3 February 2022
IN BRIEF
When you’re planning to invest in a commercial building project, it’s likely that you’ll receive a series of proposals that vary wildly in price. Why does the cost vary so much?
At the outset, they might look very similar: they’re the same size and made from the same basic materials. Under the surface however are dozens of factors that alter your quote, ranging from the shape of the roof to the amount of help and support your building designer is willing to provide.
Let’s take a deep dive into what drives commercial building costs up and down, and how you can make sure you end up with a steel building that fully meets your needs.
There’s a good reason that some steel structures come with a higher price tag – but that doesn’t mean you have to pay through the nose for your project.
You’re in control and you know what your budget is, so there’s nothing wrong with prioritising certain features over others or cutting out particular details to save money.
The key however is to work out which features are ‘nice to have’, and which factors are an absolute must. Everyone has different priorities and needs, so this is a very personal decision.
To help you compare steel structure prices with a critical eye, we’ve listed all the different things that can make an impact on the cost of your project.
Now that you have a handle on the physical components that bring costs up or down, let’s dig into the intangible elements that also impact the cost of a commercial building.
Along with components and labour that can be easily measured in dollars or hours, there are other benefits to choosing one building company over another.
Some more expensive companies will offer better consultative services, more inclusions, and a true partnership approach, rather than approaching your project as a ‘tick and flick’ job. A high-end building designer will make sure your project is fit for purpose and will guide you through making the best possible decisions.
Additionally, some companies use better quality raw products such as Australian steel, hot-dip galvanised frames, and provide superior engineering.
A top-end company will also put more focus on the individual client rather than volume sales, so rather than trying to sell cheap steel sheds to as many people as possible, a specialised company will be structured for higher margins but less volume, so they can take more time to ensure the project is perfect.
Design and construct contracts can vary from business to business due to different designs, so more elements may be included in a more expensive proposal.
At the other end of the spectrum are commercial structure builders that offer a more budget-friendly approach.
Cheaper companies are unlikely to offer any kind of consultative services, meaning you’re left to your own devices to work through approvals and Council liaison. Some suppliers only supply sheds as kits, meaning you need to source a builder who is willing to put your building together from scratch.
This can be a good option if you are on a very tight budget, are a very experienced owner-builder, or you have contacts you know will be able to build your kit to a good standard.
When it comes to overall quality, there can be a big difference between suppliers. Some can cut corners by offering lean engineering that barely meets requirements, and opt for cheaper standard features like painted frames and imported low-quality steel.
In contrast to bespoke builders, lower-priced shed companies often focus more on high volume sales at low margins, meaning they need to sell more standard designs and use repeatable processes to turn a profit. This means that they will likely have a set engineering design, which might not actually meet your business requirements.
As covered in our article on designing a commercial structure, it’s critical to make sure the building actually serves the needs of your business, both now and in the future.
If you’re looking for a budget or entry-level product then we won’t be a good fit, as we aren’t the cheapest steel structure out there.
Likewise, if you’re based in Northern NSW or Queensland then we won’t be a good fit as our installer network doesn’t stretch to those regions: we concentrate on Victoria and the southern parts of NSW.
If you’re happy with a standard, off the shelf structure, a Steelcorp building will probably be over-engineered for your needs. We specialise in custom builds and design every structure from scratch, so our buildings cost more than an off-the-shelf supplier.
However – if you’re looking for a personalised, consultative approach and a high-quality custom design that will suit your needs for decades to come, we’d be happy to hear from you!
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