Metal Building Company-Conventional Steel Project
Metal Building Company-Conventional Steel Project
(OP)
One of our clients has recently been wooed by a one-time metal building company that has expanded into the world of conventional steel. They are touting the advantages of superior material purchasing relationships and advanced fabrication lines as well as engineering fees incorporated into the total design package.
In the past I have held firm that, once projects are limited to conventional steel (we are talking single story buildings with bar joist/girder roofs and meal deck) there is very little, if any, advantage to using a one-stop-shop company. Has anyone had experience navigating this particular argument and have some wisdom to share? Is there significant merit to their argument? Any pitfalls to watch out for if the owner decides to go down this path?
We are working directly for the owner and I am not worried about losing the design work. I am interested in the most affordable solution while looking out for the client's best interest. Any thoughts?
In the past I have held firm that, once projects are limited to conventional steel (we are talking single story buildings with bar joist/girder roofs and meal deck) there is very little, if any, advantage to using a one-stop-shop company. Has anyone had experience navigating this particular argument and have some wisdom to share? Is there significant merit to their argument? Any pitfalls to watch out for if the owner decides to go down this path?
We are working directly for the owner and I am not worried about losing the design work. I am interested in the most affordable solution while looking out for the client's best interest. Any thoughts?






RE: Metal Building Company-Conventional Steel Project
RE: Metal Building Company-Conventional Steel Project
This dovetails into Triangled's comment about lack of expansion/modification capability for peripherals. Beware.
Regardless of the advantages you lay out to your client, the PEMB manufacturer will trump those with an enticingly low price. I question the use of captive engineers in a manufacturing mentality for building construction. It is awfully close to ethical compromise.
RE: Metal Building Company-Conventional Steel Project
Has anyone ever worked with a metal building company for conventional steel buildings?
Thanks.
RE: Metal Building Company-Conventional Steel Project
Will the Metal Building Company specify, design and detail the slabs, including anchorage?
Will the Metal Building Company submit the calculations for the owners records?
Will the Metal Building Company submit for record the drawings for the owner's files? And no proprietary shapes or coded information. Real drawings and steel shapes. I use AISC and AISI shapes. They also need to.