Frequently asked questions about NuEco steel building kits

Ordering follows six steps: talk to your local planning department, design and quote your building with our team, prepare preliminary or architectural plans, order engineered plans, submit them for permit review, and place your final kit order once your permit is approved.

Start with a free project consult. Your designer typically sends a price quote within about 24 hours. The quote may include the building kit, engineered plans for the building and the foundation, and shipping to your location.

See the six steps to ordering

Costs are under What do plans and engineering cost? Timing is under How long do the quote, plans and delivery take?

Ask for a thumbs up to build an engineered steel building, such as a home, cabin, shop, garage, ADU, or barndominium, of the size and height you need on your property. While you are speaking with them, ask for:

• Roof or ground snow load requirements, or both if required
• Frost depth requirements for the foundation
• The required wind speed rating for your location

We use these loads to engineer your building, so please check that they are correct for your site.

It depends on the type of building. Before you order engineered plans, we recommend sitting down with your local planning department to review your project and confirm what they require.

Architectural plan process

After you order the architectural plan set, our team works with you and the architect to design a customized floor plan. When it is complete, we prepare a preliminary document package for your planning department meeting. It may include the floor plan, a preliminary building and foundation plan, and a rendering of your building.

The goal of that meeting is preliminary approval and a clear list of requirements for your permit application. Topics may include setbacks, licensed trade requirements, stamping requirements, wall schedules, breaker box locations, stair details, insulation specifications and other local requirements.

Preliminary documents are for discussion and review. They are not the permit-ready engineered plans.

Most of our customers build in rural areas, where the permitting process is often relatively straightforward. We are happy to help when we can. If you run into a specific issue or need clarification on a requirement, we can sometimes help you understand what your planning department is asking for.

NuEco permitting services are available in Texas only.

Permit approval is decided by your local authority. Buying plans does not guarantee a permit.

Engineered framing system

Complete structural engineering for your building design, including engineered plans for the foundation, such as a slab or piers, and any other foundation requirements of your design. The physical foundation is built by your local contractor.

No interior load-bearing walls

The framing is engineered so interior walls do not need to carry the building, which gives you flexibility in arranging your floor plan. Your engineered plans confirm the structure for your design.

Lightweight galvanized steel framing

Galvanized cold-formed steel framing that resists mold, rot and termites and does not burn. It bolts together, with no welding.

Door and window frames

Door and window frames sized for your requirements. Openings are typically sized for standard doors and windows you can buy locally.

Everything to assemble

Structural bolts, braces, painted screws and sealants for assembly.

The complete exterior shell

Wall framing, roof framing, and the exterior metal for the walls and roof. Standard exterior: 26-gauge Classic Rib wall panels and 26-gauge PBR roof panels with MS Colorfast45® thermoset paint (blended polyester and silicone resins). The 45-year warranty applies to the panels. It is not a written structural warranty on the building structure.

Engineered for your local loads

Engineered for the wind speed rating and snow loads required at your location.

Not included in a standard kit: the actual windows and doors, the built foundation, insulation and the finished interior. Windows and doors may be provided when NuEco supplies turnkey building services in Texas. See What do I supply or arrange myself?

The property owner is responsible for these on-site construction items:

• Permits
• Concrete and foundation construction
• Building assembly
• Windows and doors
• Insulation
• Interior framing
• Interior finishing, such as wood, drywall or metal
• Plumbing
• HVAC
• Electrical
• Exterior finish, if you change it from the metal finish we provide
• Interior floor plan
• Verifying that the local wind, roof and ground snow loads are correct

Cold-formed C-channel buildings are the usual choice for residential, barndominium, cabin, ADU and shop projects. Rigid frame (red iron) buildings suit large commercial and industrial projects. End walls up to 60 ft can often be accommodated. Above 60 ft is reviewed case by case, and a red iron structure may be required.

Steel framing has several practical advantages over wood framing:

Resists decay and pests

Steel does not rot and is not damaged by mold or termites.

Strength and open layouts

Steel's strength allows larger open spaces with fewer columns or load-bearing walls. Spans and layout depend on your engineered design.

Non-combustible framing

Steel does not burn. The fire performance of the whole building also depends on its other materials and finishes.

Stable framing

Steel framing does not warp, shrink or swell with changes in humidity the way wood can, which reduces framing repairs.

Prefabricated components

Components are made in advance and assembled on site, which can shorten framing time.

Recyclable

Steel is recyclable.

Design flexibility

Steel framing suits many building styles and layouts, from shops to homes.

Steel conducts heat more than wood, so energy performance depends on how the building is insulated and sealed. See Are steel buildings more energy efficient than wood?

Each kit is engineered for the snow loads, wind speed rating and frost depth required where you build. These loads come from your local planning department, and you confirm that they are correct for your site.

After the engineering deposit is received, our team finalizes the plans with the architect and adjusts window and door placement if needed. The engineering team then produces a stamped and signed set of plans for both the Steel Eco-Kit and the foundation. Standard engineered plans are ready in 3 to 5 business days on average. Custom engineering is ready in 5 to 7 business days on average. Hard copies may also be mailed.

Engineers are available in all 50 states. California projects are subject to case-by-case engineering review.

Your engineered plans include the foundation plans for your building. The physical foundation is built by your local contractor.

Your planning department's frost depth requirement affects the foundation design.

Cold-formed steel framing is a long-lasting structure when it is properly designed, protected from prolonged moisture, and maintained. Actual service life depends on the environment, the coating, moisture control and maintenance.

Galvanized corrosion protection

Cold-formed steel members are typically zinc galvanized, often in the G60 to G90 range, which protects the steel from rust.

Non-combustible and pest-resistant

The framing does not rot, warp or crack, is not damaged by termites or insects, and does not add fuel to a fire.

Engineered for structural loads

Framing is engineered for wind and snow loads, seismic forces where applicable, and the spans and wall heights of your design.

Environment matters

Dry inland sites are the least demanding. Humid, coastal, industrial or agricultural environments need appropriate coatings and more attention to moisture.

What usually needs replacing first. In most buildings, roof panels and fasteners, exterior siding, insulation, doors, windows and finishes reach the end of their life before the framing does. The steel frame is usually still sound when those components are replaced.

Our design team works with you on your building and makes sure doors and windows fit the structure. Available sizes, roof styles and options depend on engineering, the building system and your project requirements.

Size and dimensions

Length, width and height are set for your project, from compact garages and storage buildings to larger shops and barndominiums.

Roof style

Styles include gable, Modern Leanto (single slope) and American barn.

Doors and windows

Choose the types, sizes and placement of openings for natural light and ventilation, within what the structure allows.

Interior layout

Interior walls do not carry the structure, so you can plan the layout around how you will use the building. See What are my interior design options?

Colors and finishes

Wall panels, roofing and trim come in a range of colors.

Insulation

Choose insulation for your climate and energy goals. Insulation is supplied and installed locally.

Foundation

Slab or pier foundations, engineered for your site. See What type of foundation can I use?

Future additions

Adding to a building later may be possible but must be engineered. Tell us early if you plan to expand.

You can also start a layout in the online designer.

Steel buildings are made in a wide range of sizes. Roof pitch, endwall design, and options such as awnings or extended roofs can be part of the design. For a NuEco kit, the typical maximum height is 20 ft. Taller buildings are considered case by case. The table shows typical size ranges for steel buildings by use across the industry. It is not a list of NuEco kit sizes.

End walls up to 60 ft can often be accommodated. Above 60 ft is reviewed case by case, and a red iron structure may be required. See cold-formed steel and red iron, or browse barndominium kits.

Interior walls do not carry the structure, so you can lay out the interior to suit how you will use the building. Open spans are designed through engineering for your size and loads.

You plan the interior floor plan, on your own or with an architect, and your local contractors build the interior framing and finishes, such as wood, drywall or metal. Plan heating, cooling and insulation together. See Is it hard to insulate a steel building?

NuEco offers 18 to 22 colors on average for the walls, roof and trim, so you can create many combinations. The standard exterior uses MS Colorfast45® thermoset paint made with blended polyester and silicone resins. The 45-year warranty applies to the panels, not to the building structure.

See the color options on steel building colors. Ask your designer about reflectivity ratings for the colors you are considering.

Yes. Send us the details of the solar system you plan to install, so we can apply the correct roof dead load to the building in the engineering.

Kits are designed for straightforward assembly. Components are made off site and arrive ready to connect, and the structure is raised with equipment such as scaffolding or a scissor lift. We can connect you with an erecting team.

Prefabricated components

Columns, beams, purlins and other structural members are cut and fabricated to your design.

Precision design

Computer-aided design and engineering help each component fit with the others, which reduces adjustments on site.

Bolted connections

The framing bolts together, with no on-site welding. Bolts also allow some adjustment during assembly for site variations.

Lightweight components

Members are lighter than concrete or masonry, which makes them easier to handle and place.

Standardized parts

Consistent components and details help crews work efficiently.

Shorter framing time

Prefabrication can shorten construction compared with framing on site from raw materials. Weather and site conditions still affect the schedule.

See How long does it take to erect a cold-formed building?

These are illustrative examples, not guaranteed times. Actual time depends on the crew, site, weather, equipment and the design.

Suitable erectors include wood carpenters, steel erectors and roofing contractors. Erecting a cold-formed building is less physically demanding than a structural steel building because the individual components are lighter.

No, but plan it from the start. Insulation keeps the building comfortable in all weather, so consider every part of the building, from the roof to the floor, during design. Insulation is supplied and installed locally.

Walls

Steel conducts heat, so the steel studs and framing members form thermal bridges. Plan the wall insulation to interrupt them, for example with insulation between and over the framing members as your designer specifies.

Roof

An insulated roof keeps the interior climate stable and limits heat loss as warm air rises in winter.

Air sealing

Seal gaps, cracks and openings with caulk or expanding foam to prevent drafts and energy loss.

Not automatically. Steel conducts heat more than wood, so a steel-framed building's energy performance depends on complete insulation, how thermal bridges at the steel members are handled, air sealing, windows and doors, and the HVAC design. With those designed well, a steel building can be comfortable and efficient.

Insulation and air sealing

Steel buildings can be insulated to limit heat transfer. Precisely made components help, but air tightness comes from careful sealing on site.

Open layouts

Long spans with few columns make it easier to plan for natural light and ventilation.

Durable envelope

Steel framing does not rot or suffer termite damage, which helps the building envelope keep performing over time.

Solar

The roof can be engineered to carry solar panels. See Can I install solar panels?

Recyclable

Steel is recyclable, and steel products often contain recycled material.

Ventilation controls temperature, humidity and air quality. That matters for comfort and health, and for limiting condensation, which protects the building. Plan ventilation together with your insulation and HVAC.

Preliminary plan review packet

$597

Often used for non-residential planning discussions and initial review.

Architectural plans

$2,997 upfront

For residential projects that require a full architectural plan set.

Building kit purchase credit

$2,000 credit

Credited back toward the building kit purchase when you move forward.

Net architectural plan cost

$997 after credit

After the $2,000 building kit purchase credit.

Engineered plans deposit

30% on average

Exact amount determined by your project quote. Required before engineered plans are started.

Final payment contract

Pay Balance Due

Once you have received your permit, a final payment contract is generated for your building order. Your Steel Eco-Kit goes into production once the final payment has been received.

The $2,000 is a credit toward your building kit purchase. It applies when you go ahead with your kit order. It is not an immediate discount or a cash refund.

The architectural plan set includes up to three revisions. It is prepared by an off-shore architect who is not licensed in the United States. If your planning department requires a local architect to sign off, our engineer can do that for a fee of $300 to $400. About the architectural plan set

Full process: steps to ordering a Steel Eco-Kit.

State and county building regulations differ. Building codes set requirements such as snow loads, wind speeds and frost depth, which determine the sizes and materials of the building components.

For example, a building in Arizona might need 8-inch frames for its mild winters, while a building in the mountains of Colorado would need heavier framing for severe winters and heavier snow loads.

Each building, whether a barndominium, shop, cabin or other structure, is designed to its own specifications, so cost depends on the design, size, location, intended use, the wind and snow loads required by state and local codes, and any options or add-ons. Engineers are available in all 50 states. California projects are subject to case-by-case engineering review. Talk with one of our building specialists to finalize the cost of your building.

Reasons steel buildings can be cost-effective:

Prefabricated components

Components made off site can reduce on-site labor and waste and shorten the framing schedule.

Material efficiency

Steel has a high strength-to-weight ratio, and pre-engineered components are made to your design.

Open layouts

Fewer interior support columns can mean more usable space.

Durability and maintenance

Steel framing resists termites, rot and mold, which can reduce framing repairs over time.

Engineered for local conditions

Each building is engineered for the wind, snow and seismic requirements where it is built.

Energy

A well-insulated and sealed steel building can keep heating and cooling costs down. See energy efficiency.

Price quote after your project consult

Typically within about 24 hours

Digitally stamped and signed engineered plans

Standard: 3 to 5 business days on average after the deposit. Custom engineering: 5 to 7 business days on average.

Estimated kit delivery timeline

4 to 6 weeks on average

Your Steel Eco-Kit goes into production once the final payment has been received. Permit review time depends on your local planning department. All times are estimates.

Our team has experience in both construction and lending, and we want buying your steel building to be as straightforward as possible. You can see whether you qualify with our lending partners on the financing page. Approval, rates and terms are set by the lender.