Estimating the Cost of Residential Steel Buildings: Factors and Pricing

When you think of steel buildings, you probably picture warehouses, storage buildings, barns, workshops or airplane hangers. These are all popular uses of steel buildings, but many people don’t realize that prefabricated steel buildings can also be used for residential applications to build new homes, additions or garages.

About Residential Metal Buildings

Prefabricated steel buildings are growing in popularity for residential use because they are durable, affordable, low maintenance and energy efficient. Steel buildings hold up to elements such as high winds, yet they cost far less than conventionally-built homes.

Some people think of residential metal buildings as ugly, but thanks to modern technology and creative design, they don’t have to be. Adding features such as stucco walls, canopies, and rock or brick facades can make the home look not just OK, but high-end. Decorative doors, windows and paint finishes also soften the look of metal. However, some people appreciate the stark, modern look of metal buildings without all the decorative features.

Cost of Residential Metal Buildings

Estimating the cost of a residential steel building is very difficult. The price varies widely from one region of the country to another, mostly due to local building codes. For example, buildings in cold climates must be stronger in order to withstand large amounts of snow. Further complicating the matter, the price of steel tends to fluctuate.

Generally, budget about $40 to $50 per square foot for a completely finished metal home with decorative features. That includes all materials, site work, construction and finishing. Garages cost far less, usually about $15 to $20 per square foot, because they require less finishing.

Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect to pay for individual components of a completely finished house, as well as labor:

• Steel building or shell: $10 to $15 per square foot
• Accessories like doors and windows: starting at $2 to $4 per square foot
• Decorative features and finishes: $5-plus per square foot
• Concrete-slab foundation: $4 to $8 per square foot
• Delivery: $1 to $2 per square foot
• Labor: $5 to $10 per square foot
• Electric: $1 to $2 per square foot

Video: 4 Reasons Steel Buildings Are The Best Do It Yourself House

Watch this video to find out why a steel home is a "steal building".

Steel Home Kit Companies and Pricing

• Worldwide Steel Buildings: Offers steel home kits with prices ranging from $30 to $40 per square foot.

• Mueller, Inc.: Provides steel home kits with prices starting at approximately $10 per square foot.

• Kodiak Steel Homes: Offers steel home kits with prices ranging from $20 to $40 per square foot, depending on customization options.

• Armstrong Steel: Provides steel home kits with prices starting at around $10 per square foot.

• VersaTube: Offers steel home kits with prices starting at approximately $7 per square foot.

Types of Residential Steel Buildings

• Steel Homes: Complete residential structures made entirely of steel, offering durability, energy efficiency, and design flexibility.

• Steel Cabin Kits: Prefabricated structures for smaller residential purposes like vacation homes or guest houses, providing a cost-effective and efficient housing solution.

• Metal Garage and Workshop Buildings: Designed for vehicle storage, workshops, or hobby areas, customizable with insulation, windows, and doors.

• Barndominiums: Blend of a barn and a condominium, featuring steel construction for the living space, offering a unique rustic-modern living experience.

• Steel Modular Homes: Factory-built homes with steel frames, combining the benefits of modular construction and steel strength.

• Steel Tiny Houses: Compact and efficient living spaces built with steel frames, customizable to maximize functionality.

• Steel Multi-Family Buildings: Steel construction for multi-family residential buildings like apartments and condominiums, providing strength, versatility, and efficient construction.

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