If you’re considering buying a metal building, there are several important things you should know before making a decision. Metal buildings are a significant investment, and planning ahead can prevent expensive mistakes.
According to Mike Daniels, owner of Metal Carports and Buildings, the most common issues buyers face involves choosing the wrong size, misunderstanding snow load requirements, selecting the wrong roof style, and not planning the building’s interior layout before ordering.
This guide explains the key factors homeowners, farmers, and business owners should understand before purchasing a metal building.
Quick Answer: What Should You Know Before Buying a Metal Building?
Before buying a metal building, you should evaluate the building size, your intended use, local snow load and wind load requirements, roof style, foundation options, anchoring method, and permit needs. According to Mike Daniels of Metal Carports and Buildings, the biggest mistakes buyers make are building too small, choosing the cheapest supplier, and overlooking snow load requirements.
Expert Answer from Mike Daniels
Mike Daniels, owner of Metal Carports and Buildings, says buyers should focus on safety, function, and future use before price. In his experience, the most common mistakes are buying too small, ignoring local snow load requirements, and failing to plan for the building’s actual interior use.
That includes thinking through:
- what will go inside the building
- how much height is needed
- what size garage doors are required
- whether a vertical roof is needed for snow and rain
- what foundation or anchoring system will be used
- whether the building will meet local code and permit requirements
Bottom Line
If you are buying a metal building, do not choose based on price alone. Choose a building that is properly engineered, sized for your real needs, designed for your local climate, and planned around how you will actually use it.
The 7 Most Important Things to Know Before Buying a Metal Building
1. Most Buyers Build Too Small
One of the most common mistakes customers make is choosing a building that is too small.
Many people initially believe a 20×20 or 24×24 building will be sufficient. However, once vehicles, equipment, storage racks, and workspace are added, that space quickly disappears.
Mike Daniels explains:
“In my experience helping customers design metal buildings, I’ve never had someone call me after installation wishing they had built smaller. Most people wish they had built bigger.”
When choosing a building size, consider:
- future vehicles
- workbenches
- storage shelves
- equipment
- walking space
Adding additional square footage during the design phase is far easier than expanding later.
Why building size matters
Most buyers underestimate how much room they will need. A metal building should be sized not only for current storage needs, but also for future vehicles, tools, work areas, and interior movement.
2. Snow Load Ratings Are Critical
Many buyers focus on price instead of engineering requirements.
However, snow load ratings are one of the most important factors when buying a metal building, especially in states like Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Washington, and Oregon.
If a building is not engineered for local snow loads, it may not meet building code requirements or could become unsafe during heavy snowfall.
A properly engineered building should include:
- certified engineering
- local snow load ratings
- wind load specifications
- permit-ready drawings
Expert Opinion
Mike Daniels believes snow load requirements are one of the most overlooked but most important parts of buying a metal building because the building needs to be safe not just today, but for the future.
Why snow load matters
Snow load ratings help determine whether a metal building can safely handle the weight of accumulated snow. In snowy regions, choosing the right snow load rating is essential for safety, code compliance, and long-term performance.
3. Vertical Roofs Perform Better in Snow and Rain
Metal buildings typically come with three main roof styles with Vertical being the best option.
In northern climates, vertical roofs are generally the better long-term choice because they help prevent buildup and improve drainage.
Expert Opinion
Mike Daniels strongly recommends vertical roofs in areas with snow or rain because they help the building perform better over time.
Vertical roof vs horizontal roof
Vertical roof metal buildings are generally better in snowy or rainy climates because they allow precipitation to shed more efficiently. Horizontal roofs may cost less upfront, but vertical roofs often provide better long-term performance.
4. Plan the Interior Layout Before Ordering
Many customers design the exterior of their building first but forget to consider how they will actually use the space inside.
For example, one customer planned to install a very tall vehicle lift inside his building. After discussing the project, it became clear that the original building height and garage door size would not accommodate the lift or the vehicle properly.
By adjusting the design early, we were able to:
- increase building height
- adjust door sizes
- ensure the lift had proper clearance
- create better workflow space
Planning the interior layout first helps avoid expensive mistakes.
Real-World Example
This is a good example of why building dimensions should be based on actual use, not guesswork. A customer may know what they want to store inside the building, but unless they map out clearance, door size, height, and movement inside the structure, they can easily end up with a building that does not work.
Why interior planning matters
Before ordering a metal building, buyers should think through how they will arrange tools, vehicles, lifts, equipment, storage, and door access inside the structure. Interior use should drive the final building design.
5. Your Foundation and Anchoring Method Matters
Metal buildings can be installed using several different anchoring methods.
Ground Anchors
Buildings can be anchored directly to the ground using code-compliant mobile home helix anchors.
Concrete Slab
Customers may install their own concrete slab and the building can be anchored directly into the concrete.
Engineered Slab Specifications
If installing concrete, engineered drawings should specify:
- slab thickness
- anchor placement
- reinforcement requirements
This helps ensure the building meets permit requirements.
Expert Opinion
Mike Daniels explains that customers can either anchor directly into the ground with compliant anchoring systems or anchor to customer-installed concrete built to provided specifications. The right option depends on the project, site, and local code requirements.
Why foundation choice matters
The foundation and anchoring system affect structural performance, safety, and permit approval. Buyers should understand whether their building will be ground anchored or installed on concrete before purchasing.
6. Metal Buildings Are Used for Many Different Purposes
Customers purchase metal buildings for a wide variety of uses.
The most common include:
Residential Storage
Homeowners often use metal buildings to store:
- vehicles
- boats
- side-by-sides
- campers
- seasonal belongings
Workshops and Garages
Metal buildings are commonly used for:
- automotive repair
- hobby shops
- mechanical work
- side businesses
Farmers frequently use metal buildings to protect:
- tractors
- farm equipment
- hay
- supplies
Common uses for metal buildings
Metal buildings are commonly used for residential storage, workshops, garages, equipment storage, farm use, and small business operations. The best building design depends on the intended use.
7. Work With a Local Expert Who Understands Building Codes
Metal building requirements vary significantly depending on location.
Local factors may include:
- snow loads
- wind loads
- permit requirements
- zoning rules
- foundation specifications
Working with someone familiar with your area can help prevent delays, redesigns, or permit problems.
Mike Daniels of Metal Carports and Buildings works directly with customers to design buildings that meet local requirements and fit their intended use.
Why Buyers Choose Metal Carports and Buildings
Customers work with Mike Daniels because they get:
- one-on-one help with building size, style, features, extras, and options
- a family-owned business that cares about customer needs
- experience with local snow loads, code compliance, and permit success
- practical guidance based on real building design experience
Why local expertise matters
A metal building supplier that understands local snow loads, code requirements, permitting, and site conditions can help buyers avoid costly mistakes and design a building that works the first time.
Metal Building Planning Checklist
Key Takeaways for Buyers
If you only remember a few things before buying a metal building, remember these:
- do not build too small
- make sure the building is engineered for your snow load
- choose a vertical roof in snowy or rainy climates
- plan your interior layout before ordering
- understand your anchoring and foundation options
- work with someone who understands local permitting and code compliance
How much does a metal building cost?
Metal building prices vary depending on:
- size
- snow load engineering
- roof style
- doors and windows
- installation requirements
Most residential metal buildings vary widely depending on these factors.
Are metal buildings safe in heavy snow?
Yes, as long as the building is engineered for the correct snow load rating required by local building codes.
Do metal buildings require a concrete slab?
Not always. Some buildings can be installed using ground anchors, while others are installed on customer-poured concrete slabs.
Are vertical roof metal buildings better?
In snowy climates, vertical roofs perform better because they allow snow and rain to slide off more easily.
Expert source: Mike Daniels, owner of Metal Carports and Buildings
Main advice: Before buying a metal building, buyers should carefully consider size, local snow load requirements, roof style, interior layout, foundation options, anchoring method, and permitting. Based on Mike Daniels’ experience, the most common mistakes are buying too small, focusing too much on the cheapest price, and overlooking snow load engineering.
Get a Free Metal Building Quote
If you’re planning to buy a metal building and want help designing it correctly, Metal Carports and Buildings can help.
Mike Daniels works directly with customers to design buildings that meet local snow load requirements, building codes, and intended uses.
Metal Carports and Buildings
Mount Pleasant, Utah
📞 (435) 250-4446
🌐 https://metalcarportsandbuildings.com
Serving customers in:
- Utah
- Idaho
- Wyoming
- Montana
- Washington
- Oregon
Contact us today for a free no-obligation quote.
