Designing a Large Metal Workshop A How-to Guide

Whether you’re maintaining vehicles or building a structure to house your hobbies and side hustles, a large metal workshop is an ideal, cost-effective solution. They’re strong, long-lasting, and engineered for flexibility. This allows them to work well for various applications, from office spaces to storage buildings and commercial storefronts.

And purchasing a large metal workshop is an extensive process! Finding exactly what you need can be challenging if you're not familiar with the metal building industry. And that's precisely why we've put together a handy guide on designing your metal workshop the right way.

Essential Things to Remember When Designing a Metal Workshop Building

When designing a metal building to serve as your new workshop, you’ll want to take the time to conduct the necessary research to find a design that works for you. After all, buying a large metal building is an enormous investment, and you want to make the most of your purchase! So, to help, we’ve put together key considerations when designing and building a large metal workshop.

1. Load-Bearing Abilities

One of the aspects that sets steel structures apart from the competition is the ability to handle the weight. However, many people will opt for thicker, reinforced framing and paneling for heavy-duty use.

2. Lighting

Another vital part of having a usable workshop will be your lighting. Will you choose overhead fluorescent lighting? Will you supplement that light with natural lighting through skylights or clear roofing panels? This decision will play a massive role in how you can use your new building.

3. Moisture Resistance

You'll want to ensure that you've properly insulated your structure to reduce the potential for moisture buildup. This could potentially be detrimental to your equipment, tools, and valuables. Insulation will reduce the overall prevalence of moisture inside your building while ensuring maximum energy efficiency.

4. Sound Insulation

If you've ever worked with power tools and large equipment, you already know how noisy they can be. But, with the necessary insulation, you'll be able to minimize excess noise, saving yourself and your neighbors a ton of stress in the process.

5. Thermal Insulation

As we've mentioned, insulating your metal building is a fantastic way to manage the heating and cooling efficiency of your building. A well-insulated building can maintain a more even ambient temperature year-round and drastically lower your overall energy bills.

Secondary Considerations When Purchasing a Prefabricated Steel Workshop

The lighting, heating, and moisture levels of your new building are important, but there are plenty of other equally critical things to remember when designing and purchasing a steel workshop. These include:

1. Wind Resistance

By choosing a certified building, you'll guarantee that your structure is capable of withstanding the wind, snow, and seismic forces in your region. As such, you'll want to design your building to be ready to handle the elements. This includes choosing reinforced frames and paneling to stand up to high winds and picking the most suitable roofing option for your climate.

2. Fire-Resistance

Did you know that steel structures can withstand temperatures as high as 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit? By choosing a building that's constructed from galvanized steel, the risk of potential fire is reduced significantly.

3. Ventilation

Whether you’re fending off high temperatures or avoiding harmful chemicals or airborne particles, having proper ventilation is a must for any enclosed structure. You'll want to carefully decide whether you'll use passive ventilation, such as doors and windows, or active ventilation measures like fans.

4. Sustainability

Steel is 100% recyclable! By purchasing a steel building over other options, you’ll be making a small step toward reducing deforestation and pollution caused by lumber production. Additionally, once your structure has reached the end of its natural lifespan, it can be reused again and again without any loss of strength or integrity.

5. Efficient Material Uses

Metal buildings are a far more efficient structure type when compared to similar-sized wooden alternatives. This is because steel buildings are constructed using precise components engineered to fit snugly together, much like an enormous jigsaw puzzle. This allows contractors and installers to heavily reduce material waste.

A Step-By-Step Guide for Building Your Metal Workshop

So, you've done the necessary research. You've settled on a building style and have all the customizations in mind. But where does one go from here? Below, we’ve put together the steps you’ll need to take before your building can be ordered and installed.

1. Plan a Budget

For any construction project, you’ll need to have a well-planned budget in mind. This will minimize any hiccups or headaches you may have throughout the process.

2. Choose an Installation Site

Before breaking ground on your new building, you'll need to plan your installation site carefully. This will require you to find a location with easy access that rests above any natural water runoff. This site will need to be graded, leveled, and cleared of debris or vegetation.

3. Determine the Size and Orientation of Your Structure

How much room will you need? No one wants to spend thousands of dollars only to realize their building is too small! As such, you'll want a solid grasp of how large of a structure your activities will require.

4. Obtain the Necessary Permits

Most localities will require structures to be permitted before construction. You'll need to contact your local building authorities to determine what permits you'll require and which regulations you'll need to abide by. Failure to do so can result in significant fines and even the removal of your building entirely.

5. Prep Your Foundation

Before installation day, you'll want to ensure that you've installed your foundation. Soil and gravel foundations will only need to be level, but with asphalt and concrete types, you'll want to ensure that it's fully cured before construction begins.

Probuilt Steel Buildings is Your Destination for All Types of Metal Workshops!

Probuilt Steel Buildings is your number one choice for steel buildings of all sizes and types! From small equipment sheds to enormous industrial structures, we have the skills and experience to deliver!

In addition to offering some of the best metal workshop building prices in the business, we also have some of the best financing options around! And if you aren’t interested in financing, we also have a great RTO program.

So, if you've been thinking about purchasing a metal workshop for your business, workshop, or hobby, you've come to the right place! Buildings by Probuilt Steel Buildings are designed for strength and flexibility, lasting for years with minimal need for upkeep. Give us a call today at (877) 754-1818 and let our team of building experts help you create, customize, and realize a structure that works for your needs!