How Long Does it Take to Build a Metal Building?

Before you start building your metal structure, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement—or the anxiety—of the construction process. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before, knowing what to expect can make a world of difference in how smoothly your project goes. From deciding on the perfect site to selecting the right crew, many factors can impact your construction timeline. 

We have to say, there’s no fixed answer to how long it takes to build a metal building. Our steel structures are so customizable that there can be many factors to consider for our customers. This also means more consideration is needed during the construction process and hence more time it takes. Simpler metal buildings naturally go up in less time, but what about something much larger and more complex? Things are getting trickier. In that case, we recommend you reach out to a dedicated consultant from SteelPRO PEB for support.

That said, understanding how long it will take to complete your metal building is essential. After all, it’s not just about choosing the right design or materials; it’s about managing the entire process from start to finish. While timelines can vary based on the size, complexity, and location of your building, there are key factors that can help guide your planning.

In this blog article, you will expect:

The goal of this article is to help you set realistic expectations for your metal building project by providing insights into the key factors that influence construction timelines. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to expect in terms of timing and how to avoid common delays, enabling you to plan more efficiently and stay on track.

The Metal Building Construction Process

Understanding the general construction process of a metal building can help you set realistic expectations for your project timeline. If you’re already familiar with this part, feel free to skip ahead to other sections of the article. The construction of a metal building typically follows three main stages:

1. Preparation Phase

• Site Preparation: Land is cleared, leveled, and prepped for construction.
• Foundation Work: Concrete foundation is poured and cured.
• Material Delivery: Materials are delivered to the site, with timing depending on availability and shipping.

This phase generally accounts for about 15% of the total construction time.

2. Erection Phase

• Framing and Structure Setup: The steel columns, beams, and supports are assembled.
• Exterior Installation: Metal panels for the walls and roof are installed.

This phase generally accounts for about 40% of the total construction time.

3. Completion Phase

• Interior Work and Finishing: This includes installing doors, windows, and internal systems like electricity and plumbing.

This phase generally accounts for about 45% of the total construction time.

Disclaimer: The time allocations provided here are general estimates and not fixed standards. Actual construction timelines can vary significantly based on a variety of factors, especially if the building is customized. It’s recommended to consult with a professional to obtain a more accurate estimate for your specific project.

Factors That Affect How Long It Takes to Build a Metal Building

1. Building Size

The size of the building is one of the most significant factors in determining construction time.

• Small Buildings: A simple garage or storage shed (e.g., 20×30 feet) could take a few days to a week to build.
• Medium Buildings: A small warehouse or workshop (e.g., 40×60 feet) could take 2-4 weeks.
• Large Buildings: For commercial buildings or large warehouses (e.g., 100×200 feet), construction could take 1-3 months, depending on complexity.

Larger buildings require more resources, more labor, and more time for preparation and construction.

2. Design Complexity

The complexity of the design plays a big role in how long it takes to complete the construction.

• Simple Designs: A rectangular, single-story building with a low roof will typically be quicker to erect. These projects usually take less time to plan and build, with some smaller buildings going up in a few days to a couple of weeks.
• Complex Designs: If the building has custom features or non-standard shapes (e.g., airplane hangars or large, multi-story buildings), it will take longer to build. For example, a barndominium or an industrial building with clear spans or a more intricate layout might take several weeks longer due to the additional time required for custom planning, fabrication, and assembly.

The more complex your design, the longer the construction will take.

3. Crew Size and Experience

The size and expertise of the crew can dramatically influence how quickly the construction progresses.

• Small Crew: A smaller team may be able to handle simple projects but will take more time to complete a large or intricate building.
• Larger Crew: A larger, experienced crew (5-10 workers) can tackle more tasks simultaneously and move more quickly, completing the project in a fraction of the time.

For example, while a team of 3 workers might take weeks to build a warehouse, a team of 10 experienced workers could finish it in half the time. If your project is more complex, it’s essential to hire an experienced team.

4. Weather and Climate Conditions

Weather can be one of the most unpredictable factors influencing construction time. Extreme weather conditions such as rain, snow, or high winds can delay construction. In colder climates, construction might be delayed if the ground is frozen or if it’s too cold to pour concrete. Heavy rain could also halt construction if the site becomes too muddy for equipment to move. Plan ahead and be flexible in case weather-related delays occur.

5. Material Delivery and Supply Chain Issues

The timely delivery of materials is critical. Delays in receiving steel, roofing panels, or other essential materials can hold up the construction process. For example, if steel beams or roofing panels arrive late due to supplier issues, workers will be forced to wait before proceeding. Planning material orders in advance and choosing reputable suppliers can help avoid these delays.

6. Site and Foundation Preparation

Preparing the site and laying the foundation is crucial and can significantly affect the overall timeline. A well-prepared site will speed up construction, while an unprepared site will cause delays. If the site has poor drainage or uneven terrain, additional work may be required, delaying the project by days or even weeks. Always ensure that the site is properly prepared and that any unforeseen challenges are addressed early on.

How to Speed Up Your Metal Building Construction

To make sure your metal building is completed on time, here are some tips:

1. Plan Early: Address potential issues, such as selecting the right location, securing permits, or clearing land, well before construction begins. The earlier you start, the smoother the process will be.
2. Choose the Right Team: Hire experienced, efficient contractors who can work quickly and handle unexpected problems. An experienced crew can save significant time in the long run.
3. Use Prefabricated Components: Opt for pre-engineered metal building kits that can be assembled quickly on-site. These kits reduce assembly time and make the entire process more efficient.
4. Consider Weather: If possible, schedule construction during milder weather months to avoid the risk of weather-related delays.

Estimated Construction Time for Different Types of Metal Buildings

Here are general time estimates for different types of metal buildings based on typical scenarios:

• Small Buildings (e.g., garages, tool sheds): A few days to 1 week
• Medium Buildings (e.g., small warehouses, workshops): 2-4 weeks
• Large Buildings (e.g., commercial facilities, large warehouses): 1-3 months

Keep in mind that these are general estimates based on typical conditions. Specific factors like site preparation, weather, and design complexity can alter the timeline.

Key Takeaways

Building a metal structure generally follows three stages: preparation, erection, and completion. Key factors influencing construction time include building size, design complexity, crew size, weather conditions, material delivery, and site preparation. Small buildings might take a few days, while larger projects could take weeks or months. To stay on schedule, plan early, select a skilled team, consider using pre-engineered components, and be mindful of the weather. Keep in mind that timelines are estimates and can vary based on site-specific factors.