kglentz@ecosteel.com

Retrofitting Existing Buildings

kglentz@ecosteel.com · March 25, 2020 ·

How many times have we as a people experienced buyer’s remorse? Or in the case of construction, builder’s remorse? Maybe we wish we would have chosen different materials for our project, or we regret not having taken measures to include energy efficiency in our building plans. Perhaps we bought a building, only to later realize that its design and materials were costing us more money and causing more headaches than we anticipated. Whatever the reason for that pang of regret, the good news is there is a cost-effective solution that can add value, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal to any building.

Retrofitting your building, whether it’s a large commercial warehouse or a private residence, is a simple and cost-effective way to optimize the space you already have. Anyone who has ever tackled a renovation project, large or small, knows that the most expensive option is often starting over from scratch. From an economic as well as an environmental standpoint, it makes more sense to upgrade an existing building with retrofitted features than to demolish and totally rebuild. At EcoSteel, we offer additions and retrofits as an option to our clients looking to upgrade and modernize their existing structures in a way that improves the building’s overall performance and value.

One of the most important benefits of working with us is our focus on energy efficiency and net-zero capabilities for commercial and residential buildings. Our insulated steel panels create an airtight thermal envelope inside the structure that maintains optimal temperatures with minimal heating and cooling. Our roof panels are likewise built to not only retain interior heating and cooling but to support photovoltaic systems such as solar panels, helping your building to reach net-zero emissions in a cost-effective way. The environmental possibilities are endless.

After choosing to invest in sustainability, it becomes readily apparent that such a choice is also good for the wallet. With our prefabricated buildings and retrofits, we pre-engineer the panels at the factory, allowing for exact precision and time-savings. We then ship the panels to the job site where they are easily assembled in anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on the size of the project. Our process ensures that our clients avoid the costly mishaps that can occur during traditional construction, in which one miscommunication can delay a project by months. Where we really save our clients money is in operation costs. Traditionally built structures can cost a fortune over time in maintenance and interior temperature alone. Our retrofitted and renovated buildings offer significant savings over the life of the building, especially when coupled with solar or wind power.

Choosing to build with prefabricated steel panels means that the sky’s the limit when it comes to aesthetics and functionality. Some people make the mistake of equating prefabricated steel buildings with bleak, outdated box-buildings limited in their form and imagination. The reality couldn’t be further from the truth! And because we pre-engineer the parts for the building on-site, we can customize any structure to create our clients’ dream project. Retrofitting an existing building with a modern design can dramatically improve a structure’s curb appeal and retail value.

It’s of utmost importance to update existing buildings and bring them into the modern era with energy-efficient features, sleek design, and cost-saving operations. In our current world that often changes in the blink of an eye, time is of the essence. EcoSteel construction has the upper hand against traditional methods which can often take months, if not years to complete. As with our project for Waste Management, Inc. located in Brooklyn, New York, time is often a constraining factor for our clients. Waste Management came to us for an 80,000 square foot state of the art transfer station and processing facility that needed to be completed in three months. We delivered them a beautiful industrial steel building worthy of a Fortune 200 company in just 12 weeks using our prefab system.

Additionally, our Chicago-based machining technologies client, EJ Basler, approached us for a 30,000 square foot campus-style facility and expansion to their existing warehouse. Using our unlimited design process and prefab construction methods, this project is set for completion in record time, allowing EJ Basler to grow and expand while improving the energy efficiency in a sleek modern manufacturing facility.

Are you ready to get started bringing your dream building to life? EcoSteel has been revolutionizing the prefabricated metal building industry with our innovative architectural facade systems for over 10 years. Save time, money and optimize your space now so you can start maximizing your property’s returns from day one! Learn how EcoSteel can empower your project today by calling us at 800-587-6604 or providing your information here.

New house with steel cladding photographed for EcoSteel

How to Acquire Land

kglentz@ecosteel.com · January 23, 2020 ·

Before even considering the steel building of their dreams, our clients must first figure out the location and land that the steel building will live on! Land acquisition can be a tedious and complicated process fraught with questions and confusion. To help make this crucial first step of the building process easier, we’ve provided some tips on how to purchase land for your new building.

Step 1:

Determine your needs. Before getting too deep down the rabbit hole of land acquisition, it’s important to figure out what kind of steel building you’re hoping to construct. Considering dimensions such as height, square footage, room for cars, the direction of the building, and purpose for the building (ie. commercial or residential) will help you narrow down the type and size of land parcels you’re searching for.

Step 2:

Figure out if the land is buildable. So, you’ve found the perfect parcel of land to fit your building’s needs. The next important step is figuring out if the land meets the building requirements of all government entities involved. Local laws play a large role in what is and is not considered “buildable”, so it’s a good idea to do your research starting at the local level to determine if the parcel can work for your project. Keep in mind that local zoning laws will determine what you can build on your lot, so making sure your land and project meet the zoning requirements is key for success.

Step 3:

Get an expert opinion. Before finalizing the purchase of your land, you will go through a due diligence period during which you will confirm that your land is able to meet your steel building project requirements. Hiring a knowledgeable contractor who understands your project goals and local laws will ensure you can move forward with peace of mind.

Step 4:

Buy your land! Once you’ve gotten clear on your project, found a piece of land that complies with all local building laws, and hired an expert to walk you through the due diligence period, you’re ready to close! Writing some contingencies into your bid for the land will help protect you from losing any earnest money you’ve invested. Consider your options for financing through local bank land loans, large bank land loans, or owner financing.

Once you have your land in place, you’re ready to construct your prefabricated steel building! Call us today at 800-587-6604 or provide your information here to begin moving forward with your dream custom building.

Have more questions? You may find the answers on our frequently asked questions page.

What is a Pre-Engineered Steel Building?

kglentz@ecosteel.com · January 17, 2020 ·

What is a Pre-Engineered Steel Building & How Can it Benefit Your Project?

If you’re not an engineer or a building contractor, you may not be familiar with what a pre-engineered building is, and that’s perfectly okay! We’re here to explain it so you can feel comfortable exploring pre-engineered building options, which might be exactly what you are looking for.

Pre-engineered steel building systems consist of several parts manufactured from steel that is then assembled at a job site. They include a steel structural system with enclosing steel panels. This structural framing is created with rigid steel roof beams and columns that can support even a large enclosed structure without using supportive columns throughout the space itself.

View EcoSteel Gallery Here

This is particularly advantageous for building commercial structures, warehouses, wineries/breweries, auto dealerships, and many other types of buildings that benefit from large interior open spaces. We have also seen the rise of more open-concept, modern housing which utilizes the structural advantages of pre-engineered steel building systems as well.

Another advantage…

of the pre-engineered building systems is that they are more economical than their mill steel or light gauge metal counterparts due to the fact that pre-engineered buildings use considerably less steel to achieve the same structural scale. Less steel equals far less cost to build.

What is especially important to know about pre-engineered steel buildings is that they are not a one size fits all solution. In fact, pre-engineered buildings can be custom engineered to meet the exact specifications of the project. Each piece of the custom-engineered building fits together perfectly in order to increase the speed of construction and assembly. Overall, pre-engineered steel building systems offer a long-lasting, economical, and efficient building solution and can be customized down to the smallest details.

For more information about how steel building systems can meet your creative building needs, give us a call today at (800) 587-6604 or provide your information here.

Metal Building Construction ignites the Fight Against Wildfires

kglentz@ecosteel.com · January 7, 2020 ·

Metal Building Construction and the Fight Against Wildfires

The unprecedented wildfires wreaking havoc across Australia are a stark and painful reminder of the need for immediate action on climate change. 2019 was one of the hottest years on record, and with 11,000 scientists issuing an urgent climate change warning this past November, the way forward has never been more clear: collectively, we must take swift action to curb our CO2 emissions and dependency on fossil fuels.

According to the World Scientists’ Warning of a Climate Emergency, scientists state under no uncertain terms that “the world must quickly implement massive energy efficiency and conservation practices and must replace fossil fuels with low-carbon renewables and other clean sources of energy.”

California recently upgraded its Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards to reflect the seriousness of its initiatives to move towards NetZero by 2030. As of January 1, 2020, these codes require new residential buildings to include photovoltaic systems and efficient insulation to retain optimal temperatures within the home. With these new building standards, California expects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with new building construction by 700,000 metric tons over the next three years. That’s equal to taking 115,000 fossil fuel-dependent cars off the road.

There’s no better time than right now to take action towards reducing our CO2 emissions and improving the resiliency of our homes in the face of extreme weather events and natural disasters. At EcoSteel, we manufacture prefabricated metal homes and commercial buildings that meet Title 24 standards of efficiency and are primed to support photovoltaic and clean energy technologies. You can also visit the metal fabrication companies near me if you want a high-quality custom fabrication that will be delivered on time.

View EcoSteel Project Gallery Here

But what is even better than using clean energy is using far less energy overall. Our insulated roof panels and airtight assembly ensures that your building maintains optimal temperatures year-round, which ultimately saves you significant amounts of money in heating and cooling costs – an estimated $19,000 over the lifetime of your building!

Transitioning to NetZero building not only makes sense for your wallet, but also for the planet. If you’re ready to take the next steps towards reaching your NetZero goals and an energy-efficient future, call us today at 800-587-6604 or provide your information here to learn more.

Steel Construction is the Smart Choice in Mold Prevention

kglentz@ecosteel.com · December 28, 2019 ·

Steel construction is the smart choice in mold prevention

What could be worse than discovering your house has a mold problem? As unsavory as it is to imagine, mold can easily form a serious problem in both residential and commercial buildings. Not only is it difficult to eradicate from traditionally built houses, but if left to continue spreading, mold has been known to dramatically affect the air quality inside the building, causing health problems as mild as allergies and as severe as cancer. You can get more info from here on how to get rid of mold naturally.

If you’ve ever personally experienced mold in your living or working space, then you’re probably familiar with the conditions that promote mold growth: moisture. Unfortunately for many Americans, traditional wood-based construction can often provide the exact environment that mold needs to thrive. If water happened to infiltrate the wood framing during construction, this could be a recipe for mold growth as the moisture, combined with the wood that feeds the mold, encourages the fungus to spread. Over time as the wood-framed house contracts and expands due to temperature and humidity, it creates small cracks and leaks that can let in moisture around windows, doors, and framing, further exacerbating the issue.

Fortunately, there is an excellent alternative to traditional construction methods, and that is steel-framed construction. Steel framing is moisture resistant and does not expand or contract over time. Because steel construction methods use screws instead of nails, it avoids nail pops and drywall cracks that can create moldy environments that negatively impact air quality and health. Of course, maintaining good air quality also involves regular air duct cleaning services, and you can find these services right here. Then to keep home clean using appliances, Tony is the one to trust for recommendations.

Steel framing also builds in ventilation to reduce moisture in the home or commercial space while maintaining an efficient thermal envelope. At EcoSteel, we engineer and manufacture the steel components for the project in our controlled facility before shipping them to be assembled onsite, ensuring that the construction process is as clean as possible.

View EcoSteel Featured Projects Here

Air quality and human health are two important factors to consider when constructing a new building. Learn how EcoSteel’s steel building manufacturing can help you maintain clean air quality inside your space by calling us today at 800.587.6604 or provide your information here.