FAQ’s
Have questions? See our Frequently Asked Questions below.
Getting started with Us
EcoSteel buildings vary from one design to another and the cost is determined on a case by case basis. Please follow the steps below to begin:
- Land must be acquired.
- Architect support is needed to navigate the permitting requirements and handle the details of design and construction admin. You can visit our architect partner page if you need a referral. If you are building commercial, some commercial buildings may be owner managed.
- Submit design plans with project information. You may attach preliminary designs and/or napkin sketches reflecting building elevations and measurements.
- EcoSteel works from client’s budget to reverse engineer into the building system through implementations of value and budget centric solutions. Our team will work on maximizing value while remaining budget conscious. Please establish an estimated total project completion budget.
Where is EcoSteel’s office located?
Orange County California
What states does EcoSteel work in?
EcoSteel Designs, engineers, and supplies materials in the following areas:
California (Primary Market), Washington, Hawaii all Islands Canada / British Columbia
Mexico / Baja California Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida
What service does Ecosteel provide?
EcoSteel designs, engineers, and supplies pre-engineered steel buildings. Our steel buildings provide the world’s most advanced Eco friendly construction systems. In our expansive product line, we offer solutions for Commercial, Residential, and Multi-Family or Mixed Use projects. We use a combination of commercial-grade steel framing wrapped in steel insulated panels. This unique approach provides optimal strength, versatility, and energy efficiency while maintaining the ability to design freely without limits.
What is the cost per square foot (SF)?
Every building is unique. We strive to keep the cost of designing and building the metal building down on all projects and want to earn your business. Since every building is unique and there are many variables at play, we do not price per square foot. However, we will generate a custom quote for you based on your schematic plans, or the rough dimensioned sketches that you have given to us. After you have a complete quote from us with all the metal building’s costs (including freight and engineering), you can average the steel building’s cost per square foot yourself for your particular project. Please submit your plans or sketches to start the estimating process.
What if I do not have plans?
Ecosteel offers a design service based on a target budget and building SF goal. We will take your napkin sketch and turn it into a 3d model. From there you will still need to hire an architect to complete a pre-engineered building package to submit for a building permit. Ecosteel will then engineer the building and provide a structural stamp for permit.
Does EcoSteel have plans for sale?
No we do not. All of our steel buildings are custom designed to our client’s specifications.
Do I need an architect?
Yes – AN ARCHITECT IS REQUIRED FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PROJECTS. It is our view that all projects need architect and GC support to navigate the permitting requirements, an architect should be on board to handle the details of design and construction admin. We have a number of architect partners collaborating with us to create residential and commercial buildings. Take a look at the list of metal building architects working with EcoSteel to learn more.
Who assembles EcoSteel’s buildings?
All of our custom steel buildings are prefabricated with nationwide standard parts and pieces. Any certified commercial or residential steel erector can assemble our buildings.
What is the cost to erect and finish out an Ecosteel home?
We do not provide finish or labor rates through our company (and we do not include this in the cost of your metal building) due to many job locations and the number of man power to accomplish a particular job size. We do provide full erecting prints, and with some guidance, your contractor or labor force should be able to handle the install and finished work if they are knowledgeable of the construction methods. If for some reason you are unable to obtain labor or supervision for the install, we would try and find a reputable installer to contact you to set up the schedules after we have an established prints and building at the engineering stage.
What is a certified Steel Erectors?
Steel framing has been used for many decades in the commercial and multi-family construction industry where framers have demonstrated their competence. In addition, precision engineering and new tools have simplified steel framing construction, making the transition easier for untrained crews.
Is shipping included in the price?
Yes, shipping is included in our custom quotes for anywhere in the continental USA and Canada. For projects outside of the continental USA and Canada, we typically quote shipping to the nearest port or delivery destination for customers who handle shipping themselves.
Where does EcoSteel manufacture / ship building materials?
EcoSteel has 13 shipping points across North America allowing for quick and economical deliveries.
What are EcoSteel buildings made of? Our steel systems utilize a combination of steel framing wrapped in steel insulated panels. This unique combination provides optimal strength, versatility, and energy efficiency while maintaining the ability to design freely without traditional limitations.
What are EcoSteel’s roof and walls made of?
Our various series of wall and roof panels are filled with non CFC polyisocyanurate foam. The panels are manufactured in a uniform pressure laminating process that bonds metal facings to precured insulating rigid foam cores. The process uses structural urethane adhesives applied under heat and pressure to form an integral bond between steel and foam. Cores are inspected at the factory for uniform density and cell structure, and then are cut by a laser guided saw to exacting tolerances. This extra care ensures premium quality flat cores, suitable for use with embossed or smooth facings.
What are the R values of our panels?
R-Value varies up to 8.5/inch of panel thickness at 40°F mean temperature. Standard walls panels are 2.5” thick which would provide an R19 Value. Standard Roof Panels are 4” thick which would provide an R32 value.
Does EcoSteel provide gutters and downspouts?
We have 2 standard gutter options. If a custom gutter is needed, EcoSteel will provide flat stock material with matching paint to be field bent on site.
What if I want a different exterior roof or wall finish?
That’s fine too. Just choose our frame package only or create a custom quote using the roof and siding options that fit your design.
What is the flooring for the decks and second floors?
Either plywood or steel decking ready for concrete.
Will the building need bigger footings and foundations?
No. Steel framing components weigh up to 60% less than wood framing components. The foundations, and even the seismic design loads can be smaller.
Do you engineer the structure and the foundation?
We engineer the structure and provide your local Engineer of Record the calculations to finalize the foundation engineering.
Do you design the foundation?
EcoSteel does not design the projects foundation. We recommend using a local foundation engineer whom we will collaborate with.
What are the footing requirements?
No requirements. We can engineer for both slab on grade and hillside foundation requirements with raised floors.
Does EcoSteel’s buildings have to be built on slab on grade foundations?
No, but most people build them on slabs because it’s so much less expensive. We offer optional floor joist systems for our customers who want to build over basements or crawl spaces.
Can you build additions off of existing structures?
Yes – we have a 2,000SF Minimum.
Do you provide financing or can you recommend lenders?
EcoSteel does not have access to local or national lenders. Any construction lender will have information on available terms.
How will my building look and feel on the inside?
The interiors can be left raw and industrial or completely finished. Most building framing is covered with sheet rock and painted. Steel walls are true / straight so that the wall lines finish out crisp and clean. Our clearspan structural design lets you use any floor plan you want. Because our buildings are so energy efficient, the temperature stays more constant and the home feels more comfortable.
What about the environmental impact of steel construction?
The overall recycling rate of the steel industry is 66-75%-the highest in the country-offering an environmentally sound home framing alternative. Steel framing scrap is a valuable commodity that should not end up in a landfill.
Are EcoSteel buildings energy-efficient?
Yes. Steel framing can be designed to meet or exceed governmental energy efficiency standards. In addition, by staying straight and true, the steel framing helps prevent cracks due to shrinkage or warping, thus preventing air leaks that result in a costly loss of energy.
Are metal roofs loud when it rains?
They are no louder than other roof types, and the insulated steel panels deaden the sound.
Will steel frames interfere with portable radios, phones, or TV reception?
No. Waves pass through the space between the studs, allowing the use of all radios, phones, and television sets in your home.
Will my building rust?
No, The use of galvanized steel frame components protects your home from rust.
Can my building be built to resist earthquakes and hurricanes?
Yes. Positive connection and the strength of steel provide great protection against earthquakes and hurricanes. Steel’s high strength and ductility make it the best construction material for earthquake-resistant design.
What about lightning?
The steel frame offers its occupants better protection than any other construction system. Scientists recommend seeking shelter in steel frame structures during lightning storms because the steel frame provides a path to the ground, reducing the likelihood of explosions, secondary fires, or personal injury.
Will steel framing affect the indoor air quality?
Yes, in a positive way. It has a positive impact by eliminating the need for pesticides to prevent termites and chemicals required to weatherproof lumber. Steel framing is recommended by the Healthy House Institute for chemically sensitive and environmentally conscious homeowners who seek good indoor air quality. Steel frames do not need to be treated for termites and are free of resin adhesive and chemicals normally present in other construction materials.
Will I be able to remodel my building later?
Yes. Since steel framing allows for larger spans, a custom steel building can be designed without interior load-bearing partitions, making it easier for owners to complete alterations without affecting the structure.
How do I hang pictures in a steel frame home?
As in traditional buildings, depending on the weight of the picture, you can hang it from the drywall with toggle bolts or hangers. Heavier objects can be hung from screws attached directly into the studs, which can easily be found with a magnet.
Will I have to pay higher insurance premiums for my owner’s insurance?
No. As a matter of fact, because of steel’s excellent performance record in earthquakes, and because it is not affected by termites and is fire resistant, owners may be able to save on insurance premiums.
Can I find plumbers and electricians to work on the building?
Plumbers and electricians have worked with steel framing in commercial construction for years and are very familiar with it. Steel studs have pre-punched holes that allow faster and easier installation of plumbing and electric work than in conventional homes.
Is steel readily available?
Steel is readily available throughout the country and can be purchased in stock lengths, pre-engineered, panelized systems, or custom cut. Because of the growing use of steel in residential construction, local lumber yards and commercial building supply warehouses are adding steel framing components to their inventory. Builders can also purchase steel directly from the manufacturer.
Can I build a steel-framed building close to the seashore?
Yes, with the use of Marine Graded Coatings and Galvanized steel members that are recommended and common in almost all applications. In addition, you should provide a standard, well-insulated weather barrier as required for any home under construction.
Does EcoSteel include stairs and railings in the building package?
No, EcoSteel does not design, engineer or supply stairs and railings.
What about cost of steel in the market with regard to tariffs?
The price of steel has been relatively constant over the last decade. While the price of traditional framing materials has been erratic and growing at a rate much faster than inflation, steel prices have only experienced small quarterly adjustments. Builders interviewed nationwide have affirmed that framing with steel is less expensive than traditional framing.
How do I get started?
Please submit your project information for pricing.
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