Common Questions

Common Questions

Common Steel Building Company Questions

SteelMaster Buildings has grown from a two-person team to an international force in the steel building industry. We’ve supplied thousands of buildings to customers all over the globe. Over the last 40 years, we’ve enjoyed exponential growth and that can be easily attributed to several factors; we produce quality products, we provide amazing service, and we continue to be a solutions-focused company with an emphasis on customer satisfaction.

Although we work extremely hard with our customers to avoid any mistakes on either side of the process, we understand that missteps happen.

It’s always our goal to be as transparent as possible through every step of this exciting building journey.  
We like to work to prevent any issues before they even occur which is why we’ve outlined a few common questions and answers that we’ve received from our customers over the years.

We hope that you find this information helpful. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any concerns we can address.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I purchase a SteelMaster building?

When you first purchase a building, one of the first things you will do initially is sign the purchase agreement that spells out exactly what you will receive in your custom building package. It is extremely important, and in your best interest, to take the time to read every word of this agreement including the fine print.

This will avoid any potential misunderstandings in the future. We always want you to be aware of everything in the agreement.

Typically, we send you a link to an electronic document to sign via email, but we can also fax or email the document to you. If we sent it to you via email or fax, you will print it, sign it and then send it back to us.

After this part of the process is done, we will make sure you have a copy of this agreement. Please be sure to keep this document in a safe place where you can easily access it later.

How do I get my deposit back?

After you’ve signed the agreement and submitted your engineering deposit, we will start your project right away.

This makes it extremely difficult for us to refund deposits since we have already begun work on the specific building model and sizes that you ordered.

To avoid any issues, please make sure you read all of the documentation included with your building and verify the following:

  • Type of building
  • Accessories
  • Where the building is being shipped and installed
  • Gauge of steel for location requirements
  • Category of building examples (1 – Storage, 2 – A House, 3 – School/Hospital (public or mass use))
  • Requested approximate shipping date

Where’s the foundation?

As covered in our sales process and in our online guides, you are responsible for choosing a foundation for your Quonset Hut.

Our team can help guide your decision, but it’s ultimately up to you if you want a foundation.

Our standard keyway option includes a slab and footer design called a “base moment.” Unless otherwise specified in your agreement, this is what our engineers will use for your state-stamped, engineered blueprints.

Please be sure to compare prices before you decide on a foundation. It’s advisable to make this a part of your overall budget before you put down an engineering deposit on a building.

Does my foundation have to be a concrete slab?

It is recommended to use a properly poured concrete slab as your foundation, but other options are available.

As you’re deciding on a foundation, you can rely on our team to review your options.

How do I connect the building to the foundation?

With our helpful team, you will determine how to connect the Quonset Hut to the foundation.

We have several options available to you depending on your building application.

When will I get my state-stamped engineered blueprints?

Typically, engineered drawings take approximately 10 to 15 business days to send. The blueprints will provide information about the size of the foundation required for your project as well as the loading information required for your area. The drawings are stamped by a licensed engineer before they are sent to you.

Are these the right measurements?

SteelMaster provides state-stamped, engineered blueprints for every building. It is important to review the blueprints to make sure they align with your building’s needs.

If you make any changes to the overall design of the building, please be advised that this process could change the measurements that you will need. Everything must be done accurately during the planning and blueprint process.

How do I know what size building or carport I will need for my RV?

A SteelMaster representative works with you throughout the process to understand your building needs.

You can provide the dimensions of the vehicle, get advice from our team and then get custom blueprints detailing the proper dimensions of your structure.

Who is going to unload the truck during delivery?

Your steel building arrives on a flatbed semi truck. If you live on a dirt road or in an area that is hard to reach, you may need to meet the truck at another location nearby. The driver will get as close to you as possible but has to obey local traffic laws.

You are responsible for unloading the components. You must consider the size and weight of the Quonset Hut you are ordering and arrange your own muscle or machinery to unload it from the truck. Usually, if your building is 20’ wide or less, you can offload the building with a little help.

If your building is any larger than this, we advise that you rent a forklift from your local Home Depot or Lowes.

What do I do if some of my material arrives damaged or missing?

How long do I have to report this? SteelMaster has a multi-step process in place to prevent damaged or incorrect parts from being delivered to you. This issue is extremely rare, and mistakes are normally caught and fixed before the parts are even loaded onto the truck.

Our employees take photos of the parts while at the factory before the truck pulls off as well as before the parts are unloaded from the truck.

If you do happen to receive a part that is damaged or if you are missing one of them, we work quickly to fix the issue and the replacement is delivered to you right away.

After we have done our checks on the inventory, we strongly encourage our customers to do their own check once the building is delivered.

If you see any discrepancy between your order form and what has actually been delivered to you, please let us know right away.

If you notice a damaged part during the offloading process, please take photos and make a note on the Bill of Lading that the truck driver provides to you.

Even after this final check, as an added courtesy, SteelMaster will give you another 30 days to report any issues you may have after delivery.

Who’s going to assemble this building?

One of the many advantages of a SteelMaster Quonset Hut is that they are DIY and can be assembled by you the purchaser.

This saves money on construction without skimping on the strength and durability of a building. For larger projects, we recommend that you speak with a contractor to ensure your building is constructed properly.

How and when do I pay for the balance owed?

You will be able to pay the balance of your building when the delivery driver arrives. You can pay using a certified or cashier’s check only.

When dispatch calls to schedule your delivery, they will confirm the balance of the building that you owe at that time.

If you do not want to get a certified check from your bank, there are a variety of other options for you.

  • Wire
  • Sending a personal check at least two weeks before the building is delivered
  • Electronic Bank Draft
  • Credit Card (convenience fee may apply)

Why is my county or HOA (Homeowners Association) telling me to take my building down?

SteelMaster always advises customers to do all of the research necessary before they purchase a building. This includes what is and is not allowable in the area where you plan to construct your Quonset Hut.

Some homeowners associations prohibit or limit the construction of steel buildings. Others may require you to paint or do a custom front.

This is why it is always in your best interest to do your own research and to speak extensively with a SteelMaster Building Specialist who can help you navigate through common obstacles.

We recommend checking with all of your local building officials as well as HOAs to make sure you don’t incur any surprises after you’ve already purchased your building.

Can I cancel my delivery?

After you have signed your agreement, we will get started on your building right away. Orders cannot be canceled after the work has started.