Price vs. cost

Price of a building is what it costs today. Cost is what the building costs deferred over time. For example, the price of galvanized steel is cheaper, but the cost over time (rust, the need to paint or replace) is higher. Finding the happy medium between price and cost for each customer is the key.

• When discussing the size of a building, measurements follow the standard (width X length X height).
• A building built in multiples of 8' is more cost efficient as it reduces the waste of material and the cost of labour significantly (i.e. 32 x 48 instead of 30 x 50; 48 x 96 instead of 50 x 100)
• Establishing the correct size to fulfill the customer's needs at the outset saves a considerable amount of time and money - for us and for the customer. To know what width of building the customer needs is very important and depends on what the building will house (i.e. a combine or a pickup truck). You can never build wider or higher, but you can always build longer. The price for a wider building is greater, but the cost over time (and per square foot) is less.
• A building's most economical size is a length roughly double the width. For example, a 24 x 24 has a lower price but greater cost per square foot housed than a 24 x 32 or 40. A 40 x 40 would have a greater cost per square foot housed than a 32 x 48.

Height

• Building Code eave height requirements vary depending on the area. If your eave height is under 10 ft., over 10', or over 16' - this will determine the size of pressure-treated posts needed (4 x 6; 6 x 6; 6 x 8). Therefore, the height of your building determines a significant amount of the cost.
• Transportation regulations in many areas specify the highest-allowed vehicle height at 13'6". However, many people are building 16' high for extra clearance for large equipment.
• Overhead or track doors may require that the building be higher to gain the necessary clearance for opening.

Doors

Gable-end track door:

• More economical than an eave door;
• Ceiling and door clearance the same;
• Can be built to half the width of the building;

Eave-wall track door:

• More expensive than a gable-end door;
• May require larger posts, double posts, and larger pads on each side;
• Requires a beam (either plates of steel I-beam or wood depending on size and span);
• Clearance is reduced by the height of the beam or plates (12")

Overhead doors:

• 8' high or under falls under the residential category; over 8' high a commercial grade door is necessary and has a higher price;
• Require additional headroom (12" to 24" depending on size and type);
• Many benefits including potential for remote operation, better weather seal (for workshops)