FAQ's

THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS WE GET ABOUT STEEL BUILDINGS

• If your question is not addressed here, please feel free to call or e-mail us via the contact page. 

  1. Will I need a building permit for my building?

  In most cases yes, but not always. For example, some locations do not require a permit to erect agricultural buildings. To be certain, check with your local building inspector before buying a building from us or anyone else.

  2. What kind of drawings come with my building?

  Our computer-designed drawings include an anchor-bolt plan with reactions, which will give your foundation engineer all the information necessary to design the proper foundation for your building. The set also includes detailed diagrams of every connection used in your building, as well as cross-section diagrams for every part of the building, including the main frames, the framing for each wall, the roof sheeting, and the wall sheeting.

  3. Do I need a foundation for my building?

  At the very least, you will need concrete piers for the columns to sit upon. Most people pour a full foundation, but if you are using the building on a farm or ranch and plan to have dirt, gravel, or sawdust floors, a pier system may be preferable. In these situations, a popular option is to combine piers with a concrete footing around the perimeter of the building. With a pier system, you will need to request the "base girt" option.

  4. Do you provide the pier or foundation plan?

  Since your foundation or pier system needs to be designed for the soil conditions in your area, you will ideally need a local engineer to provide your foundation plan. However, we do work with foundation engineers who can be added to the scope for their respective fees. Along with your erection drawings, we supply an anchor bolt plan with reactions, which will provide the engineer with the information they need about the building. You can often get a referral for a local engineer from your concrete supplier.

  5. Can these buildings be erected without a concrete plan?

  A foundation plan may not be required by your local code officials. In this case, a competent concrete supply company can use our anchor bolt setting plan and reactions to determine the needed PSI of your concrete. You must check with your local officials to see what is required.

  6. Do you supply the anchor bolts for attaching the frame to the foundation?

  The common practice is to set the anchor bolts when the foundation is poured, and most people want to have their foundations fully completed before the building arrives as the foundation typically needs ample time to cure, so they can begin erecting immediately. That is why our customers appreciate how quickly we deliver drawings and anchor bolt plans. Our fast service allows people to start designing and constructing their foundation within days of placing their order. 

  Note: The only exception is mini storage facilities, and we do supply anchor bolts with this kind of building system only. Other than anchor bolts, all necessary hardware will be supplied with your kit.

  7. What if I already have a foundation I want to use for the building?

  Assuming that your foundation is adequate, there are several types of anchor bolts that can be installed in an existing foundation. Your concrete engineer or supplier should be able to help you decide what options are best for your situation.

  8. What foundation thickness do you recommend?

  Foundation thickness must be determined by a foundation engineer or your local officials. For ballpark estimating purposes, foundations in the southern half of the U.S. tend to be 4 inches, while the thickness can exceed 8 inches in northern climates. However, much of that depends on the usage inside the building, specifically the weight loads placed on the slab.

  9. Do you unload the building for me?

  Insurance regulations prevent the driver from assisting in unloading. You will be responsible for the unloading of the building, and you will need lifting equipment. Additionally, we recommend that you have a total of at least three people to assist you.

  10. What kind of heavy equipment will I need?

  That depends on the size of your building. We limit our bundle weights to a maximum of 4,000 pounds, and often a forklift or boom truck with a spreader bar is adequate. If you don't think your equipment can handle a bundle of that weight, you can break the bundles down into smaller loads.

  11. Are there any erectors that you recommend?

  We do not provide official referrals or recommendations for erectors for two reasons. Due to the fact that we sell buildings worldwide, we cannot feasibly maintain a current and accurate database of all of the erectors available as they routinely change, nor can we guarantee the quality of their work. If you do decide to turn over the erection of your building to a professional erector, it's best to ask around in your local area for a referral of someone who does quality work. 

  12. Where do I find a price list?

  No legitimate steel building supplier can or will offer already-manufactured building kits, so we do not have a price list available. Every structure we manufacture is custom-designed from the ground up, based on your individual needs and the specific codes and loads of your jobsite location, as well as usage, which will affect said loads.  Additionally, you need to also consider the fact that there are a number of siding and roofing options that can have an impact on the price.  We provide panels that range from basic 26 gauge, single-skin, all the way to insulated panels with stone coating and very high pre-designated insulation values.  Accessories and aesthetic features are also what affect the price. Think, for instance, of the most basic vehicle model offered by your favorite auto manufacturer. Now think of their most expensive luxury sedan. These two cars look similar, and perform the same basic function, but what's on the inside can increase cost. Metal buildings are much the same, but with dozens of factors affecting not only price, but the fundamental design of the structure.

  If you are shopping around to compare prices, always remember that Not All Buildings Are Created Equal. Therefore, please make sure that all certifications and US-based sourcing of the products are verifiable, and not merely "claims"/

  13. What materials are Nu-Scope Buildings fabricated from?

  Our columns and panels are all steel, the most recycled building material in the world. Nearly 60% of the steel we use is made from recycled materials and our steel products are virtually 100% recyclable. Recyclable metal products help conserve natural resources and reduce environmental damage. They last longer than other building products and do not have to be maintained or replaced as often, reducing waste, labor costs and adverse environmental effects. In addition, they are resistant to fire, wind and pest damage.