Category Archives: steel buildings
Meet Your Steel Building Consultant: Kevin Paulsen
There are a lot of things that set Worldwide Steel Buildings apart from the competition.
Our 3D virtual steel building designer, the quality of our materials, the ease of erecting our steel buildings and our 50-year structural guarantee, to name a few.
But when you’re starting a steel building project, even if it’s not your first, you probably want some reassurance along the way. Confirmation that you’ve thought the design through, that you’ve measured your needed square footage correctly, that you aren’t forgetting any key elements that would be a pain to add in post-construction. And once the trusses start going up, it’s comforting to know there’s someone you can call – someone you can trust – if you have any questions along the way.
And that’s where Worldwide Steel really shines: our team. Our trained building consultants, ready to help you design the building of your dreams and see it through to reality. Our steel building experts across the country are happy to guide the construction of your new steel building from the brainstorming process right up until the installation of the last screw.
One of those team members is Kevin Paulsen, who started working at Worldwide Steel’s Colorado location on New Year’s Day, 2018.
“I grew up around construction,” Kevin says. “My dad used to be a builder, so much of my general knowledge comes from that. Before joining Worldwide Steel Buildings, I was an Area Manager for Pepsi and Coors in Wyoming. Then I moved to Denver and began working for a different steel building company.
After my experience with them, I did not think I would come back into the steel buildings world. After meeting Jeff Snell and Warren Bott, I knew that things were being done the right way here and could see myself being a part of their team.”
Here’s what Kevin thinks sets WWSB apart from the competition:
What is unique about Worldwide Steel building materials?
“You’ll often come across a competitor that says they provide steel buildings. But in actuality, it’s all wood framing with some steel siding. There’s no comparison in quality. Worldwide Steel has different truss designs that really tailor to whatever needs the customer has. When you switch over to the competition, that are truly just steel building providers, they can typically only provide one type of steel building: a rigid frame design. I say “providers” because there are many places out there that are brokers and they don’t manufacture their own product. At WWSB, customers know exactly what they’re getting and where it’s coming from.”
What’s the Worldwide Steel difference in terms of customer satisfaction?
“I think that we do a great job as a whole when we’re helping our customers. We have a lot of very knowledgeable salespeople who work with the customers from conception to completion of the project. Behind every building consultant, there’s a lot of support, as well. We have a wealth of information and are able to help with anything a customer may need, thanks to our great customer and sales support staff, detailing department, management, and ownership. You can take that out to the shop, too, where the components of every building are made. The individuals out there take pride in their work and do a great job of making a customer’s dream building come to life.”
For Kevin and the rest of the Worldwide Steel team, customer satisfaction is the driving force behind all their hard work.
“I don’t think that I could name one favorite project,” Kevin says. “I really love when my customers are happy and start sharing project pictures with me. I have customers that will forever be friends. That is what makes what I do the most satisfying.”
If you want the security of knowing your steel building materials are of the highest quality, manufactured right on site, and backed by the support of knowledgeable building consultants like Kevin, you want to work with Worldwide Steel.
Whether you have questions about how to get your steel building project off the ground (figuratively or literally), or you’re ready to start breaking ground, our team is ready to help you. Give us a call at (800) 825-0316 to discover what’s so special about working with Worldwide Steel Buildings.
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.
How Long Does it Take to Build a Metal Building?
Once metal building owners begin using their new structures, the construction process becomes an afterthought. It’s a blip in a lifetime of enjoying a high-quality, low-maintenance building. But before you commit to a prefab metal building, when the construction process is looming in front of you, it’s easy to fixate on — especially if you’re new to building erection.
When you’re planning for a DIY metal building construction project, it’s important to have a good understanding of what’s involved before you get started. There’s too much on the line to get started without knowing the basics: Where you’re going to erect your building, what kinds of equipment will be needed on the job site, and who’s going to be on your crew.
Perhaps the most crucial to the success of your project is understanding how long it’s going to take to erect your metal building, and what kinds of things can affect your timeline.
Of course, there’s no prescriptive answer to how long it takes to erect a steel building. Because our steel structures are so customizable, there is a lot of variation in our customers’ building design, building size, building materials and circumstances. That means there’s a lot of variation in the construction process, too!
While our building systems come together relatively quickly and easily regardless of their final forms, smaller, simpler metal buildings will come together more simply and in less time. A metal garage or pole barn (say, 2,400 square foot with 40’ clear span) might take less than a week to frame. But what about an airplane hangar, a house, or any other kind of structure that’s much larger or much more involved? Then, the calculations get a little bit more complex, and we recommend you reach out to a WWSB consultant for support.
Overall, however, here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re planning the timeline of your steel building construction.
Phase Construction
Consider everything you need to do before construction begins, and factor in time for that. Finding a crew, grading land, pouring concrete and taking material delivery all needs to be coordinated. After that, you can divide your erection process into three phases:
- Phase 1: Standing columns and trusses. Plan to devote about 15% of your time to phase one.
- Phase 2: Framing and building out your structure. Plan to devote about 15% of your time to phase two.
- Phase 3: Sheeting the building. Plan to devote about 45% of your time to phase three.
Work Together
Especially when it comes to phase three (sheeting buildings), it can help cut down construction time to have a crew working together. No, you won’t need to contract an entire construction company … but some trustworthy, able-bodied buddies will be indispensable. We recommend having three-man teams working together on different walls.
Prepare For Delays
Our pre-engineered metal buildings are a match for even the highest wind loads and snow loads … once they’re complete. But during construction, before everything is assembled and there’s human safety to worry about? That’s a different story. No building project is totally immune to Mother Nature. Weather is always, always the primary cause of delays when erecting a Worldwide Steel building. Plan for some inclement weather, even if there’s nothing in the forecast when you get started.
Don’t Cut Corners
Trying to rush a steel building project can be detrimental to your safety and the quality of your finished project. To stay safe, be sure to always be aware of your surroundings and go slowly when roofing the building. To ensure quality, just don’t rush – especially when putting screws into the sheetmetal (you might miss the secondary).
Looking for more specific timeline advice on your particular steel building project? We’re happy to help. Just give our team a call at (800) 825-0316.
For answers to other questions, like whether our steel building kits can be designed to meet building codes, what our 50-year warranty covers, or how the building cost of steel frame structures compares to traditional construction, check out our steel building FAQ.
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!
