Commercial Building Costs
25 June 2021
How Much Does a Commercial Building Cost?
IN BRIEF
- The cost of a building varies based on size, features and material choices. Options such as roller doors, mezzanine levels, and awnings can add to the overall cost of the commercial structure.
- Materials like COLORBOND® or ZINCALUME® and the inclusion of hot dip galvanizing have a positive impact on long-term durability, but also push up the cost.
- Opting for end-to-end project management over DIY also impacts the overall project cost.
- Site works and preparation are critical for a successful building project and to ensure a structurally sound outcome.
What Affects the Cost of Commercial Buildings?
As one of the leading steel building design and construct companies in Victoria, our team often gets asked “How much is this going to cost?” As you can imagine there are a lot of variables when you’re considering investing in a commercial building. Size is the most obvious factor, but here are a few other considerations to take into account when you’re comparing costs. In this article, Steelcorp’s Head of Sales, Aaron Barker, breaks down some of the factors so you can make an informed decision on the best options for your business.
Size
The most obvious factor that affects your quote is how big it is: a large commercial structure with all the bells and whistles is naturally going to be more pricey than a basic rural storage shed. Planning ahead for potential future expansion will ensure you have ample space available for many years to come.
Roller Doors, Windows and Openings
Steelcorp can add a range of different doors, windows, openings and access ways depending on your needs. From a single roller door to multiple high-bay doors, sliding doors, personal access doors and more, we can design a building to your requirements.
“It’s a good idea to consider the current need for your project along with potential future use when looking at the cost of incorporating doors and openings,” says Aaron.
“Creating a practical space that can be used in different ways means you’ll have more options if your business or operations change in the future.”
Adding a Mezzanine Level
Mezzanines are a common inclusion in many of our commercial and industrial buildings as they provide an easy, cost-effective way to increase your storage space. Adding a mezzanine floor can create a flexible warehouse space, a neat office or an airy open storage area.
A frequent addition to our large industrial structures, mezzanines turn a simple ‘box’ into a functional multi-purpose space.
“Plus, if you’re looking at building with the intent to lease, adding a mezzanine can significantly increase your rental income,” notes Aaron.
COLORBOND® or ZINCALUME®
The choice of COLORBOND® and ZINCALUME® is a personal choice, with both products offering excellent corrosion resistance.
COLORBOND® offers a wider range of colour choices which can be important for commercial and professional businesses, whilst ZINCALUME® is cheaper yet offers a more basic appearance that is prone to becoming dull over time. You may need to check with your local council to see if ZINCALUME® is an approved product in your area.
There are pros and cons to both products – take a look at our article on COLORBOND® vs ZINCALUME® for a deep-dive into the difference between these two common materials.
Do You Need Hot Dip Galvanising?
You’ll hear a resounding YES from our team! In fact, hot dip galvanizing is the only option we provide, and one of the main reasons we can guarantee a lifetime structural warranty.
Whilst some design and construct companies cut corners and reduce the cost of a building by using a plain painted frame, it’s important to bear in mind that painted steel only lasts for 15 years before it needs to be repainted.
Hot dip galvanising will vastly increase the life of your structure. If you want it to stand the test of time, factor in the benefits of hot dip galvanising which vastly outweigh the slightly higher initial cost.
Internal Cladding and Partition Walls
“What are you using your building for? What type of flexible spaces do you need to create? Whilst the outside structure is often fairly simple, the inside is where the magic happens!”
Aaron explains that using partitions to compartmentalise your structure can turn a plain open area into an efficient and organised storage space, a professional multi-room warehouse or separate the customer-facing side of your operation from the business end. Factor in the cost of partitions and whether or not you need the interior clad in a specific finish to create a truly unique and professional structure.
Awnings and Canopies
Adding a cantilevered canopy, awning or skillion roof can increase the overall cost of your project, but many of our clients say they’re worth every cent. Designed to keep rain and wild weather out of your structure when the roller doors are open, they vastly increase the usability of your building and expand the floor area so that you can use the outdoor undercover areas for additional storage.
Weather protection awnings are particularly important for commercial properties that receive many deliveries, businesses that lift and shift bulky goods, and rural buildings such as feed stores and shearing sheds that house fodder or moisture-sensitive equipment.
End-to-end Project Management vs DIY
Sorting out a building permit for your new structure is something that some people like to look after themselves. However, if you’d rather save yourself the headache, we can help with all aspects of the application and approval process to help streamline your build. Building permit requirements in Victoria can vary between different Councils and locations, and our team are experienced in overseeing the approval process. We can work with you and your local Council or Building Certifier and ensure the proposed structure satisfies the specific permit requirements for your site.
Excavation, Levelling and Site Preparation
You might think your site is flat – but is it level? Will you need to look at preparing the area prior to building your structure? Our customers often require some grading and levelling on their property to ensure a perfect concrete slab pour.
“Ideally, a prepared site needs a firm rock base for hardstand when operating machinery and vehicles when working on site. The area often needs a site scrape, and if it’s out of level, a cut and fill is the most cost-effective option. If you have a soil type that’s difficult to work with, additional rock and compaction may be required,” says Aaron.
For customers looking to position their structure on a greenfield site, a concrete base is usually required for fully enclosed buildings. A nice level site is a requirement for pouring concrete foundations.
For more basic open structures, a raw dirt floor may be perfectly adequate, although we recommend bringing in a bit of road base rock to ensure the area is usable all year round.
“Getting the initial preparation right is the key to a structurally sound and long-lasting structure that will stand the test of time.”
Service, Quality and Strength – All Under One Roof
When you’re deciding on a design and construct partner for your new structure, make sure you’re comparing apples with apples.
Steelcorp is one of Wangaratta’s most respected design and construct partners because we’re dedicated to providing the utmost care and attention to every customer. We specialise in large commercial buildings, industrial buildings and agricultural facilities and proudly use Australian-made steel in our Wangaratta factory.
Give our team a call today – we’ll use our detailed cost calculator to work out the best solution for your property and provide an itemised proposal to help you understand all the components of your new project.
