Pricing and Costs of Quonset Huts

Budget for both the up-front and the hidden costs of a quonset hut

There are many factors to take into account when you're budgeting for the pricing and costs of quonset huts. It's a balancing act that requires you to be willing to pay more for quality steel upfront, and then able to pay the more hidden costs of outfitting and maintaining a quonset metal building.

Quonset huts are a great option for permanent add-on space. Quonset buildings offer strength and flexibility for future growth, and quonset hut kits allow you to assemble your quonset on your own schedule. When pricing steel quonsets, keep the following costs in mind:

1. Choose the right type of quonset hut for your needs.

2. Insist on high-gauge steel for your quonset hut.

3. Know the hidden costs of quonset buildings.

 

Focus on your needs in a varied market of quonset huts for sale

There are two basic types of quonset hut: "full arch" and "mailbox." Different styles mean different prices, for basic construction and for accessories. Mailbox, or "straight wall" quonsets are more expensive than full arch, usually by about $1200 to $1500.
Try: Read a very in-depth discussion of the different types of commercial-use quonset buildings, their uses, pros and cons, at LawnSite.com (be sure to go to page 2 of the discussion for the meat of the discussion). BuildingsGuide.com has quonset building prices and samples for many industries.

Go the extra mile when it comes to the quality of your quonset steel building

Choose quonset huts for sale that are made of 26-gauge premium steel rather than the lighter 29-gauge steel. 26-gauge will cost more, but it will save you a small fortune in maintenance, as well as set your mind at rest about safety. In general, you should expect to pay $6 to $10 per square foot for a basic quonset, and $11 to $18 per square foot for a more elaborate quonset.
Try: "Selecting an all-steel structure: questions to ask" from the Oklahoma Building Guide not only describes the benefits of 26-gauge steel but offers good advice on other aspects of steel quonsets. See a Standard Building Components Detail comparison for a quonset hut from SteelMaster Building Systems.

Avoid falling into a money pit by pricing the hidden costs of quonset huts for sale up-front

Quonset huts themselves can be assembled quickly and easily, but the job--and the costs--don't stop once the walls go up. Pouring a concrete foundation costs about $5 to $10 per square foot, while shipping the kit, and installing insulation, wiring, and plumbing also add up quickly. If you choose to hire someone to put up your steel quonset, labor costs usually run $3 to $10 per square foot.
Try: "The Top 7 Mistakes Most People Make When Buying a Steel Building" has a comprehensive list of hidden costs under number two: Not Figuring Your Total Cost. BuildingsToday.com gives tips on how to keep costs down by keeping tabs on your quonset hut manufacturer at "Picking a Contract Manufacturer or Broker for Any Steel Structure System Project."

 

• Steel building manufacturers that provide high-gauge steel buildings often add on inferior grade accessories, such as doors and windows, that supposedly save you money but actually drive your maintenance costs up. Verify that all parts of your steel quonset are commercial grade.

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