How to Choose a Metal Building: A Step-by-Step Guide 

October 23, 2025

Choosing the right metal building can feel overwhelming—especially if it's your first time. With so many sizes, roof styles, features, and providers out there, where do you even start?

This step-by-step metal building buying guide is here to simplify the process. Whether you're planning a garage, workshop, barn, or business space, we’ll walk you through each decision—from design to delivery—so you can invest with confidence.

Why Metal Buildings Are a Smart Choice

Before we dive in, here’s why more people in 2025 are turning to metal buildings:

Long lifespan (20–50+ years)
Low maintenance
Customizable to fit any purpose
Faster installation compared to wood-framed structures
Resistant to pests, mold, and rot

If you’re searching for the best metal buildings for your property or business, this guide will help you narrow down the perfect fit.

Step 1: Define the Purpose of Your Building

The first step is deciding what you'll use the building for. This affects size, layout, features, and add-ons.

Common Use Cases

Garage or carport: Store cars, trucks, RVs, boats
Workshop or studio: Hobby space, business operations, fabrication
Agricultural barn: Equipment, hay, livestock
Commercial building: Retail space, warehouse, office
Storage unit: Personal or rental income

📌 Write down your primary use, plus any secondary purposes (e.g., adding storage or office space later).

Step 2: Choose the Right Size and Style

Once you know the purpose, you can determine how big your building should be.

Standard Sizes

Small: 12x20 ft (1-car carport or shed)
Medium: 24x30 ft (2-car garage or workshop)
Large: 40x60 ft+ (barn, commercial facility)

Don’t underestimate your needs—many customers wish they’d gone larger once installed.

Step 3: Select Roof Type and Frame Strength

Your location and budget will influence this decision.

Roof Types

Regular roof: Most affordable, good for mild climates
A-frame horizontal: Traditional look, moderate durability
Vertical roof: Best for snow and rain runoff; premium option

Framing

14-gauge steel: Economical and strong for most uses
12-gauge steel: Thicker and ideal for certified structures

Step 4: Add Custom Features

This is the stage where your vision takes shape and your building becomes uniquely yours. Every choice you make now tailors the structure to your lifestyle, business needs, and aesthetic preferences.

Whether you’re focused on comfort, functionality, or curb appeal, custom features allow you to fine-tune every detail before construction begins.

Custom Options Include:

Doors: Choose from roll-up, walk-in, or sliding designs for the perfect balance of accessibility and style.
Windows: Select fixed or operable windows to optimize natural light and ventilation.
Insulation: Improve comfort and energy efficiency year-round with the right insulation package.
Lean-tos or Porches: Expand your usable space with covered storage areas, shaded work zones, or relaxing outdoor seating.
Color Options: Match your structure to your home, business branding, or personal preference with an array of durable finishes.
Interior Walls: Design interior partitions to create offices, workshops, storage zones, or multi-purpose rooms.

With Gold Tier’s advanced 3D Builder, you can preview every custom feature in real time, ensuring your final design looks—and functions—exactly the way you envision it.

Step 5: Set a Budget and Get Quotes

Once your design and custom features are in place, the next step is determining a clear and realistic budget.

This stage is all about balancing your vision with cost efficiency. Understanding what influences pricing helps you make smart decisions before you commit to a builder.

Key Factors That Affect Cost:

Building Size and Height: Larger or taller structures require more materials and labor.
Roof and Frame Style: Complex rooflines or premium steel framing increase cost but enhance durability.
Add-ons and Certification: Accessories like insulation, windows, or energy certifications can raise your total.
Foundation Type: Whether you choose gravel, concrete, or dirt foundations impacts both cost and stability.
Local Permitting Requirements: Fees and inspections vary by municipality and can influence the final budget.

When gathering estimates, request quotes from trusted providers who are transparent about all fees, including material costs, delivery, and installation. Gold Tier Structures offers clear, detailed pricing and guidance to help you stay within budget—without sacrificing quality or customization.

Step 6: Research Local Zoning and Permits

Before you purchase, check with your local building authority:

Do you need a permit for your structure?
Are there zoning restrictions or HOA rules?
What wind and snow load ratings are required?

🛠️ Gold Tier provides engineered drawings and certified structures to make the permitting process easier.

Step 7: Choose a Trusted Provider

Selecting the right provider is one of the most important steps in your custom building journey.

Even the best design and materials won’t meet expectations without a skilled, reliable team behind them. A trusted supplier ensures your project runs smoothly—from permitting and fabrication to delivery and final installation.

When evaluating companies, look for:

A Proven Track Record: Choose a provider with consistent success in delivering quality metal buildings.
Transparent Pricing: Work with a company that provides clear, itemized quotes without hidden fees.
Fast Delivery Times: Timely delivery helps you stay on schedule and avoid costly project delays.
Local Compliance Knowledge: A knowledgeable provider understands local building codes, zoning rules, and permit requirements.
Certified Installation Teams: Ensure your installers are trained, certified, and experienced in assembling your specific structure type.

With Gold Tier Structures, you gain a trusted partner known for integrity, craftsmanship, and personalized service—helping you bring your building project to life with confidence and precision.

Why Customers Trust Gold Tier Structures

Gold Tier is more than a vendor—we’re your building partner from start to finish.

What We Offer

Over 200 building options
A+ BBB rating
Fast, professional installation
Clear, no-surprise quotes
Nationwide delivery and local compliance support
Powerful 3D Builder to help you visualize your structure

From barns in Texas to garages in Ohio, we help customers across the U.S. build with confidence.

Free Metal Building Buying Checklist (Downloadable)

Want to keep everything in one place? Download our beginner-friendly checklist to track your decisions as you plan.

Checklist includes:

Purpose and usage
Preferred dimensions
Roof and frame style
Must-have features
Budget range
Local zoning checked
Quotes requested
Provider selected

FAQs

1. How do I know what size metal building I need?

Start by identifying your building’s main purpose and the items or activities it must accommodate. For instance, a 24x30 ft structure suits a two-car garage, while a 40x60 ft model fits larger commercial or agricultural needs. It’s often wise to size up for future expansion.

2. Do I need a permit before installing a metal building?

In most locations, yes. Local zoning and building codes often require permits for new metal structures. Gold Tier Structures assists customers with engineered drawings, code-compliant designs, and permit documentation to make approval simple.

3. What factors affect the price of a metal building?

Costs depend on dimensions, roof type, framing gauge, chosen add-ons, and local permit requirements. Transparent providers like Gold Tier include materials, delivery, and certified installation in every quote—so there are no surprise charges later.

4. Can I customize the design before ordering?

Absolutely. With Gold Tier’s 3D Builder, you can visualize roof styles, doors, colors, insulation, and interior layouts in real time. This ensures your final structure looks exactly as planned and fits your property’s layout and purpose.