Alan’s Metal Building Buyer's Guide

Now comes the exciting part—designing a 3D model of your metal building!

To make this process simple, I’ve developed a free 3D metal building design tool. Before you begin, there’s something important to keep in mind. The 3D Metal Builder offers numerous customization options, which can feel overwhelming at first. That’s why this guide includes helpful recommendations to ensure you make the best choice for your needs.

Keep this guide nearby as you work with the designer.

If you have access to a computer, I recommend using it instead of a smartphone for the best experience. While the 3D Metal Builder is mobile-friendly, the interface is far easier to navigate on a larger screen.

Visit alansfactoryoutlet.com from your computer and access the 3D Metal Building Builder to start designing your structure.

First, you’ll be asked to select a building type. Select “Garage“.

Then, pick a roof style and frame size for your metal building. You’ll also be able to customize other features, including colors, installation surface, gauge tubing, and metal sheeting.

For most customers, the vertical roof style is the best option. If your budget allows, choose this style and proceed with your design.

If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, the standard roof style is the least expensive. The boxed-eave design offers a similar look but with a more refined appearance.

Why choose a vertical roof?

• It’s the most durable roofing option.
• Vertical panels allow rain to drain quickly and make it easier for snow to slide off.
• A vertical roof is essential for metal buildings wider than 30 feet or longer than 35 feet.

When setting your metal building’s width and height, refer to the measurements from Chapter 2 to ensure a proper fit.

Due to how metal buildings are manufactured, they are more cost-effective when built long and narrow rather than short and wide. If you prefer a wider layout, consider swapping the length and width and placing garage doors on the side.

For example, if you’re considering a 34’x24’ metal building, adjusting the dimensions to 24’x35’ can lower costs by almost 50%.

For most metal buildings, a 9-foot side height works well. If you need a wider door, large enough to fit two vehicles, a 10′ side height is often necessary.

For an RV metal building, your door should be at least 6 inches taller than your RV, and the side height should be 2 feet taller than your tallest vehicle door.

Installation Surface: We’ll cover this in detail later, but for now, you can select concrete as your foundation.

Certification and Gauge of Framing: If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, strong winds, or heavy snowfall, consider upgrading to a 12-gauge frame for extra durability and enhanced certification (if available).

Sheeting Thickness: Choose from standard 29-gauge galvanized steel sheet metal or thicker 26-gauge galvanized steel sheet metal.

Select the style for the sides and ends of your metal building:

• Horizontal, vertical, or lap siding.
• Deluxe two-tone vertical panels for a wainscoting effect.

Metal Building Doors

It’s best to install separate doors for each vehicle, as two smaller roll up doors cost less and are easier to use than a single large one.

• Most people choose 9’x8’ doors.
• If you have a wider truck with large mirrors, 10×8 doors may be a better option for you.
• If you don’t have large vehicles and your two-car metal building is only 20 feet wide, you’ll need either two 8’x8’ doors or a double-wide 16’x8’ door.

For an RV or oversized vehicle, measure carefully before selecting a door size. Since roll up doors hang slightly below the opening, ensure your door is at least 6 inches taller than your vehicle.

The doors in the 3D designer are manual roll-up doors. If you need an automatic door, you can contact a supplier that sells door openers to explore your options. You can also find DIY solutions for automating roll-up doors on platforms like YouTube.

Alternatively, you can order your metal building without a door, request a framed opening, and have a company install an automatic door later.

Windows

Most customers choose to add one walk-in door and one or two windows, but it’s completely up to your preference—some opt for no windows at all.

Customize your metal building to match your home or business. Many people prefer white trim and doors, while others match the door and trim colors to the siding or roof. For a small extra charge, you can even choose screws that match your building’s color. You can even customize the garage door color for an additional cost.

Once your design is complete, don’t forget to save it. Find the “Save” button in the 3D Builder, enter your email, and you’ll receive a link to your saved design.

Also, take note of your design’s price. If you’re satisfied with it, you can pay a deposit to lock in your price for up to 90 days.

My company guarantees a 100% refund of your deposit if you cancel for any reason before delivery, so there’s no risk in placing your order now.

Check estimated delivery times for your area by visiting the estimated delivery time page on my website and entering your zip code. For more details about our products, you can explore the page for each state to find additional information.