Our pre-construction services package will provide you with enough detailed information to determine the feasibility of your project without engaging an architect. Not to mention that in most cases, a metal building design package through General Steel costs about half as much as you’d spend hiring an architect and is enough to secure financing. With as little as a hand-drawn sketch or verbal description of what you intend to build; our team will thoroughly research the construction options available to you according to local zoning. We will produce final floor plans, 3D renderings, and a complete cost analysis detailing what it will cost to complete construction as designed.
We research your site’s zoning and code requirements to make sure we are designing a project that can be built. The information attained during this step will influence how we design your building during the next steps in the process. It is also important to understand your local requirements because these factors can change total project costs. The zoning and code review will ensure that your project is successful by limiting the chance of delays and unforeseen surprises.
Site Restrictions
Landscaping
Parking
Drainage
Municipality Restrictions
Height Restrictions
Buildable Area Ratios
Setbacks
A.I.A. Certifiable Cost Analysis
Before you decide to move forward with the project as designed, you should know exactly how much it will cost to complete construction including the initial site work through the installation of the last light fixture. This is why our complete cost analysis is an essential part of our pre-construction package. This line item cost description will outline all of the costs associated with the completion of construction, allowing you to adjust the budget or the building in order to meet your cost expectations. Our cost descriptions are so accurate that lending institutions can use them as part of the loan package.
Single Point of Contact
When you purchase a metal building through General Steel you are assigned a Project Coordinator at no additional charge. This experienced industry professional is your single point of contact at our corporate office who is responsible for answering any questions you have and making sure your project is finished on time and on budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you purchase a pre-construction services package through General Steel, the cost of the Design Package is credited back to you at the time you buy your metal building. That makes the project feasibility study outlined below essentially free!
Architects charge by the hour ($80-$125 per hour), by the square foot ($1.25 to $5 per SQFT) or as a percentage of construction costs (8%-15%).
The answer is no. Many General Steel building designs only require MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) drawings that can cost as little as $1 per square foot.
3D Renderings
Once you and our team agree on a final version of the floor plan, we will render your project into our cutting-edge 3D software to produce full color representations of the new building. You will be able to see how the building will look from all four sides including the building’s roof style and exterior finishes. We’ve found that 3D renderings can help investors and other stakeholders in the project connect with the overall vision and get excited about making the project a reality.
We Design Buildings For:
Franchises: Subway, ACE Hardware, Dollar General among many others.
Sports Facilities: Hockey, basketball, indoor soccer and even dance studios.
Businesses: Manufacturing facilities, auto shops, car dealerships and more!
Floor Plans
Once the code and zoning review is complete, we will have a better understanding of what can be built in your location. The next step is determining how you will use your space. During this phase of pre-construction, you will work with our team of experienced space planners to design and develop an arrangement of your projected space. Our space planners are the best in the industry at making sure the utilization of the space remains efficient while also incorporating exactly what you need the new building to provide currently and in the future.
What About Revisions?
No design we work on is final until you say it’s perfect. Although we will design a project that can be built in your locale, we realize that there are often other stakeholders in the project who will ask for adjustments. Stakeholders can include members of your business partners, investors or even yourself. This is what really sets our pre-construction package apart from the alternatives. Because we charge a flat rate for the service, you or others involved in the project can make up to three revisions as to the floor plan or renderings until the final product represents exactly what you want to build.
Design Build Case Studies
Whether you’re starting a business or expanding a current operation, a successful project begins with an effective feasibility study. Below are case studies for two businesses in emerging industries that started right here with a General Steel Design Package.
Bion Crossfit
Crossfit gyms are one of the hottest trends in the fitness industry, see how you can open one like Bion affordably.
"Had to share my experience with the sales rep of General Steel. Andy was very knowledgeable and experienced sales rep that I was glad to have connected with. His answers to our questions were thorough, complete and satisfactory. Thanks Andy, you're the greatest!"
"Ben was fantastic. He even made himself available on a Sunday afternoon so he could be on a conference call with our building committee. A few days after the meeting one of the members stated that she felt very comfortable after speaking with Ben due to his ability to communicate with us."
"Chris and the whole team has been a pleasure to work with. All of our questions are responded to in a timely manner and that makes us confident with the process moving forward."
"Denny was very pleasant and informative about the company. He went out of his way to assist me and answered all my questions with enthusiasm. He further directed me to every department that was needed and remained on the line with me until everything was complete."
Need help? Contact our Pre-Construction Team. Let us guide you through your project.
From inception through the completion of construction, our pre-construction services team will make sure your project is a true success! If you want to learn more about steel building designs, visit our help center or get in touch with us.
