Thinking about building a metal structure on your property?
Whether it's a home, workshop, or agricultural space, metal buildings offer incredible durability, value, and speed. But they’re not ideal for every piece of land — or every project.
Here’s what you need to know to determine if a metal building is right for your property.
1. Do You Have Enough Space?
Metal buildings need a relatively flat, open area with space for:
- The building footprint (plus room for overhangs and gutters)
- Access for delivery trucks and equipment
- Future expansion, if desired
Tip: Make sure there’s at least 10–15 feet of clearance on all sides during construction.
2. Is Your Site Accessible?
Delivery of your metal building components requires road access for a semi-truck or large trailer. If your property is behind a locked gate, on a steep incline, or in a remote area, extra planning may be needed.
3. What’s Beneath the Surface?
The quality of your soil determines what kind of foundation you’ll need. You’ll want to know:
- Soil type and drainage
- Whether it shifts or holds moisture
- If it needs to be built up or leveled
Soft or unstable soil may require additional work before pouring concrete or setting piers.
4. Do You Need Permits or Engineered Plans?
Some rural properties have few restrictions — others require stamped drawings and permits for everything. Call your local building department early in the process. At ForgeFab, we offer engineered plans if needed to help streamline permitting.
5. What’s Your End Use?
Metal buildings work great for:
- Workshops and garages
- Barndominiums
- Agricultural storage
- Small business spaces
- Recreational or hobby areas
If you're planning heavy interior finishes or want extensive two-story framing, you may need to factor in additional costs for finishing out the inside.
6. Utilities & Site Services
Will you need power, water, or septic? Plan for utility runs, trenching, and connections — especially if your building will serve as a home or working shop.
✅ Final Thoughts:
Metal buildings are an excellent solution for many property owners — but doing a little upfront research goes a long way. Still unsure if your land is ready? Our team at ForgeFab is happy to help you evaluate your site and walk through the options.
📍 Ready to see what’s possible on your land?
Try our
Design Tool to customize your layout, and we’ll help you take the next step!
