[A. James]

Ok, my next step is to sit down with a builder and discuss my plan. However, I'd like to know if my plan is even viable. I don't want to look like I have my thumb jammed up my nose. I am looking to start a business that would require a 4200 square foot building. I'm leaning towards steel due to the simplicity of the structure and cost effectiveness. Included in that footage is a 900 sq ft office area in the front and a 75 sq ft 1 stall bathroom. The rest would be a straight wall building with one small storage side room. I have $200,000 available for construction after all other planned business expenses.

Minus the office, the rest of the building would be rather simple. A standard amount of windows. 3 exterior doors. Insulated. Ac/Heat. Electricity and plumbing. Lighting.

The office and bathroom would be dry walled with trim work. The rest of the building wouldn't need dry wall.

There is no slab, so that would have to be poured. Am I even remotely close to being in the ball park with $200,000? This would be located in Wisconsin.

I know there are significant variables, but I hope I was clear enough to get a VERY rough estimate.

I want to hear "you're crazy for thinking you can get that done for 200,00!" or "That's reasonable". I just don't want to look crazy to the builder when I sit down with him

 

[oh'mike]

I don't know if we have and steel building erectors here----

Pricing questions are tough----have you gotten the names of any contractors in your area that erect steel buildings?

 

[eclark]

This sounds like a stretch. Do you own the land and is it zoned correctly? Do you already have utility connections on site? Do you need septic? Is the business so guaranteed to make money that you want to invest in your own building right away?

Even if you can in close to on budget, why not find an existing space that someone else owns and lease it? Even just for long enough to prove the business and build up some more cash / credit.

 

[Mingledtrash]

This sounds like a stretch. Do you own the land and is it zoned correctly? Do you already have utility connections on site? Do you need septic? Is the business so guaranteed to make money that you want to invest in your own building right away?

Even if you can in close to on budget, why not find an existing space that someone else owns and lease it? Even just for long enough to prove the business and build up some more cash / credit.

These are all good points.

I just wanted to add that you can buy "used" steel buildings. I have helped with the disassembly and reassembly though i was not in on the business side of things so i have no idea on the cost. I do know you usually save money on used ones.

steel building classifieds.
http://www.metalbuildingoutlet.com/classified.aspx

 

[Bud9051]

Adding to eclark's list:
Check your local building codes to see if a stamped set of drawings is required for a commercial building that size.
You will want an engineering company to evaluate your soil and necessary preparation prior to grading and slab.
Zoning, setback, permit requirements, utilities, and business approval.
Insulating a steel building so heating costs don't break the bank is difficult with a steel building. In some cases you ens up with a wood framed building inside of a steel framed one.
In my cold climate they will post roads in the spring with a weight limit so a business that needs big trucks is shut down for a month along with construction equipment.

Starting a business along with building construction adds complications when you don't need them. I assume you already own the land as a commercial piece of property can take most of your budget before you break ground.

Check existing properties for a possible rental as suggested. IMO, you have about half of the cash you need, maybe less.

Bud

 

[mako1]

Metal building is a pretty generic term and could make a huge difference in cost as to what type of metal building you want.I do several metal buildings in C. ILand doubt seriously you can get a turnkey building with what you want and all of the mechanicals for that price.