How to choose the right metal building (Red Iron).
- itslj28
- Feb 7
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 21
Define the Purpose of Your Steel Building
So you've weighed the Pro's and cons of wood structures vs metal and came to the right conclusion that a metal structure is a better bang for your buck especially in California, good on you! Your building’s purpose will determine its size, layout, and custom features. Different applications have different requirements. You can find common uses for metal buildings within our home page https://www.spanglersteel.com/ under the "start to finish metal building solutions" area.
For Personal Use (Workshops and Storage)
If you’re looking for a metal building for personal use, normal sizing ranges from 40x50 - 50x100 and usually they're insulated with full or partial trim options.
Common Uses: Garages, workshops, RV and boat storage
Key Features: Roll-up doors, insulation for comfort, man doors for easy quick access, skylights for increased natural light.
Size Suggestions: 40’x50’ for small workshops/garages or 50’x100’ for larger storage places with room for workshops and hang out area's
Pro Tip: Ask us about flexible design options that allow for easy future expansion—something many dealers won’t consider when they’re only focused on the initial sale.
For Commercial Use
For business needs, steel buildings provide durable, customizable layouts and fast construction times, ideal for growing operations.
Common Uses: Warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, office spaces
Key Features: Clear-span interiors for maximum usable space, loading docks, and office areas
Size Suggestions: 50’x100’ or larger, depending on your business operations
Pro Tip: Plan for high-traffic areas and vehicle access, and let us help you with a layout that ensures smooth flow and long-term functionality—something many dealers overlook when they only sell the building and don’t assist with erection or planning.
For Retail and Storefronts
Metal building solutions work well for storefronts by combining durability with attractive exteriors.
Common Uses: Retail shops, showrooms, multi-use spaces, office spaces
Key Features: Custom exterior finishes, custom trim, large front windows, and climate control
Size Suggestions: 50’x50’ to 50’x100’, depending on your business size
Pro Tip: Customize the façade with architectural details like awnings or decorative panels, and ask us how we can design it to reflect your brand image effectively.
For Agricultural Use (Barns and Equipment Sheds)
In farming, steel agricultural buildings are highly valued for their strength and low maintenance.
Common Uses: Barns, hay storage, livestock shelters, equipment sheds
Key Features: Ventilation, large garage doors w/ electric opener options, open layouts, and rust-resistant materials skylights for increased natural light.
Size Suggestions: 50’x80’ for smaller farms or 80’x150’+ for larger operations
Pro Tip: Plan for multi-use areas—like combining equipment storage with a workshop or mechanic space—and let us help you design a layout that maximizes price efficiency and long-term value.
2. Determine Your Budget for Your Steel Building
Budget is a key consideration. While metal building solutions are vastly more affordable in the long run compared to traditional construction, costs vary based on customization and features.
Basic steel buildings Price variables are insulation gutter's/downspouts, full cover trim, full cover trim skylights for increased natural light and more. Basic is cheaper initially but make sure you can live with it, the building will most likely outlive you!
Custom steel buildings Price variables are insulation, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, custom trim options, upgraded paint options, upgrades panel options skylights for increased natural light and more.
Agricultural buildings Price variables are door size and style, lean too options, electrical, plumbing, office spaces, trim options skylights for increased natural light and more.
Pro Tip: Choose a design that meets your immediate needs and ask us how we can tailor it for affordable expansion in the future.
3. If Attempting to Permit On Your Own Check Local Building Codes Via the Governing Agency's Building Department Website
Visit https://www.cab.ca.gov/resrcs/build_dep/index.shtml , select your county or city, you will then be given links to your local governing agency's website for the building department. From there you will need to inquire with the county/city about your plans for a metal building on your property.
Your custom metal building must comply with local building regulations for wind, snow loads, size and zoning.
Pro Tip: Spangler Steel Structures offers professional Permitting services so you don't have to make countless calls, trips as well as months back and fourth communication with your local governing agency. We work with the top architects and engineers in California and know the in's and out's of many California building departments to ensure your building will meet code and your permitting process is streamlined. Call us today to find out how we can help with permitting.
Conclusion: Build for Today and the Future
The right steel building can serve yourself, your business, or your farm for decades. By defining your purpose, setting a realistic budget, and choosing custom features, you’ll ensure your building is both functional and ready for future growth.
Lee Spangler/Owner
916-316-2101
Lee Michaelson/ Operations Manager
916-945-1435
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