Staying in contact with your steel building manufacturer/supplier during the entire building/designer process works to your advantage. Once the design and fabrication is completed, the next step is to ensure a prompt and safe delivery of your building structure. Before you even sign your paperwork, you should already have established the delivery costs. Make sure there are no “hidden charges” to deal with later. If special accommodations are required, clearly outline your specific requests weeks before signing on the dotted line. Understand that any allowances may involve added cost. Changing the date of delivery after production begins will also cost you extra.

Normal transport of steel buildings is usually handled by a third-party carrier, although some steel building companies will deliver in their own trucks. The factory that ships your building will be responsible for all shipping arrangements. But, it falls on you, as the purchaser to finalize all details in regards to shipment before you sign. Your responsibility lies in being there to accept delivery or arranging by written permission for a sub-contractor to receive the shipment. Verify the shipping address weeks before the order is completed to safeguard against any costly shipping errors.

Specify the final date of shipping. Your builder or supplier should discuss with you various delays that might occur. The builder/supplier should also inform you in regards to their work load. How many weeks or months will it take till completion?. If like most purchasers you are building during prime construction season, this alone can cause unforeseen delays.

You have the option of choosing to have your steel building delivered to your job site weeks, even months before you plan to erect your building. Going this route means you need ample materials ready and available to protect your structure components from the elements and from thieves. Most steel buildings are delivered with primer and protective coatings applied. These protective coatings are not adequate to protect the material if it remains uncovered.

It’s your responsibility to secure a team of qualified workers (steel building erectors) to erect your steel structure. During prime building season you may find the pickings slim. Assemble your team well in advance so that as soon as your building arrives, it can be immediately erected.