Steel Building Pricing Guide
When selecting a new structure for your property and you want it made of metal, steel building pricing is one of your top concerns. You’ll want to know how much it costs, with both labour and materials, before you make a purchase or sign a contract with any steel building company.
Take a look at our guide to steel building pricing in Canada. We’ll explain what factors into pricing a building for your property and answer some frequently asked questions.
How are steel buildings priced in Canada?
Several factors go into pricing a steel building in Canada.
The Price of Steel
Steel, like any other commodity, changes price with the ebbs and flows of market forces. Prices may go up or down depending on supply chain issues, how many steel foundries or mills are operating, how much iron ore costs for each foundry, and the overall demand for steel.
Back in 2021, steel industry experts noted that the price of steel rose by 200 percent in the United States due to much higher demand and the closure of several steel mills. Both of those factors put a squeeze on supply, which made prices go up.
The Size of Your Building
For material costs, the size of your building is the second determining factor. The larger your building is, the more steel is in it. The more steel that’s in it, the more it will cost.
On average, the price to erect a commercial steel building varies between $10 to $25 per square foot. It can go up as high as $125 per square foot.
Labour Costs
Are you installing the steel building yourself or hiring a contractor to do it for you? You could save money by installing a steel building kit yourself, if you know how to do it and you have help with the right tools and equipment.
However, you might save time by having a professional contractor do it. Hiring a contractor means labour costs. And labour costs can go up depending on the time of year, how busy the company is, how soon you need it installed, and the location of your building. Just like the price of steel fluctuates based on demand, so too does the cost of labour.
Insulation
Do you need to insulate your steel building? The type of insulation you want to install can increase the cost of your new building.
Bubble insulation is the least expensive for up-front costs. It creates a barrier of air around the inside of your steel building, but it is not as effective as other types of insulation.
Fiberglass insulation is more expensive, but it can increase the efficiency of how your building maintains certain temperatures.
Windows & Doors
Installing windows and doors can change the costs of your steel building. Windows and doors can increase the costs because windows can only be placed in certain areas.
Hollow doors are more cost-effective compared to galvanized metal ones. However, commercial steel doors offer better security and protection. If your steel building has cargo doors and loading docks, installing those large doors will also increase your prices. Automatic door openers will cost more compared to manual ones that you use pull chains for.
What types of windows you want, and the thickness of the panes, determines the costs of these additions. Do you want your windows to open? What about double-hung windows or tinted glass to help with temperature control? The types of windows you want can change the cost of your steel building.
There are limits on the size and numbers of windows and doors you can have in a steel building. It depends on the structure you require.
AC & Heating
Do you plan on having temperature controls for your steel building? Adding air conditioning or furnaces will increase the cost. If you just want portable units, those will keep your costs lower compared to a ducted system.
Plumbing & Electricity
If your steel building needs plumbing and electricity, then your costs will go up compared to just a plain steel building used for storing items for long periods of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about steel building pricing. If we haven’t answered all of your questions, feel free to reach out to us, and our team will be happy to talk to you!
What is the average price of a 40′ x 60′ metal building?
Structural costs vary based on local and state building codes, climate conditions, like heavy snow or high wind regions and seismic activity.
Is a steel building more cost-effective than other materials?
Yes, in many ways. Steel isn’t prone to rot or mold. It’s completely resistant to termites and won’t burn in a fire. Steel is stronger and more durable than wood, and stays just as strong years after the day the structure is erected. Our prefabricated designs also allow the building to erect much faster than a wood or brick structure, saving you construction costs.
Why does the price of steel change the price of a steel building?
It’s because we have to buy steel at various times at the prices the market requires. The steel we bought five years ago was probably cheaper than the steel we’re buying now. Because our supply and demand changes, we have to restock our steel as more people invest in our buildings. Therefore, our costs for raw materials fluctuate as the market does. When we need to buy steel for our buildings, we buy it to maintain inventory and supplies.
How can I calculate the cost of a steel building?
Many steel building companies, including Olympia Steel Buildings in Canada, have a price estimator. Ours is a simple form you fill out, and then our staff will get back to you as soon as we can with a cost estimate. Keep in mind, this cost estimate is JUST for the steel building without any additional amenities, and it doesn’t factor labour into the cost.
If you have more questions, feel free to call 1-888-449-7756 for more information. We’re happy to help in any way!