Picking out the right size for your new metal building is a challenge. You’ve already decided that you want to go with metal – and that’s a great choice – but how big should you make this structure? It’s a popular option to go with a 40×40 layout, but of course, that’s just one of countless different options. But what exactly can you do with a 40×40 metal building? We’ll examine sizing in the article below to determine if 40×40 is the right size for your needs.  

No matter what size building you decide to create, the team here at American Steel Carports, Inc. is ready to bring that building to life. You can visit our Build & Price tool to design something that perfectly suits your needs, and we are always available to help if you contact us directly.  

What Can You Do with a 40×40 Metal Building?

When you opt for a 40×40 metal building, you gain an impressive amount of clear-span space under the roof. Specifically, you will have 1,600 square feet of space at your disposal, which should be more than sufficient for a variety of functions. From parking a few vehicles to creating a workshop space and more, this large structure will be up for just about whatever you have in mind.  

Of course, just because a 40×40 building is versatile, that doesn’t mean it will automatically be the right choice for your situation. Specifically, you may find that you need a little more space, especially if you anticipate your needs will grow in the years to come. Given the affordable nature of metal buildings, you could “overbuild” now and know that you have room to grow when your needs change down the road. Want to understand the key components of your steel structure before you build? Learn more in our Anatomy of a Metal Building guide.

Understanding the Cost of a 40×40 Metal Building

Modest prices are one of many things to like about metal buildings. With that said, there are likely to be additional costs associated with the project beyond the purchase price itself. Those costs will vary based on your exact plans for the building, but they are important enough to keep in mind from the start.  

For example, you will likely need to create a foundation for your new building. You might also want to add insulation, and you may want to have plumbing or electrical work completed to make the building serve your needs properly. Gather as much information as possible in advance about the costs of these various jobs so you aren’t caught off guard later.  

Zoning Laws and Permits for Metal Buildings

There is always a zoning and code component to every building project. You need to check the restrictions in place in your area to confirm that plans for a 40×40 building project can proceed as planned. Specifically, you will likely need to comply with setback rules that limit the distance between your new building and the property lines. Therefore, if you need to push the structure right up to the edge of the property to make it fit, that design may not be approved by your city or county officials.  

Failing to check zoning rules can be a costly mistake. While it might feel like a hassle at the time, it doesn’t actually take long to check on the rules and find out how they apply to your plans. Putting in a request for a permit as one of your first steps in the process will help keep things on track for a successful conclusion.  

How Tall Should a 40×40 Metal Building Be?

You want to know how tall your building needs to be to accommodate what you want to do inside. For example, an agricultural storage building may need to be quite tall to allow for room to stack items inside, whereas a basic garage used for parking cars doesn’t have to be nearly as tall.  

Common Uses for a 40×40 Metal Building

Need inspiration? Here are some of the most popular ways customers use their 40×40 structures:

• Detached garages for multiple vehicles
• Agricultural storage for feed, tractors, or hay
• Workshops or fabrication spaces
• Commercial overflow storage or equipment housing
• RV storage or marine vehicle protection

Build a Custom 40×40 Metal Building

Picking the correct size for your new metal building is certainly important, but that’s not the only choice you have to make in this process. You also need to determine what partner you are going to work with for the job, and on that point, the answer is obvious – American Steel Carports, Inc. is an industry leader for a reason. Connect with us today to get started!