When you buy a new steel building, you should be able to customize just about every part of your order to make sure the finished product is exactly what you had in mind. While plenty of metal building suppliers – like American Steel Carports, Inc. – allow you to customize your order, not everyone excels in this area.  

To show you just how far we stand apart from the competition, we’d like to use this post to highlight the many different ways you can customize your steel building when shopping with us. Those customizations happen within our Build & Price tool, and you are welcome to get started using it now. When questions come up, simply drop us a line and we’ll get back to you right away.  

Choose the Perfect Building Style

American Steel Carports, Inc. offers a range of building styles, from simple carports to large utility buildings. Whether you need an RV Carport, AG Barn, or even a Mini Storage, there’s a structure to match your needs. For those who need extra width, the Wide Span Deluxe option extends up to 60 feet, making it ideal for agricultural or industrial applications. You can even select unique structures like a Continuous Slope Barn or a Loafing Shed, which are great for farms and ranches.

Your Dimensions 

You’ll want to determine the dimensions of your structure. In some cases, this will be pretty easy – you may only have a certain amount of land to work with, and you’ll have to keep everything within those limits. On the other hand, if you have plenty of space to use, you’ll need to think about what dimensions are going to best serve your needs both now and into the future.  

Consider the Two Primary Roofing Options 

If you have never before ordered a steel building, one of the things you’ll want to learn is that there are two primary roofing options to consider – vertical and horizontal roofing. With a horizontal roof, the panels run from front to back along the roof. This is the cheapest type of roof you can apply to a metal building, as less supporting structure is needed to hold up the roof effectively.  

A vertical roof requires more support structure but offers better performance. The panels run up and down the roof, shedding rain, snow, leaves, and other debris. If you can afford this feature, a vertical roof orientation is a great upgrade.  

Customize Your Roof Pitch

The roof pitch is a critical factor in the durability and functionality of your building. Options range from the standard 3/12 pitch to upgraded pitches like 4/12 or 5/12. A steeper roof pitch not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also improves the ability to shed snow and water, making it a smart choice for regions with heavy precipitation.

Adding Features Like Doors and Windows 

Doors and windows are high on this customization list. Adding an extra door, even if you aren’t sure that you’ll need it at first, is a nice design choice that will give you more flexibility later on. And, when you put in a couple of windows – or more – you’ll be bringing natural light into the space and will have the option of opening up those windows to enjoy some fresh air while spending time in the building.  

The important point to remember here is that you don’t want to go back later and try to add these features to your building. It’s better to put in an extra window now, for example, than to wish you had done so and end up trying to retrofit the building later. Spend some time considering possible future use cases for the building so you can anticipate changes down the road and be prepared for those developments.  

Tailor the Panels to Your Preference

Your steel building’s panels can be fully customized for both functionality and appearance:

• Gable Ends and Sidewalls: Decide whether the front and back gable ends will remain open, fully enclosed, or feature extended panels for added coverage.
• Side Panels: Options range from fully open to partial or fully enclosed, allowing you to achieve the perfect balance between ventilation and protection.

Add Storage and Trim Options

You can include center storage in your building design, too. Options include storage at the back, left, or right side. J-Trim adds a clean, polished edge to exposed panels for a finished look, while the Base Trim option prevents water seepage and enhances durability.

Frame and Metal Gauge Selection

You can also customize the structural integrity of your building by selecting the frame and metal gauge:

• 14-Gauge Framing (standard) is suitable for most applications, while 12-Gauge Framing provides additional strength for harsher conditions.
• For metal panels, opt for the 29 Gauge Standard or upgrade to the 26 Gauge Ag Panel or 26 Gauge PBR Panel for superior durability.

Insulation and Additional Features

To make your building more energy-efficient and comfortable, consider adding 3-inch fiberglass insulation, which helps regulate the temperature inside. Depending on your needs, you can also customize extras such as brackets, anchors, and additional sheet metal.

Select Your Colors

Finally, bring your vision to life by choosing from a variety of colors for the roof, walls, and trim. With options ranging from bold Barn Red to classic White, you can design a building that complements your property beautifully. 

A Reliable Installation Process 

When all the work of designing and ordering is done, your part of the project will be complete. From there, you get to simply wait on the order to arrive, and you can watch as it is constructed on your property. When you order from us, you can trust that the installation process will be hassle-free and smooth from start to finish. Don’t worry about things like trying to coordinate contractors or putting the pieces in place to get the work done right – just leave it to us and know that the finished product will be just as you had imagined.  

Build Your Custom Steel Building 

The best part of ordering a steel building is getting to customize it perfectly to suit your needs. Take your time when going through this process, thinking about exactly what you’ll be using the building for and how you want it to function as the years go by. Once you have your vision clearly in mind, make it happen by ordering from American Steel Carports, Inc. The building you receive will be durable, sturdy, and ready to serve your property for many years to come.