Metal Building Homes Cost: Comprehensive Guide 2023

Kunal Singh
September 30, 2022
12:47 am

Metal buildings are a great solution for different types of projects. They are versatile and can be used as commercial or residential buildings, barns, garages, storage units, and much more. Metal building home prices can vary depending on the size and location of the project.

Metal building home prices will also vary based on the type of metal building you choose. The most common types are corrugated metal siding, corrugated steel roofing, and steel trusses.

Corrugated metal siding is one of the most affordable types because it is easy to install and maintain. It comes in rolls that can be added to existing structures without having to remove any existing walls or roofing materials first. Corrugated metal siding comes in different colors, so it can match almost any design scheme you have in mind when creating your new home design plans.

Steel trusses are another popular choice for homes because they can be used in different configurations to create unique designs for your home’s roofline. Trusses are made from steel beams that connect at various angles, allowing them to support heavy loads without any problems!

If you’re curious about how much your home metal building will cost you, here is all you need to know:

Metal Building Home Prices

Metal building prices for homes vary depending on the size, complexity, and design of the structure. A residential metal building can cost between $20 and $40 per square foot to build.

Pre engineered steel buildings are typically priced by the square foot rather than by weight or volume like other materials used for construction. It is because a metal building is made from flat panels that are formed into shapes using tools like shears and presses.

The price of your metal building will depend on several factors, such as the size of your structure. Smaller buildings tend to be less expensive than larger ones because they require fewer materials and less labor. However, you may still find that larger buildings can offer better value if they’re designed with additional features like a metal garage or extra doors.

Another factor is the complexity of your design. Complex designs require more time and labor, so they tend to cost more than simple ones — but this may be worth it if you want something unique.

Your location is also a determinant of how much it will cost to build. Metal buildings are priced by weight, which varies depending on where you live. The Midwest tends to have lower shipping costs than coastal regions like New York or California because it’s closer to manufacturing centers in Canada and Mexico.

How Much Does a Metal Building Home Cost?

According to the National Association of Home Builders, the average cost of building your own home is $359,228. The question is, what is the basis for this cost? During your home construction, $237,760 of the total cost goes to basic construction costs. Here is how it’s distributed:

$15,903 caters for site work which includes inspections, permits & impact fees, and design & planning.
$25,671 covers the foundation cost, including excavations, wall retaining, backfilling, and concrete foundation.
$41,123 goes to framing, which involves sheathing, metal beams, and trusses.
$33,066 is the cost for exterior finishes, which includes doors, windows, exterior wall finishing, and roofing.
$32,746 is for major systems such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
$67,939 is the cost of enhancing your interior space. It involves lighting, insulation, painting, drywall, flooring, interior accessories, and appliances.
$16,591 is your estimated cost for exterior amenities. It covers finishing touches, landscaping, outdoor structures, cleanup, and driveways.
$4,722 is an estimated amount of miscellaneous.

However, there are other costs involved for you to reach or surpass the final cost. They are:

$91,996 for service connection and lot cost. This amount caters to telephone connections, purchasing the lot, electricity, water installation, gas, and drainage.
$21,835, which is the cost of general expenses associated to working with an external contractor.
$7,636, which covers the cost of any additional financing during the construction process.

Metal Building Price Guide Based Off Industry Ranges

Metal buildings are a popular choice for many industries. They can be used as manufacturing facilities, warehouses, or retail showrooms. They can also be used to house equipment and machinery.

Metal building prices vary based on the size of the building being constructed, as well as the complexity of its design. As an example, a simple metal building with basic steel framing and no special features will cost less to build than a more complex metal building with added amenities such as windows and doors.

While there is no standard metal building price guide that applies across all industries, there are ranges for each industry that can be used as a reference point when estimating the cost of your project. Here is a breakdown of those ranges based on three common types of metal buildings:

Simple metal buildings – Simple metal buildings are typically used for industrial purposes such as warehousing or manufacturing facilities. These types of buildings have little to no architectural features beyond basic framing and siding, so they’re fairly simple to construct at minimal costs.

Medium metal buildings – Medium-sized metal buildings typically range between 10,000 square feet and 25,000 square footage in size and include some architectural details such as windows or doors for ventilation purposes. The larger these buildings get, the more complex the design becomes, which increases the cost.

Large metal buildings – Large-sized metal buildings typically have an area greater than 30,000 square feet in size and feature multiple architectural features such as skylights and custom designs. These types of projects require extensive planning before construction can begin due to their complexity.

Standard Company Price Ranges of Metal Building Homes

Since it is possible for all leading companies to customize your vision plans, ensure to price your building with several companies. Estimation of steel building prices based on sizes looks like this:

15’x20′: $8,600 – $14,600
30’x40′: $14,900 – $20,900
40’x60′: $21,000 – $28,000
50’x100′: $34,000 – $42,000

Among these sizes, the 40’x60′ is the most common as most people request for its steel building kits prices. They span 2,400 square foot hence enough space for bed, bath, and living rooms, as well as kitchens and other rooms you may need to incorporate in your building.

Cost estimates are as follows:

$9 per square foot or $21,600 for straight walls.
$1,700 for delivery fees or 8% of the total cost.
$4,300 for material costs, whose estimate is around 20% of the building costs. These materials include windows, doors, or other necessities.

Therefore, the home construction will cost you a total estimate of $27,600. Another thing to consider is the pricing by style. It can either be a straight wall or an arch. As for the straight wall, you can choose a gable or single scope, while the arch is for a Quonset hut.

Quonset hut buildings tend to be cheaper than their straight wall counterparts, with an estimated cost of $7.5 per square foot instead of $9 per square foot for a straight wall.

Why Metal Building Homes Cost Vary Greatly

The cost of metal building homes varies depending on variables that are beyond your building company’s control. These variables include:

Steel prices, which fluctuates on economic activity, supply, and demand. Availability of a major supply leads to extreme lows in prices, while fluctuation occurs with a major exporter experiencing natural disasters. Moreover, builders need to consider the overall market price on a particular day to give estimates accurately.
Fuel prices are the next variable and come by because it involves shipping of steel to the builder and the complete steel building to your lot. Hence, fuel prices will have an impact on the pricing of steel buildings, which affects the consumer as the builder passes them on.
Purchasing power is another variable that affects how much you purchase your metal building. A company with large volume purchases is better positioned to demand lower prices from large entities. They can offer these prices since they get a discount as a result of buying in large quantities.

In addition, you need to consider labor costs when getting an average cost of metal home kits. It’s hard to have an average cost to build as every builder has their own pricing norms. Other factors that lead to the lack of an average price guideline include market fluctuations, the size of the building, and location. Therefore, the information used to make estimates include:

Current steel prices
Buyers zipcode
Fuel prices

The further the consumer is from the builder, the higher the average cost. Also, the larger the building, the higher the cost of transport.

Residential vs. Commercial Steel Buildings Pricing

When it comes to comparing residential metal buildings with commercial steel buildings, there are several key differences that need to be considered. The most obvious difference is the size of the building. Residential steel buildings are typically smaller than commercial ones and have a different set of uses.

Other factors that will impact the pricing of residential and commercial buildings include:

Customization: You can customize your metal buildings to meet your needs, but at an extra cost. Adding roll-up or storefront doors and steel frame openings will have an impact on your final price.
Complexity: You need to consider the complexity of your building, with a more complex design requiring more steel, hence a higher cost.
Discount: A large commercial unit can easily attract a discount on the cost of steel, forcing the prices to go down.

Other costs to consider include:

Foundation: A foundation for a 40’x60′ steel building will cost between $10,500 to $11,000.
Labor: The cost of labor varies depending on the size and type of the building. The labor cost usually depends on two factors- assembly and finishes. While assembling would cost around $5-$10 per square foot, setting up the metal sheet with finishing would cost around $35-$110 per square foot. These labor charges will also vary depending on the location and their skills. While skilled labor will charge you higher for the finest work, an unskilled one may quote you a lower amount but may not deliver the quality.

When these factors are put into consideration, it’s challenging to price a building accurately. The best you can do is call your preferred steel structure kit company and get an estimate of the kit’s cost and delivery. As for the labor costs, it’s best to get the estimation from a contractor separately due to fluctuations.

Metal Building Home Cost vs. Traditional Home Cost

Building a metal building home is usually cheaper than a traditional home. The cost of building a metal home can range anywhere between $120,000 to $350,000. On the other hand, the cost of building a traditional home is slightly expensive as it ranges from $155,000 to $416,000.

A metal building home can last up to 50+ years, whereas the traditional one lasts 70+ years. However, you may have to spend extra on maintaining a metal building. Metal buildings usually are prone to moisture, pest, mold, and fire damage. On the other hand, metal-building homes aren’t prone to any of these things, proving pocket-friendly in the long run. While building the home, consider the upfront and long-run costs to make the choice.

Advantages of Metal Building Homes Over Stick Built

Metal building homes are a great choice for those who want to build their own home. They are a great alternative to stick-built homes and come with many advantages that make them more desirable than other types of structures.

Here are some of the top reasons why metal houses are better than stick-built homes:

Durable

One of the biggest advantages of metal building homes is that they’re incredibly strong and durable. They can withstand extreme weather conditions, from extremely hot temperatures to freezing cold weather. The outer walls of these homes are made from thick steel panels that protect against hail, high winds, and other natural disasters. These panels also help insulate your home, so you don’t need as much air conditioning in the summer or heating in the winter.

Easy To Maintain And Repair

Another benefit of steel homes over stick-built homes is the low maintenance cost. They do not require regular maintenance or repairs because they do not have any sensitive parts that break down over time, as windows or doors might do in other types of homes.

Metal buildings are also less susceptible to termites and rot. It means they don’t need to be replaced as often as stick-built homes. In addition, the metal walls and roofing can be painted or stained so that you can change the color of your home to match your taste or decorating needs.

Design Versatility

Metal buildings are designed to be customized and can be modified to suit your needs. You can choose the size, shape, and style of your new home.

Metal buildings offer you an almost limitless number of design options, including the ability to design an architecturally stunning home that fits your family’s needs perfectly. You can also choose from a wide range of colors, so you can create the look and feel that matches your personality best.

Lower Insurance Costs

Metal buildings are built with steel frames and walls, which provide superior fire protection and durability compared to wood frame structures. They are stronger than wood or brick, so they need less coverage to protect them from damage caused by storms or tornadoes. This means lower insurance premiums for you!

Warranty

Metal buildings come with a long warranty compared to traditional houses, meaning any structural defects will be repaired or replaced at no cost to you. A general steel building offers various warranties. 50 years for structural, 40 years for paint, and 25 years for galvanule roof.

Popular Metal Building Home Floor Plans and Prices

The home floor plan you choose for your new home can have a significant impact on the resale value of your home. Some people have a clear idea of what they want their new steel houses to look like, while others need help choosing the right one.

Here are some of the most popular home floor plans to meet your needs:

30x50 Stanford Home

The 30×50 Stanford home is a great starter home for the young family or someone who just wants to live in a small space. This steel house has two bedrooms and one bathroom, with an open living area and kitchen that leads out to the back deck. The kitchen has plenty of storage space, and the master bedroom is spacious with its own private bathroom. This metal house is ideal for a traditional home design.

The 30×50 Stanford Home features:

2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
1 Car Garage

30x60 Continental Home

The 30×60 Continental Home is a great choice for those who want to live on a budget. This affordable steel home has a spacious living space and three bedrooms. The 30×60 Continental Home is perfect for anyone looking to build their dream metal home without breaking the bank.

This home offers the following features:

3 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
1 Living Area
Dining Area
Kitchen Area

30x80 Shop + Living Quarters

These metal homes provide a cost effective solution where you can build a shop and living quarters. You can easily pair up a shop and a living space, which can save money as you can run a business on the same premises.

40x50

If you want to live in a spacious property while providing you with affordability, this type of house is an excellent choice.

Price range: $10000-290000

40x60

This metal home is suitable for more prominent families. You can also include a living quarter or a small shop to drive efficiency.

Price range: $12000-350000

40x80

Comparatively a more extensive property, the floor space is vast that can accommodate 3-4 rooms along with a bathroom, kitchen, and living area.

Price range: $16000-465000

50x70

These are spacious properties that provide enough storage to include a workshop within the property.

Price range: $17500-510000

50x80

If you want to include multifunctional setups in your property, consider getting a 50×80 metal building, which offers a huge space. Price range: $20000-580000

50x100

Considering the huge size, they can be ideal for residential and commercial purposes. Price range: $25000-725000

60x100

This is one of the most extensive floor sizes with enough space for 4-5 big rooms and a huge living area. You should install a small carport around. Price range: $30000-870000

Metal Building Homes Cost by Type

The different types of metal building homes and their price range is as follows:

Building type	Cost per square foot
Barndominium	$60 – $160
Pole Barn House	$50 – $150
Rigid Frame	$40 – $140
A-frame House	$100 – $300
Shipping Container House	$150 – $350
Modular Metal Building	$80 – $150

Need Help? Steel and Stud is Listening Let Us Guide You Through Your Decision

At Steel and Stud, we are committed to providing our customers with the best products, services, and advice possible. We have been in business long enough, so you can be sure that we will always treat your project as if it were our own.

Our team of professionals is here to help you with any questions or concerns you may have about your project. We will help guide you through the decision-making process by answering any questions you have about our products, services, or delivery times.

Whether you need steel for a commercial or residential building project, we have the expertise to provide high-quality materials at affordable prices. We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service at a reasonable price.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do metal-building homes last?

If the metal building home has been built using sturdy and quality materials and maintained regularly, it can last 25 to 50 years. However, the duration will also depend on how frequently or extensively the structure is used.

Can I expand my metal building home in the future?

The future metal building home expansion plan completely depends on how the structure was built. While you can surely add some walls and expand the metal building, adding them closely at either end is extremely important. If it is not possible, you may not be able to expand it,

What is the resale value of a metal building home?

Metal-building homes are usually more trustworthy and efficient than traditional homes. Therefore, the resale value of metal-building homes is around $30,000-$50,000 higher than general homes.

What are the reasons to buy a metal home?

Metal homes are easy to maintain and have maximum interior flexibility. Moreover, it is cost-efficient, durable, and quick to assemble, which ensures they are built faster than traditional homes.

What Factors Affect Metal Building Prices?

The structural factors usually have an impact on the metal building price. Various factors like roof style, location, dimension, and anchor impact the metal building cost. It can also be affected by the quality of materials being used.

What are the ways to reduce the cost of metal homes?

One of the best ways to reduce the cost of metal homes is to set the budget initially. One of the best parts about metal homes is that they can be expanded later. So, if you’re running on a tight budget now, you can always save expansion for the future. Moreover, you can work with the contractor and plan the entire design to save big on your metal homes.

Indoor arenas made from steel frames are more versatile compared to wood-framed ones. They are sturdier, and since they are anchored firmly into concrete piers, they are stronger and better resistant to strong winds. Steel is a better material since it can be used in winter and summer. Temperatures inside the steel frame indoor arenas can be adjusted easily, making the building useable around the clock.