Category Archives: Uncategorized TEST

Legalization of Marijuana

Trudeau’s legislation seeking to legalize recreational marijuana is expected to pass Parliament and take full effect in the spring of 2018. Since August 11, 2016, grow operations in Canada have been required to apply to become licensed producers under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR). Fifty-three such commercially licensed producers currently serve the medical needs of more than 100,000 Canadians. That number was only slightly above 30,000 people in 2015 and continues to increase, making this an attractive market for new commercial growers.

With full legalization, it is likely that all currently certified medical grow operations will legally be allowed to produce for recreational users, while those seeking to become commercial producers will need to apply for a certification through an application form similar to the current ACMPR. A quick look at the application process shows that in order to get certified, you’re going to need a business plan that includes both building specifications and sufficient security measures that satisfy the standards of the Directive on Physical Security Requirements for Controlled Substances. This means that your operation is going to require a secure building with a particular layout as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. Luckily, Olympia steel buildings can be your solution.

A prefabricated steel  building from Olympia is easy to customize to your specific spacial needs and can be set up in weeks rather than months, saving you valuable time in a very time-sensitive market. The commercial marijuana market is bound to grow exponentially after legalization, and with that growth will come plenty of competition. Gaining an edge now will be key to success. Legalization is less than a year away, so waiting months for to construct a physical space just isn’t an option. It will only delay the application process to certify your commercial operation; an application process that will likely slow on its own as legalization approaches and more growers begin to apply for licensing.

Olympia buildings are also a more cost effective option than traditional buildings, both in avoiding material and labor costs in the short term and in avoiding maintenance and upkeep costs in the long term, increasing the likelihood that your operation can turn a larger profit more quickly. Plus, Olympia buildings are well-suited for high quality marijuana production, with natural insulation that allows for both superior temperature regulation and reduced energy costs.

For more information on our steel buildings, call us at 1-888- 449-7756.

Posted by on November 6, 2017 · Leave a Comment 

What does the Canadian Economy Have to Do with Steel?

As the economy in Canada continues to strengthen, one good side effect is that the Canadian dollar will continue to rise and eventually reach parity with the U.S. dollar. This will manifest itself in a variety of great ways, and one of them is bolstering the prefab steel building industry and all of the other industries that it affects. It’s always imperative that you think about what you want your structure to be like in the end so you can get exactly what you’re looking for at costs that will be reflective of a stable economy. Here are just a few ways that a rising dollar means good news for prefab steel buildings.

 

More Affordable

Prefab steel is already affordable, more so than buying raw materials to build a structure of the same size. There are times when products or add-ons will need to be shipped from the United States in order to complete the project, and with conversions and shipping this is something that can add up in cost quite quickly. As the loonie strengthens and becomes closer to parity with the American dollar, it becomes less expensive to order anything from the U.S. This is perfect because orders you might have been putting off or purchasing in small quantities to offset the total cost in CAD can be ordered much faster. It will be much easier to stay under budget when the final price won’t dramatically change from one currency to the other.

 

More Options

With a higher dollar, more options will open up to you in terms of your steel building’s final appearance. This could mean a variety of things, from ordering custom siding that would have otherwise been too expensive to getting cheaper shipping costs if any part of your structure has to be shipped from elsewhere. A stronger dollar means a lot more choice for buildings to look a variety of ways. Oftentimes, some of the more intricate customization options have to be shipped in from the U.S., so a stronger Canadian dollar gives you the opportunity to order these items without having to think about the converted costs being exorbitant.

 

Stay On Track

Making initial purchases for your steel building is one thing, but it’s the costs that may come up later on during the building process that can sometimes throw a project off course. With a Canadian dollar that’s much closer to the American dollar, you can anticipate some of these costs much easier. In addition, the value is projected to continue to increase and level off the well into 2018, so it will be simple to anticipate long term project costs and stay under your agreed budget.

 

More Structures

When your budget frees up because you end up saving money from a more stable dollar, this frees up capital to create more structures either now or later. Whether you wanted multiple structures in the first place but decided against it due to cost or your needs changed later on, the savings will give you the ability to put up structures in other places as well.


For more information on our steel buildings, call us at 1-888- 449-7756

 

Posted by on July 24, 2017 · Leave a Comment 

Solar Power

One of the best things about prefab steel buildings is how simple it is to include add-ons to make the functionality of the structure that much better. One of these things is the use of solar energy inside your structure by adding panels to the outside. Not only can this be done simply and efficiently with the help of a specialist thanks to the flexibility of steel buildings, it can help you save plenty of money on utility costs in the short and long term. The great thing about solar energy is that it’s clean, renewable and unlimited – the perfect combination for a “green” structure like prefab steel buildings. No matter what you’re using your steel building for and whether it’s a residential or commercial building, you’ll find plenty of use for solar panels in order to reap not only the financial but also environmental benefits of the installation. Unlike some of the other add-ons and customization options that you can include in your steel building design, solar energy is one of the few that can make it cheaper to maintain your builder over the long haul and also contribute to it being an environmentally conscious structure. Here are the most important ways that solar energy can take your steel building to the next level.

Lower Costs

Solar power is known for being the cheaper option when it comes to powering your prefab steel building. The larger your structure is, the more panels you will likely have meaning that your savings will be even bigger comparatively. Based on how big your structure is, you might be saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year. The location also matters in this case, since your building will have to have some pretty good exposure to sunlight to make the most of this. Also, heating and cooling costs in areas that are either always cold or always warm will generally be much more expensive since there won’t be many times during the year where the temperature is mild or “level”, so the need to regulate it from inside your structure will be constant. Using solar power to keep the temperature at a comfortable level will mean you’ll save plenty of money in comparison to doing so with a traditional furnace. The installation cost might be slightly pricey, but in the end, the long-term savings will justify the upfront cost. Make sure to remember that aspect so you can factor it in from the earliest stages.

Environmentally Conscious

For most people, solar power is associated with environmentally conscious building and for good reason. Global warming is showing no real signs of slowing down, so finding ways to decrease your carbon footprint is now more important than ever before. You’re able to attach solar panels to our steel buildings so that you can power your structure without creating waste products and pollution. This is also a much more reliable form of energy and one that doesn’t need to be produced or replenished using methods that create more waste and pollution.

For any questions or concerns about our steel buildings, call us today at 1-877- 363-5726

Posted by on June 16, 2017 · Leave a Comment 

Libraries

It goes without saying that there are plenty of different uses for our prefab steel building kits. No matter what you can dream up, it’s likely that prefab steel buildings are the perfect material for it! The same can be said for building a library, something that prefab steel buildings are actually perfect for. Whether the library will be part of a school or stand on its own to serve the entire community, our prefab steel building kits are the perfect method to get the job done!

Natural Insulation

People tend to assume that a metal building will automatically be cold and noisy, but with the natural insulation of our buildings that isn’t the case at all. Obviously in a library setting, the ability to keep the interior space quiet is imperative, but it is as much about rules and order as it is the construction of the building. Thanks to the natural insulation of steel, there won’t be such a massive echo effect in the space; so hushed conversation and the shuffling of books won’t bounce off walls and create more of a commotion than there needs to be. By adding any extra insulation, plenty of plush furniture and even plant life into your steel building library space, you’ll be able to absorb much of the sound that would normally rattle around your structure and be noisy not only inside, but outside the building as well.

Flexible

Every library is laid out differently from the next so it’s important to have a building method that can accommodate that. The great thing about steel buildings is that there are several kits available to make your building project go exactly as planned, as well as plenty of customization options that help along the way as well. It is often assumed that steel buildings can only look one particular way, but that’s far from true! Choose the building kit that’s right for you, and also take advantage of the open concept design of the structure’s interior. To accommodate rows of books, workspaces, sitting areas and more, it will be important to have a structure that gives you the freedom to put these wherever you so choose inside the space. Thanks to the trussless design, you won’t have to compromise any of the interior space in your building from floor to ceiling.

Low Maintenance

For a library, it will be very beneficial to build a structure that comes with such little maintenance! Chances are pretty high that nearly every corner of the library space will see a lot of regular use and foot traffic; meaning it will experience plenty of wear & tear and also make it more difficult to conduct frequent repairs without moving out all of the books, furniture and other equipment. The good thing about prefab steel is that there will be much less of a need for regular repairs and maintenance on a constant basis. While inspections on a yearly basis are always a good idea, your building will stay in good shape a lot longer than structures made from other materials.

For more information on our steel buildings, call us at 1-888- 449-7756

Posted by on May 23, 2017 · Leave a Comment 
faqs

FAQs

It’s natural to have questions about a product you’re buying, and a large purchase like a steel building is no different. For most property owners, figuring out the best building option is the first thing they need to do when planning a project; and along with that comes plenty of questions that need answers! There are a handful of questions that definitely get asked most commonly when it comes to steel buildings, and also quite a lot of misinformation circulating in response to them. It’s important to do your research from many angles in order to get the best possible response! Here are just a few of the most common steel building questions.

How Do I Get A Quote?

Getting a quote on a steel building is actually pretty easy, and typically property owners get quotes from 3 or 4 different steel building companies in order to choose the best option. It will be important to have a solid idea of the kind of project you need in order to get an accurate quote. You can then decide whether to take the offer or move on, depending on what budget you had in mind.

Will The Building Fit My Needs?

This will be totally up to you and how much you know about the project at hand. Think about the details and customizations you might want for your structure and then figure out which steel building kit is right for you, and also what things can be added later on. Ultimately, knowing if a building will fit your needs will come down to how many details you have about your own project. Making changes after the fact can also change the outcome, so it’s imperative that you stick to your initial vision.

How Much Will It Cost?

This is, of course, an important question that will depend on the steel company you decide to go with. It will also depend on the building model you choose! It’s important to have a budget in mind and stick to it so that you are in much better control of how much you spend, and on what. By having a number in your mind that you won’t go above, you can have a better idea of how much the final product is going to cost you.

How Will The Building Be Constructed?

This will be up to you, but it will be an important conversation to have with the steel building company you end up purchasing from. The great thing about steel buildings is the fact that it comes with an easy, DIY building method that allows you to put the building up yourself with minimal assistance. If you’re looking for plenty of customizations or simply don’t have the know-how to put up a structure at all, there are plenty of contracting companies who specialize in putting up steel buildings; such as Rutherford Construction. Use the option that works best for you and your budget!

How Long Will It All Take?

This will depend on the size and layout of the building you’re putting up, but you can expect your project to only take a few weeks to complete compared to the months it takes for other materials and building methods. Thankfully with steel buildings, your project won’t be under construction for months or years on end.

For more information on our steel buildings, call us at 1-888- 449-7756

Posted by on May 16, 2017 · Leave a Comment 

What you Didn’t Know About Steel Buildings

Using steel buildings in your projects doesn’t mean you know everything there is to know about steel! Though the strength and durability of the material are well-known features, there are other factors that are a little bit less commonly discussed. Regardless, there are tons of great things about the material that shouldn’t go ignored! Typically, these are some of the things that can help you make the final decision about what kind of material you want to use for your structure. Here are a few little-known facts about steel and they work in your favour with steel buildings.

Recyclability

There is more steel recycled in North America than other materials like paper, glass, plastic and aluminum combined! There are over 80 million tons of the material that are recycled each and every year, which translates into plenty of reusing action when it comes to steel buildings. The vast majority of the steel used in commercial projects are recycled, helping you maintain a smaller ecological footprint and achieve a “green” structure from the moment you buy a kit.

Still Strong

Despite being recycled so often, steel is still about 1000 times stronger than iron and can be reused over and over again without ever losing its strength. This is important in the event that you ever want to take down your structure and use it in another way. Also, because much of our steel building kits are made with recycled steel, you never have to worry about the integrity of the building being compromised because it has been recycled a handful of times.

Big Business

Steel is the 2nd largest industry in the world, after oil and gas! You can find it in almost every industry being used in a multitude of ways, including prefab steel buildings. This is part of the reason why prefab steel buildings will likely never go out of style! There is always going to be a demand for the material no matter what industry a particular property owner is working in, what kinds of businesses are most common in a specific area etc. The industry makes about $900 billion annually, with North America being among the top producers of the material alongside Japan and China.

Made To Last

Steel is a material that is particularly long-lasting, especially when thinking about something like a roof which gets plenty of weather and climate impact on a daily basis. On average, a steel building roof will last approximately 50 years with the right coatings and protective paints, compared to more traditional roofs that last about 17 years.

No Warping

Due to the way that steel expands once it’s heated, the Eiffel Tower “grows” about 6 inches in the summer months. The great thing about prefab steel buildings is that not only has there been huge strides in innovation since then, but the steel we use come with natural insulation as well as expert designs that prevent it from stretching or warping in some way, shape or form.

Strength Over Weight

Steel is much lighter than concrete, even though it’s just as strong. Steel bridges, for example, are about 4 to 8 times lighter than ones made using concrete. This makes them so much easier to put up but also displays steel’s excellent strength-to-weight ratio!

For more information on our steel buildings, call us at 1-888- 449-7756

Posted by on May 1, 2017 · Leave a Comment 

Protect your Garage From Ice

As we head further and further into the colder months, it’s becoming more important to protect your Garage buildings from ice and snow, and steel buildings are no different. Just like any other type of structure, you can do your part to ensure that your prefab steel building is equipped to handle the snow and ice that com along with the winter season

Insulation
Like most construction methods, your prefab steel building will only have so much natural insulation before it will need additional insulation to regulate the interior temperature. Insulating your building is vital in keeping the inside of your structure warm and comfortable, particularly if it’s a building that people have to use and be inside of for long periods of time. Insulation is great for extending the life of your building long after the winter months because it prevents moisture and condensation from accumulating between the interior and exterior spaces between walls and causing damage to your building over time.

Weather-Resistant Stripping
It will also be imperative that you fit your windows and doors with stripping that can stand up to all kinds of weather if you haven’t already. It’s a generally inexpensive thing to fix, and can be applied in about 30 minutes for less than $10 depending on how many windows and doors you have to treat. This is much less than what it might cost to fix the damage that might come with moisture getting into gaps, freezing into ice and making them wider.

Appropriate Roofing
Having the right roofing your your steel structure will be imperative in terms of how well it stands up to winter conditions. Be wary of the pitch of your roof so that snow and ice don’t accumulate up there without much space to slide off, adding unnecessary weight and pressure to the top of your structure. Having the right roofing is also important for the winter months so you’re able to install gutters and other extras to help guide the waste off of your roof and away from your structure.

Eavestrough
Having a fully functioning eavestrough is one of the most important things you can have in the winter months, and it provides a place for melting ice and snow to be washed away from your roof. Even with the correct pitch that allows said moisture to roll off your structure, the eavestrough will guide it away from the building instead of letting it fall back towards the foundation, which can cause damage over long periods of time.

Inspection & Cleaning
While having all of these features is important, it’s imperative that they’re kept in top shape and cleaned regularly so they remain in good working order. Before the cold weather even begins, do a full inspection and note any fixes that need to be made before the snow and ice set in. Check for any issues like holes or weak spots so you can repair it before it becomes a larger issue that will be more difficult to fix later on. As far as cleaning, clearing out the eavestrough and gutters of debris and fallen leaves from the autumn months will ensure that they’re able to drain properly.

For more information on our steel buildings, call us at 1-888- 449-7756

Posted by on January 4, 2017 · Leave a Comment 

Small Building Small Price

For any startup or small business looking to open a retail location, office or manufacturing space the costs can be high. All types of planning and payment have to go into it and it can take a large financial toll on any business, but particularly one that’s just starting out. It’s important to remember that there are many more options besides the wood, brick and concrete options currently out there for more structures, especially ones of a commercial nature. Steel framing is also popular, but there’s plenty of reasons why prefabricated steel sided buildings are also an excellent idea for small businesses and startup companies.

Lower Cost
On average, you can hope to save about 30% in terms of costs when compared to the cost of buying raw materials to build a similarly sized structure. That’s great for upfront cost, but there are also many long-term costs that you will save on also. The construction process itself will prove cheaper, since the construction method itself will only require general labour instead of specialized; and for a much shorter period of time than with other buildings. Steel’s natural insulation means that with the addition of heating and cooling appliances, you will be much better able to control the temperature without your appliances going into overdrive; saving you hundreds of dollars a year in utility costs. This is important for business just starting out because they tend to have a bit less capital to start off and the revenue during the first few years will be put right back into the business, so upfront costs as well as ongoing expenses are important to keep relatively low.

Fast Construction
Unlike other forms of construction, steel is one of the fastest and most efficient. A project that might take a few weeks or even months can be completed in days with steel buildings thanks to its easy DIY-friendly method. This is especially important for small businesses that will need their new building to be open as soon as possible so they can start or continue their operations. Being able to have the project finished quicker will give the owner much more time to add any customizations, additions and interior design so that it perfectly reflects the type of business it is.

Low Maintenance
Steel buildings are incredibly low maintenance, giving you much more time to focus on other more important aspects of the business. The less time you spend fixing your structure, the more time you will have to actually run the business. Annual inspections are always recommended, but steel is able to stand up well to all kinds of weather and conditions while still staying in good shape.

Flexibility
For a company building their first office, retail or commercial space it’s very likely they want it to look like it fits perfectly with their branding. The great thing about steel buildings is how versatile they really are, giving you the ability to shape them into your vision and make it adaptable to your wants and needs.

For more information on our steel buildings, call us at 1-888- 449-7756

Posted by on December 14, 2016 · Leave a Comment 

Americas Cattle Industry

How Steel Buildings Are Integral To America’s Cattle Industry

It’s no secret that the cattle production industry in America is the largest segment of agriculture in the country. The beef industry is actually made up of over a million businesses, ranches and farms to support it.

With the industrialization of North America, much more beef was required for a booming population than ever before, so large tracts of land were required to keep up with the extra demand. Cows are generally used to roaming and grazing over these large areas of land, so it was important to give them a similar amount of space in order for them to grow and develop in a healthy way that’s natural to them. Producing approximately 25 billion pounds of meat worldwide each and every year, it’s an important part of many other economies as well as a source of labour, meat and other by-products including dairy products, bone and hide.

While initial methods of cattle farming were largely primitive, the industrial revolution presented many technological advancements that made it simpler for farmers to make it their main form of agriculture. In America, as well as Canada, grain-fed cattle are the common type used in the industry, and this is due in great part to steel buildings.

Prefab steel buildings can offer a lot to agricultural endeavours in a number of ways and for a number of reasons. For many cattle farmers, steel machinery and buildings presents an opportunity to make the most of their work and yield more production that will ultimately lead to more income.

Using steel buildings for storage of cow grains and other feed for example is an extremely useful benefit of using prefab steel. These buildings can be erected faster than ever before and outperform more traditional wooden barns in a lot of ways. Prefab steel is weather resistant, protecting crops and livestock which are large investments. In addition, Prefab steel buildings are resistant to pests including insects and other small animals that may be able to find their way into livestock or food product storage and cause irreparable damage.

Aside from that, there are several advantages that steel construction presents when it comes to maintaining the cattle industry in a way that keeps farmers happy and the animals safe. Steel barns allow the cows to stay dry and warm in times of extreme weather, as they’re engineered to be resistant to leakage and moisture in a way that wood-based structures are more susceptible to. Due to steel’s nature, it’s easier for the interior temperature to stay much more regulated which will help to create a much more comfortable environment for the animals inside, as well as keep any feed from spoiling by being exposed to excessive heat. Prefab steel buildings require very little maintenance, and this is something that will help cattle farmers remain focused on their livestock instead of constantly having to repair their storage systems if they become vulnerable to the elements, termites, decay or rot.

Inside our prefab steel buildings, you’ll find a trussless design that leaves it open to be customized to a floorplan that makes the most sense to each individual farmer. This is in conjunction with the size options that are available, as you can request dimensions of widths up to 200 feet and unlimited lengths, depending on your needs.

 

For more information about our steel structures, call us today at 1-888-449-7756

Posted by on June 19, 2016 · Leave a Comment 

Why you Should Never Rent Retail Space

Why Steel Buildings Are Perfect For Large Retail Spaces

Retail and commercial spaces are extremely important and usually go through much planning long before the doors open. When starting from the commercial building process, it’s important to think critically about the materials that make the most sense based on the location, types of businesses that will use the space and how much space will be needed. Strip malls, or a collection of outdoor stores, is just one of the commercial endeavors that are perfectly paired with steel buildings, and there’s a few great reasons for that.

The Cost

Typically there are a handful of investors in a strip mall that are all working together to get the project completed. Prefab steel buildings are on average 30% cheaper than other building methods, so you save money on upfront costs. In addition, you save money on long terms as steel buildings are much more energy efficient than other types of building methods. The temperature will have to be kept at appropriate levels to accommodate both employees and shoppers, and this will be much easier in a well-insulated steel building. Your steel building will also need much less regular maintenance due to its durability and resistance to pests, fire and extreme weather. This will save you money in the long run because you won’t be spending it on repairs and fixes all the time.

The Ease of Construction

One of the best selling points for steel buildings is how quick and easy construction typically is. Because all the parts of the structure comes all at the same time to your build and you won’t need to source extra materials on your own, you can get started immediate. You also won’t need specialized contractor, meaning the structure can be placed and secured by general contractors. It’s a much shorter process because of its simplicity, meaning you’ll be able to pursue tenants for the rental spaces much sooner rather than later. Depending on the size of your final structure, it can be completed within a matter or weeks instead of months.

Durability

Steel is extremely durable and has the ability to withstand a whole host of things so you can get the most out of your structure. In addition to being resistant to fire, steel is also pest and mold and mildew resistant in ways that wood and brick are not. They can also stand up to harsh weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy snow and more.

Flexibility

Steel buildings can easily accommodate a whole host of needs and sizes. With widths up to 200 feet and unlimited lengths, you’re able to take up lots of space if that’s what you require. The interior is also easily customizable to have as many separate sections inside as you may need to section off stores, rooms and more. These pre-engineered buildings are designed specifically to suit your needs, but it’s important to keep in mind making add-ons and renovations is much easier with steel buildings than methods using wooden frames or bricks.

100% Recyclable

In the event that a strip mall has to come down in the future to make way for something else, it’s important to note that steel is 100% recyclable. This is important because that means the steel using in these structures won’t simply be discarded, they’ll be reused in other forms – probably in some form of construction again.

 

Posted by on April 17, 2016 · Leave a Comment