When you’re visualizing, designing, constructing, and reconstructing a steel building, there are many elements needed for a job done well. To deliver the desired final project, you must have a clear vision. You also need to take the time necessary to learn as much as possible about your starting materials and the reconstruction phase in steel construction.
Reconstructing a larger-scale project can come with a lot of opportunities for miscalculation. These initiatives can also foster heightened expectations (and associated disappointment). On the other hand, a lot about reconstruction, particularly with sustainable steel, can benefit contractors and owners alike. Being intentional and performing due diligence will make a world of difference in the reconstruction phase of your steel project.
Build It Back – But Better, Following These Steel Reconstruction Strategies
If you’re aiming to preserve what you already have and incorporate it into a finished product, that’s commendable. However, you need to take specific steps to ensure that your final deliverable isn’t set to tumble down around your ears.
1. Realize what your specific goals are for this project.
Are you looking to include an existing facade (or other building components) in your structure? Are you planning on solving problems that may have existed in the original structure? What happened (if anything) to the original structure, and will any of those conditions apply to your completed project? Reconstruction allows you to learn from the previous structure as you rebuild. Taking advantage of the wealth of information you have will be critical.
2. Design a strategic vision for your building that includes any required renovations or repairs.
Even though you are tackling a steel reconstruction project, you’ll need to realize upfront that there will be many differences between the original structure and the building you’re able to deliver. So, in the beginning phases of your reconstruction efforts, ensure that your entire team is on the same page regarding your realistic vision—and the clear designs you can share.
3. Realize that steel offers far more than just structural potential.
While we think of masonry or wood when we design decorative molding or other architectural details for beautiful buildings, steel can also have aesthetic benefits. So whether you’re seeking to emulate a historical feel with a more modern, sustainable material or add steel flourishes to your building for any other reason, allow yourself to think outside the box. You can add brackets, cupolas, and more that set your reconstructed building apart.
4. Perform a thorough inspection of your building’s existing structure, and form a complete list of the materials you need to repair or replace.
Initiating a reconstruction project with incomplete or optimistic information is a recipe for disaster. Instead, take the time to assess the current state of the building as objectively as possible. For example, you may need to replace corroded structural steel. You will also need to assess any external blemishes to see if there is an insidious (and dangerous) root cause.
Information Needed – Before You Start Your Project
There are some specific pieces of information you need before you embark upon a successful steel reconstruction project. For example, before you start your project, do your best to determine the following:
- The year that the original structure was built. Specific decades and past architectural trends may have influenced the initial construction of the building. So do a little bit of detective work. It can help you learn about past building standards, weight limits for the relevant materials, and more.
- Suppose you can find any original drawings of the building. This can help you understand the original structure of your building and give you a helpful resource to understand what changes you may have to make.
- As much about the conditions of the current site as possible. The building you’re reconstructing was built to weather the on-site conditions long ago. Those conditions may have changed, meaning the building’s specs will also need to be changed.
GA’s Go-To Steel Contractors are Experts in Leveraging Reconstruction for Powerful Results
If you’re looking for a way to harness reconstruction to add value to your steel building project, you’re in the right place. Peak Steel Contractors can help you with start-to-finish design and construction services.
Check out our past projects and contact us for more information about the reconstruction phase in steel construction.