As you start putting together a plan for building a steel workshop or shed, you’ll quickly find that you need to consider a lot of information before breaking ground. So let’s talk about how to build the best steel structure for the most economical price—and on the most optimal timeline.
Design and Build 101: Steel Workshop or Shed Structural Strategies
Keep these factors in mind when you’re planning the scope and construction steps for your structure.
Nailing the Design Phase
When designing your structure, consider the conditions and requirements of your planned shed. For example, will it need to withstand driving rains? Have the support in place for heavy loads? Protect from horizontal winds or constant, glaring sun?
Other considerations to incorporate into your plans may include:
The need for durability.
How long will your structure need to stand strong?
The potential for flexibility.
What’s the likelihood that you will need to expand upon this structure? The functionality of the unit. Will you need to add electrical or plumbing? If not now, is it conceivable that you could need to do so in the future?
The importance of redundancy and safety.
Are there ways that you can provide failsafe and protective measures against future failures in this shed?
Before you exit the design phase, there are two key actions to complete: Building out a model of your shed—and establishing your finalization tests. You need to visualize what you want your structure to look like; you also need to inspect and assess the finished project before you wrap up construction.
Even if it’s just a quick drawing, create a model and use it to inform your requirements for materials and labor. Then, write down a specific list of ways you will test your structure for performance and safety at the end. These ways may include:
- Placing a load on parts of the structure and watching for unwanted results (e.g., beams that bend, twist, or fall)
- Seeing whether your structure weathers a storm successfully
- Taking a wrench and triple-checking that all bolts are tightened all the way
- Performing a visual inspection on all completed welds
If it’s time to break ground on your shed, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of successful building logistics.
Building Towards Success
- Invest in the most solid foundation possible. While it may not be fun to focus on clearing the ground, digging deep, and pouring level cement instead of raising a structure, these activities are crucial for a safe and strong shed or building.
- Do your research on building materials. The cheapest option may seem attractive for keeping you under budget. Unfortunately, these seemingly economical choices may cost you in labor and delays later on. Be aware of the current market for construction materials, too—global events can cause prices to shift regularly.
- Document everything that you do. From switching up materials to scope-altering conversations to the amount of time you spend in each construction phase, don’t doubt it: Every detail matters. So keep a log of what you and your workers do every day. At the very least, this will inform future projects—and it could help you easily trace the source of safety issues or other concerning situations, avoiding hours wasted looking for the root of any problems you later experience.
- Review your schedule and scope constantly. Make sure that your team members provide updates regularly. Knowing your schedule can help you order materials on time and avoid costly delays. (Pro tip: Put the weather forecast on your schedule so you can easily see it.)
- Check-in with the client regularly. If you’re building the shed for someone else, keep them informed at every stage. If you’re building this for yourself, use the established scope and the inspection standards you brainstormed earlier to avoid any late-game surprises.
Time to Start Designing and Building a Steel Workshop or Shed? Bring in the Pros for The Results You Need
At Peak Steel Contractors, we’re experts in setting projects up to succeed and leveraging careful planning to help you see the results you want.
If it’s time to invest in a steel structure for your property, call in Peak Steel Contractors! We handle design and build processes and more. Check out our past projects and contact us for more information.