Can You Modify a Prefabricated Metal Building?

A prefabricated metal building is installed using pre-engineered metal structures. These steel parts are assembled at the site, and after constructing the foundation, they are joined together. Manufacturing metal parts according to the client’s needs is easy before installation. Metal building manufacturers can shape the elements as needed.

But what if you need to modify a prefabricated metal building after installation? Don’t worry. This is also possible with some limitations. Since the building is already installed, manufacturers might not provide a new structure and steel parts to fit your growing needs.

So, what and how can you make changes in your pre-engineered metal building? This blog will reveal all the details so you can easily modify the steel structure to accommodate more stuff and use the building in various ways.

What Is a Prefabricated Metal Building?

A prefabricated metal building is made from metal parts that are first designed and manufactured in a factory. Unlike traditional construction, where everything is prepared at the location, prefab building parts are manufactured in a factory and assembled in the area for installation only.

This type of building offers many benefits that suit modern needs and save time. Moreover, the economic advantages of metal buildings make them the first choice for robust Carports, Garages, RV Covers, Barns, and other structures.

Difference Between Custom and Prefab Metal Building

Understanding the difference between custom and prefab buildings is crucial to understanding how much you can modify a pre-engineered building.

A custom building is designed to meet specific requirements. You can ask a manufacturer to give the building a particular shape, size, and color according to your needs. On the other hand, a prefab metal building is pre-designed with standards, and these designs are the same for all clients.

They are lower in cost but offer fewer customization opportunities. Custom steel structures can be fully personalized, while prefab buildings cannot.

So, yes, you can modify a pre-engineered metal structure. Let’s dive deep into the details to discover what you can change and what you cannot.

How Much Can You Modify a Prefabricated Metal Building?

Can I change the entire structure? Yes, but you will have to clear the old building and install the new one. If you don’t want to install a new building and want to change the existing one, this section is for you. It explains what changes are possible in an existing prefab metal structure.

Expanding or Reducing the Size:

You can increase the size of your building by adding new sections or extending the frames, walls, and roofs. But before this change, assess your building. Check whether the steel structure is designed with expansion in mind. If yes, modifications can be easier.

It is also possible to reduce the size of the building by removing the sections and internal walls. However, this is a challenging task as structural integrity can be affected. Viking Steel Structures can help to complete this task smoothly.

Adding Windows or Doors:

Adding windows, doors, and skylights is a common practice. You might have noticed it on existing steel buildings in your area. Ensure the size of the doors and windows are decided carefully, as frequent changes can ruin their appearance.

Consult an expert before you start modifying your steel building. This will reduce the risk associated with changes to the prefab steel building.

Changing the Structure or Layout:

You can change the internal layout of a metal building by adding and removing walls, partitions, and other steel parts. This will create space for a new room, office, or other area within a building.

This way, you can renovate a pre-engineered metal structure and give it a new look and feel. So, with the help of professionals, you can create, remove, extend, and do many other things with your existing building.

Upgrading Insulation or Finishes:

Upgrading insulation is one of the most important tasks in maintaining buildings. You can ensure better energy efficiency, comfort, and noise control with upgraded insulation and finishes. In most installations, these things are done.

If you cannot ensure insulation while installing your building, you can do it later. However, it is a time-consuming and costly process. Additionally, focus on flooring and exterior cladding to improve the building’s aesthetics and functionality.

Altering the Roof or Walls:

Routine roof maintenance is crucial to ensuring the integrity of the building. Inspect your building annually to find issues like loose material and small punctures so that you can modify it accordingly. Modifying the roof resolves many problems, like improving insulation, preventing leaks, and enhancing drainage.

Moreover, you can change the roof style and slope, but ensure you handle weight and height properly, as altering roofs and walls can improve or degrade the look and usage of your building.

Create New Drawings:

Creating drawings on the wall will not require any major modifications, but it still allows for changes in the look of the steel building. During repairs and renovations, you can make drawings for improved aesthetics. But ensure the drawings don’t look weird; they match your steel structure.

Note: Changes depend on the original structure, design, robustness, and room for modifications. So, the degree of modifications can vary for different building types.

How Are Custom Prefabricated Steel Buildings Built?

You can customize the prefab building before installation. To do so, send your request to the manufacturers. They will design steel structures according to your requirements. The complete steps are in the space below.

Requirement gathering:

The first and foremost step is collecting requirements. A metal builder can only start working after receiving the client’s requirements for the type of building. Requirements are mostly related to building size, color, designs, and type of metal structures.

• Height, width, and length of the building
• Layout and functionality
• Type of steel and metal required
• Type of windows, doors, and insulation

Planning and Designing:

Engineers and designers create detailed blueprints for the building and its metal parts, which requires a lot of planning. Nowadays, CAD (Computer Aided Design) software helps create 3D models of steel structures. You can visualize your building and make adjustments to it before manufacturing starts. Adhere to local building codes to avoid any legal issues in the future.

Cutting and Building:

Once the designs are finalized, manufacturers start constructing these steel structures. Steel is cut into specific shapes and sizes based on the client’s requirements. After construction, all the steel parts, like beams, columns, trusses, and roof panels, are assembled and sent to the site for installation. Quality and accuracy are the main criteria focused in the entire process.

So, if you think modifications to prefab steel buildings are difficult after installation, customize them according to your needs during construction. Still, if you need to make changes due to your growing business and needs, we are here to help.

Viking Steel Structures: A Reliable Partner for Customized Metal Building

Customizing your existing structure is not always recommended, as the customized building might compromise its overall strength. That’s why you are always recommended to opt for a fresh installation. If you are planning to build a robust steel building to meet your needs, we are the right place to start your journey. We offer custom-designed steel structures, such as carports, garages, barns, sheds, and warehouses, so you don’t need to customize it later and take its use for decades without compromising the overall aesthetics and strength.

Viking Steel Structures also provides a free consultation. We are just a phone call away—contact us at 877-801-3263 to buy a customized and durable solution today.