Local Building Codes: Do I Have To Follow Local Building Codes When Purchasing My Steel Building?
When considering purchasing a pre-engineered steel building, you may have questions if you need to follow any building code requirements when you erect it.
The short answer is, yes, you do need to ensure that your Steel Building complies with any county or state building code and zoning regulations currently effective at your job site. But you do not need to let that scare you away from purchasing your steel building. Local building codes are established and implemented by the local government to ensure that the building’s occupants are safe and secure.
So don’t worry, when purchasing your metal building, regardless of its purpose of use, with BN Buildings you can be sure that it conforms to any requested code requirements currently in place in your area.
So don’t worry, when purchasing your metal building, regardless of its purpose of use, with BN Buildings you can be sure that it conforms to any requested code requirements currently in place in your area.
How Building Codes Can Effect the Cost of Your Steel Building
What is the average cost of a steel building? While one might think this is easy to answer, they may not realize that there are several factors contributing to the cost of a steel building. And local codes are one of the main driving force in the final price.
Local building departments enforce code requirements for buildings such as wind speed, snow loads, and seismic activity. These codes can have an effect on the structural components of the building and, in turn, on the overall price. Collateral loads (what you hang from your ceiling, such as sprinkler systems) and local energy codes (for insulation) can also effect the cost.
Why Building Codes & Zoning Requirements Matter
When considering to erect a metal building on a certain location for a particular purpose, first you need to find out if your construction site is properly zoned for your intended use. In particular, you need to consult with your local government department to find out if your preferred site is zoned for a certain type of use, such as commercial, residential, mixed-use, etc., and if the zoning at your construction site is in accordance with your construction plans.
After you determine that your construction site is zoned appropriately, you will need to find out what particular building codes are currently effective in your area so that you can make sure your prefabricated metal building conforms to them. Building codes vary in different areas and typically set standards for builders that are respective to the surrounding landscape and climate. The elevation of your land or construction site also dictates what building code is required.
Why It Is Important To Comply With Building Code Requirements
The main reason of building codes is to prevent injuries and fatalities that inferior construction can cause. But there are number of other reasons your metal building needs to comply with them.
First, if you ever decide to sell your metal building, you will probably have a very difficult time if it doesn’t meet local building code requirements. In addition, your potential purchaser will most likely have a hard time too securing a loan for that purchase.
Second, you will likely facing significant fines and penalties for failing to comply with local building codes. You might also have to make expensive adjustments or improvements to your metal building to make it appropriate for your building use (e.g. collateral loads and energy codes).
In Summary
We strongly recommend you ensure that your Steel Building conforms to Local Building Codes before you erect it at your construction site to prevent you from significant trouble and expense down the line.