Metal Building Installation Prep Guide: The Importance, The Fundamentals & The How To

Custom metal garage or barn ordered? Check. Pinpointed the perfect spot to undergo your metal building construction? Check. Prepared and optimized the ground for a seamless and successful installation? If your answer is anything other than 'check,' then now is no better time to become familiarized. Overall, metal buildings have become a renowned asset proven to enhance storage quality, property value, and overall tailored aesthetics. In fact, a study conducted by Florida State University found that adding a standard metal garage increases a home’s value/curbside appeal by an average of 13%.

That being said, there is no denying that metal buildings are efficient, easy to maintain, structurally durable, and an all-around cost-effective option compared to wood-designed counterparts. However, to get the most from these benefits all begins with ensuring your metal building has a level, well-prepped site to install on.

Why Does A Level Ground Matter?

Much like any home or business construction, metal building construction needs a level site to optimize efficiency, longevity, and safety. The reason is that an unlevel site can lead to adversities such as improper function, issuing structure gaps that enable critters and water to get inside, and of course, the undesirable appearance of an uneven final development.

Keep in mind that most installers will not work with an uneven site for one of two reasons: it is impossible to perform the metal building construction and/or it renders too much inconvenience to work around, which can ultimately lead to timely delays. Because of that, metal building installation ground preparation is not just a one-off option, but a necessity.

Metal Building Installation Prep – A Step-By-Step 

1. Find Your Spot: First and foremost, you will want to stake out your site where you’d like your metal building to go if you haven't already. During this process, be mindful to choose a spot that is equal on all sides and proportionately measured to meet the criteria of your metal building. From this point, drive your stakes to set the perimeters in place and use either orange paint to mark the lines or string tied to each post to create the borders. 
2. Level The Prepared Ground: As mentioned above, a level ground is quintessential for successful metal building construction. This should begin with getting measurements of both the low and high areas within your set perimeters and using that to know where more dirt needs to be added or removed to get it even. An effective way to perform this is to use a shovel to remove dirt from the excess side(s), spread it to the lowered side(s), and work it all through evenly with a bow rake. 
3. Measure Again: Using a string, tie each end to adjacent posts and pull it tight just above the ground. Using your eye, see if the ground is equal to the string itself, and for extra precaution, use a level to see if the string itself is not slanted – which can alter perspectives and slope on accident. If this looks good on all sides, you are ready for the foundation pouring. 

Additional Considerations

• Once you are level, your next focus should be on the foundation. Foundation pouring for metal building storage units can range from ground foundations, which are the most budget-friendly and easiest option, concrete slabs (edge, notched, or edge flush), gravel, and asphalt. Your selection will be heavily dictated by your location and preferences, which the team at Safeguard Metal Buildings is more than happy to help you navigate. 
• Another key consideration is to be mindful that you have checked the building codes in your location prior to pouring the foundation to ensure you are compliant with the regulations. For instance, most regulations require that you do not build on top of utility lines or counter public zoning laws. 

A Small Effort For Extensive Gain 

In summary, the pre-metal storage construction process can pose some feelings of intimidation, especially if this is the first time you're investing in a metal storage building. But the good news is that metal building installation ground preparation is far more seamless and easy than it may sound on the surface. All it takes is a few stakes, measuring tools, and a creative eye to both find and prep the ideal spot for your new asset. That said, every structure needs a level foundation to rest on, and every foundation needs a premier metal storage building to occupy it – a promised quality over quantity notion that Safeguard Metal Buildings has helped countless customers with, and when you’re ready, you as well. 

Contact us at 855-857-5264 or Request a Quote and our expert team can help you with any of your questions to help you get your ground level and a building on it.