way to figure out how much help you’ll need from a Worldwide Steel expert.
We’re here to help. Give us a call at (800) 825-0316 or contact us here. Let’s have some (safe) fun bringing your building idea to life!
Using Our 3D Building Designer to Imagine Your Ideal Build
So you know you need a steel building. But how do you bring the garage, airplane hangar, winery or greenhouse that’s in your head to life, safely and to code, with all the features and functionality you want?
Worldwide Steel building kits are simple to assemble, but you’re not alone if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed at the idea of designing your dream building. After all, there’s so much to take into account, and knowing where to start can be tough.
“We make our steel building kits foolproof, so you don’t have to be a pro to build one yourself. But if you’re not a pro, you probably don’t have experience with or access to construction or architecture software. That makes designing your own building intimidating,” said Alan Jackson, a building consultant at our Scranton, KS office. “That’s the last thing we want – our steel building kits should be simple and empowering, and you should get exactly what you want and need from them. That’s why we encourage customers to use our 3D Designer.”
The Worldwide Steel Buildings Online 3D Building Designer makes it easy for novice designers to become independent, confident builders.
When you first click onto the Online 3D Building Designer (on a desktop computer or mobile device, with easy operating instructions for either kind of device right there on-screen), you’ll see the image of a simple building, with large directional indicators on the “grass” to help you keep track of how the building will appear on your land.
You can zoom in and out, spin the building around with 360° rotation to check it out from all angles, and even switch between indoor and outdoor views with the click of a button.
Then, get designing! Customize your building by altering dimensions, choosing colors and building extension options, adding porches and overhangs, windows and doors, mezzanine bays and more. You can even add objects, like a person, a truck, an airplane or a driveway, for scale, to get an even more realistic idea of how your building will come to life.
“It feels like you’re just playing,” said Derek Kerr, a building consultant at our Peculiar, MO office. “It’s that fun to mess around with. But it’s not just play – it’s planning. The 3D Designer can really help you work through what exactly you need. Sometimes a design you thought was going to work actually won’t … and it’s important to figure that out before you order a building kit or start construction.”
When the building in your mind matches the building on your screen, you can save it, share your design via email, and – best of all – you can submit your design to the WWSB team for a free quote.
“We’re able to take a look at your design and identify any ‘gotchas’ or optimizations that might benefit you, then give you a comprehensive cost for materials,” said Kerr.
Ready to start using the Worldwide Steel Buildings Online 3D Building Designer? You might be surprised at how much you love virtual steel building design.
To get a feel for what some other users have done with the Online 3D Building Designer, check out the Worldwide Steel Design Examples.
Like always, our team is here to answer any questions you run into along the way. Just give us a call at (800) 825-0316 whenever you need an expert ear.
Construction Company Kudos
You don’t need to specialize in steel building construction to put up a Worldwide Steel Building. Just ask Scott Tallman, president of Tallman Construction, a general contractor in Idaho Falls, Idaho. “It’s a user-friendly solution that doesn’t require any special equipment or tools,” he says. “My guys had no problem putting it together. Everything went very smoothly from start to finish.”
Scott designed and constructed two steel buildings for Sun Rain, a client of his that grows and distributes a variety of potatoes. One of the structures required a constant temperature between 48 and 52 degrees, meaning a poly-foam insulation had to be applied to the entire building. Fortunately, Scott was able to do so thanks to the versatility of the Worldwide Steel product.
Beyond versatility, Scott says he chose Worldwide Steel over other manufacturers because it offered both better pricing and better service. It’s why he’d use Worldwide Steel in the future along with recommending them to others. “We definitely had a great experience with the product and the staff. I’d work with them again in a heartbeat.”
Scott Tallman is one of many satisfied Worldwide Steel Buildings customers. Learn what others have to say by visiting worldwidesteelbuildings.com. Then try out the free 3D Design Tool to map out plans for your steel building.
Got Questions? We Have Answers.
If David Olsen had a question, Worldwide Steel Buildings had an answer. It’s why the do-it-yourselfer was able to successfully assemble his own multi-purpose steel building on his property in Boulder, Colorado. “Whenever I needed help during construction, Worldwide Steel was always there for me,” says Olsen.
Olsen required assistance early on after his local municipal building department asked him to modify foundation plans. He reached out to his Worldwide Steel customer service representative who quickly provided adjustments to meet requirements. Later on, Olsen experienced some minor material snafus that were easily remedied by Worldwide Steel.
“Their responsiveness made a world of a difference,” notes Olsen. “I was able to count on them throughout the project.”
Olsen leveraged one of Worldwide Steel’s predesigned packages and utilizes his 2,000-square-foot facility as a garage, shop and storage facility. He wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Worldwide Steel to others. “They offer a hard-to-beat combination of product and service. I’m really happy about how my building turned out.”
Find out what other customers have to say about Worldwide Steel Buildings by visiting worldwidesteelbuildings.com. Then try out the free Worldwide Steel Buildings 3D Building Designer Tool.
Spark Your Imagination
Get a clearer picture of the steel building in your future with a little help from the satisfied customers of Worldwide Steel Buildings. Now available on our website are design examples created by our customers (with our popular 3D Building Design Tool) that served as the springboard for the steel building of their dreams.
You’ll feel inspired to take your design to the next level by viewing the plans of others whether you’re thinking of building a garage, workshop, house, barndominium or commercial building. Worldwide Steel Buildings hopes to help people get over the design hump by simply sharing the work of others.
“Sometimes it just takes a little spark to the imagination to complete a building design,” says Jeff Snell, president and CEO of Worldwide Steel Buildings. “And what’s great about our 3D design tool is that it provides a clear vision of the buildings that’s swirling inside the heads of our customers.”
So take a look-see at the other building designs today to get inspired for tomorrow. Go to https://www.worldwidesteelbuildings.com/design-examples/.
Try out the free Worldwide Steel Buildings 3D Building Designer Tool.
Buildings That Last A Lifetime
With a 50-year warranty from Worldwide Steel Buildings, Adam Fike has a feeling that the two structures on his 10-acre property will be around for a very long time to come.
“I anticipate that both buildings will outlive me,” says Adam, who resides on 10 acres in Spring Hill, KS. “I wanted a product that would last a lifetime so I decided that steel was the best way to go. I’m glad I don’t have to worry about wood rot and other costly maintenance issues.”
Adam also liked the idea of lower upfront costs. Early on he learned he could save a bunch of money by choosing steel over wood for his two buildings – one of which is a 24’ x 30’ structure that he utilizes to operate his residential painting business. The shop provides materials storage in addition to space for spraying out cabinets and doors.
His other building is 40’ x 40’ and is used for a light farming operation. It serves as home to cows, goats and horses as well as storage for hay and equipment. For both buildings, Adam chose to go with off-the-shelf packages provided by Worldwide Steel, which still provided room for some customization.
“I was really amazed at how easily everything came together,” claims Adam. “The building components are manufactured like well designed puzzle pieces.” He was also impressed with the customer service at Worldwide Steel from start to finish. “Everyone I worked with was really knowledgeable and respectful. It was just a great experience overall.”
Get going on the steel building in your future by trying out the free Worldwide Steel Buildings 3D Building Designer Tool.
Steel Gets the Green Thumbs Up
A little knowledge can go a long way when weighing the pros and cons of a steel building, according to Mark Bockelman, owner of Bockelman’s Landscaping and Garden Center in Fowler, Ohio.
“Unfortunately, some people are afraid of steel because they don’t know enough about it,” explains Mark. “But steel is really an excellent option for buildings because it’s durable, versatile and affordable. I recommend it – and Worldwide Steel Buildings – all the time.”
Bockelman knows firsthand the value of steel after deciding to use galvanized steel framing (manufactured by Worldwide Steel Buildings) for the greenhouse he and his teenage daughter, Leah, assembled in 2017. The 24’ x 40’ structure, which features corrugated walls and partially corrugated roofing, still looks new today despite the naturally wet environment.
Bockelman credits the custom galvanization he requested from Worldwide Steel Buildings for protecting his greenhouse from rusting and pitting. And that’s important to him, not only from a long-term structural standpoint but also in regard to business growth. As a retailer, he needs his greenhouse to look good on all levels.
“Offering a clean and pristine shopping environment is meaningful to our customers,” says Bockelman, who’s been in business for over 30 years. “It’s one of the keys to our success.”
Get started on designing a steel building for your business or personal property by utilizing the free 3D Building Designer Tool at WorldwideSteelBuildings.com.
Singer Hits High Note With Steel Home
Bob Singer and his wife are really happy about their decision to relocate from Arizona to Hamilton, Missouri. In addition to the utter enjoyment of being near family – especially their eight grandchildren – the Singers are also very pleased with their choice of a steel house and garage manufactured by Worldwide Steel Buildings.
“Going with Worldwide Steel allowed us to build the home we wanted and remain in our price range,” tells Bob, who’s now in the process of building out the interior of his home. “The 3-D design tool on the website made it easy for us to take our ideas and transform them into reality.”
Today, that reality stands as a sturdy 48’ x 72’ steel building. It offers a 1,824 square-foot, three-car garage featuring 16’ walls that lodges the Singers’ full-size motor home, which serves as temporary living quarters while finishing off the home interior.
Speaking of the 1,632 square-foot home, it provides 12’ walls along with plenty of living space that includes: two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room, dining room, den, kitchen, pantry and utility room. And, according to Bob, he plans to add second-floor living space down the road.
“My sister liked our steel home so much that she built one down in Arizona,” notes Bob. “Not surprisingly, she decided to go with Worldwide Steel Buildings, too. Their product and customer service set them apart from other manufacturers.”
To start tinkering around with a steel building of your own, try out the free 3D Building Designer Tool at WorldwideSteelBuildings.com.
Customer Success Spotlight: Russ & Ranae’s New Shop
We take pride in the products we manufacture, and how they help our customers meet not only a practical need for space, but also achieve their goals for their business, family, or lifestyle. That’s why we love hearing from customers like Russ and Ranae about how they’re using their customizable steel building:
“My wife and I have had a great time building our shop. I am attaching a few pictures of the shop (as you can see, we still have some inside work to do). We have done all of the work ourselves, except for the cement footings and floor. Not too bad for a couple of senior citizens!
Thank you for all your support and encouragement. If anybody would like to see one of your buildings, we would be glad to show them ours.”Russ & Ranae L.
Monroe, UT
Click below to see and read more.
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Thank you, Russ and Ranae, for sharing your story, and for choosing Worldwide Steel Buildings for your project. Please let us know if we can be of assistance at any time. Enjoy your new shop!
How are you using YOUR Worldwide Steel Building? Let us know – we’d love to hear from you!
Steel Building Exterior Finishes That Add Character and Value
We love the look of our steel buildings, and we want to make sure our customers do, too. Our sheet metal siding comes in a wide range of colors which you can “try before you buy” using our 3-D Building Design Tool.
But a steel building doesn’t have to look like a steel building if you don’t want it to. Our customers have the benefit and flexibility of using a range of other exterior options if sheet metal isn’t their preference.
Between siding options and exterior finishes in a variety of colors, your metal building can be designed to resemble traditional construction … without losing all the benefits that come along with choosing a steel frame structure.
Aesthetics That Match Your Vision
Having the flexibility to choose the look of your exterior walls can be particularly important when trying to match a look that may already exist on your property – or matching a new steel frame house to the surrounding neighborhood.
Worldwide Steel Buildings’ team has worked with many of our customers to design steel structures using a range of exterior finishes beyond metal wall panels, including brick, stone, stucco, and even wood siding.
Brick exterior
Bricks are one of the oldest building materials, having been used as far back as 7,000 BC. Brick is a durable and fire-resistant exterior finish option that provides a high-end, classic look with lots of curb appeal. Brick veneer is a good choice for a single family home, detached garage, or small business.
Stone siding
Stone (or faux stone like GenStone) provides a unique, organic appeal to single-family homes and certain commercial buildings. It is more durable and lower-maintenance than wood, and natural stone is likely to outlast most everything built today. Stone can camouflage the appearance of prefab metal buildings almost entirely.
Stucco
Traditional stucco is a very popular finish option especially in warmer climates thanks to its light-colored natural appearance. If you want your metal building project to gain even more energy efficiency and durability (stucco is resistant to fire, mold, rot and infestation, just like steel), consider stucco. Because the material now comes in pre-cut stucco panels, adding a stucco finish can be an easy way to enhance the appearance of your home, commercial building or recreational building.
Wood siding
Customers who want all the benefits of a custom metal building as well as the appeal of traditional construction often choose wood siding as a finish option. Wood offers a lot of variety in format (between shiplap, shake, shingle, tongue and groove and more) and customization (because it’s so easy to paint and repaint). Wood siding is also a comparably inexpensive and accessible finish option, and using it on a steel building kit negates some of its drawbacks (like a lack of insulation).
Strength You Can Depend On
Whatever exterior finishes you choose, you still get the strength and durability of our steel truss framing, backed by our unmatched 50-year guarantee. You also get the other benefits of our steel building kits, including full customization, clear interior spans giving you flexibility of interior layout, affordability, and ease of assembly.
Need some inspiration to get started on your project? Look at photos on the “Steel Buildings” tab, check out our 3-D Design Tool, or talk with a Building Consultant specialist to create a structure with the perfect look for your needs.
For more information about metal building kits contact us, or start designing your building with our online 3D Building Designer Tool by clicking the image below.
