1. No Clear Plan Up Front
You wouldn’t believe how often we hear this: “I just need a building.” No sketch. No layout. No clue where the doors go or how tall it needs to be.
Here’s the truth: if you don’t know what’s going inside, we can’t size or price it right. Are you pulling in trucks? Storing equipment? Adding a loft or lift later? Every choice affects width, leg height, doors, trusses, and even roof pitch.
Most buyers undersize their building. We always tell people: plan for what you’ll use it for now and what you’ll need in five years.
Example:
Think a 30×40 is enough for two trucks, a workbench, and storage? Add a lift, trailer, or enclosed office down the road and suddenly you’re maxed out.
Rule of thumb: go 10–25% larger than your “just enough” size. Space is cheap to add on paper — expensive to add later.
2. Skipping the County Call
This one kills momentum fast. People get a quote, sign the order, and only then check if it’s even allowed.
Every county’s different:
- In NC and VA, zoning departments flag projects for improper setbacks.
- In TN and WV, high elevations trigger strict snow load enforcement — sometimes 30–40 PSF minimum.
- In SC and coastal GA, you may need 130–140 MPH wind ratings under ASCE 7-16 Risk Category II.
Before you sign anything, call your building department. Ask:
- What’s the required setback from property lines?
- Are metal buildings allowed in residential zoning?
- What wind, snow, or seismic loads are enforced?
- Do I need engineered drawings with a state stamp?
A 5-minute call saves 5 weeks of backtracking.
3. Chasing the Kit Price
That “30×40 for 10K” ad you saw? That’s just the shell. No slab. No insulation. No install. No delivery.
We’ve had buyers go in with a $12K budget and end up spending $24K — not because they got ripped off, but because they didn’t budget for the full job.
You need to include:
- Excavation and grading
- Slab with rebar and footers (4″ minimum, thicker if heavy loads)
- Install crew or labor costs
- Delivery and unloading equipment
- Doors, anchors, sealant
- Wiring, insulation, gutters
- Permit fees and rentals
Real-World Cost Breakdown (30×40 Example)
| Item | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Steel building kit (14-ga framing, 29-ga sheeting) | $10,000 – $12,000 |
| Concrete slab (4 inch, rebar reinforced) | $5,500 – $7,500 |
| Delivery | $800 – $1,200 |
| Erection labor (2–3 man crew) | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| Insulation (optional, R-10 to R-13) | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Electrical & doors | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Total Estimated Budget | $23,000 – $32,000 |
Always budget for the project, not just the kit.
4. Buying Through a Broker
We’ve seen it too many times: a customer buys from a broker, then gets ghosted when there’s a problem. Wrong size panel. Missing hardware. Nobody answers the phone.
When you buy direct from a manufacturer or certified builder:
- You get engineered drawings stamped for your state
- You know the steel gauge and grade (no guessing 12-ga vs 14-ga)
- You deal with someone accountable for warranties
- You can verify anchor systems, bracing, and certification
Pro insight: Brokers often source from multiple suppliers. You may not know where your steel’s coming from until it shows up on-site. That’s not a surprise you want.
5. Delivery Before the Site is Ready
This one costs people time and money. Your building kit shows up, and there’s no slab. Or the pad isn’t level. Or it rains for two days straight. Now the steel’s sitting in the mud, rusting, and your crew’s rescheduling.
Before delivery, make sure:
- Foundation is poured, leveled, and cured (7–14 days for standard slabs)
- The driveway or access path can handle a semi-truck
- You’ve got equipment to unload (skid steer, lull, or forklift)
- You’ve padded for weather delays
Example:
We had a 40×60 kit delivered in Virginia, but the slab crew was five days late. It rained the day of delivery. The pallet sat in a puddle for a week and had to be restacked. All preventable.
Quick Reference: Avoiding the Most Common Pitfalls
| Mistake | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| No clear layout or usage plan | Think 5 years ahead. Know your space needs. |
| Ignored zoning or permit rules | Call your county before ordering. |
| Budgeted only for the kit price | Include slab, delivery, install, and prep work. |
| Bought through a broker | Go direct or use a certified local builder. |
| Site not ready at delivery time | Pour and cure slab early. Schedule crews smart. |
Real Questions from Real Buyers
How much bigger should I go than what I think I need?
I always say go 10–25% bigger. Everyone starts with “just a truck and some tools” and ends up needing more space.
Can I install it myself?
Sure. However, taking on a metal garage project often requires a building crew and experience in construction. It can also void warranties if you choose to avoid professional installation.
Is the first quote I get always the best one?
No. A cheaper quote might skip certified engineering, delivery, or heavier steel. Always compare apples to apples.
What happens if my slab’s not ready in time?
You risk rescheduling or damaged steel. Always time your slab and build with weather in mind.
Final Thoughts
We’ve seen great projects go sideways because someone skipped a step, had no clear layout, didn’t call the county, didn’t plan the full budget, or had the kit delivered before the site was ready. Every one of those mistakes is preventable.
At American Metal Garages, we’ve helped folks across NC, SC, VA, WV, TN, and GA avoid these pitfalls before they happen. If you’ve got a quote you want reviewed, a layout you want checked, or just want to talk through what makes sense, give us a call at 800-975-7709.
