Steel Building FAQs
Answers to the most common questions
Since 1988, Olympia has helped thousands of customers design and build the perfect steel building. Here are answers to the most common questions we receive from customers.
Buying a Steel Building
How much does a steel building cost?
The cost of a steel building depends on its size, location, design, intended use, and required options. Local wind and snow-load requirements can also affect the amount of steel and engineering needed for your building.
Because Olympia buildings are customized for each project, there isn't one standard price per square foot that applies to every building. The best way to determine your cost is to request a quote based on your building dimensions, location, and intended use.
Learn more about steel building prices or request a free building quote.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery time depends on the size and complexity of your building, your location, engineering requirements, and current production schedules. Your Olympia building representative can provide a more accurate timeline once the details of your project are established. We recommend planning ahead, particularly if your project has a specific construction deadline.
Do I need a permit?
Permit requirements vary by state, county, and municipality. Many areas require a building permit and may have specific engineering, zoning, wind-load, or snow-load requirements. Before ordering, check with your local building department to determine what applies to your property. Olympia can design your building to meet the applicable building codes and load requirements for your location.
Can I finance a steel building?
Olympia Steel Buildings does not currently offer direct financing. Customers typically purchase their building using their own funds or arrange financing independently through a bank, credit union, or other lender. Your Olympia representative can provide the building information and documentation you may need when discussing financing with your lender.
Do you offer discounts
Yes, Olympia Steel Buildings offers special discounts for veterans and first responders as our way of thanking those who have served their communities and our country. We may also offer additional promotions or special pricing on select steel buildings throughout the year. Contact an Olympia building representative to learn about current discounts and see which offers may apply to your project.
Design & Engineering
Can I customize the building design?
Yes. Olympia steel buildings can be customized to fit your project, whether you're planning a garage, workshop, warehouse, agricultural building, or other structure. You can choose dimensions, roof style, colors, door and window locations, and other options. Our building specialists will work with you to develop a design that meets your needs while accounting for engineering and local building requirements.
What sizes are available?
Olympia offers steel buildings in a wide range of sizes, from smaller garages and workshops to large commercial and industrial structures. Because our buildings are designed for each project, you're not limited to a small selection of predetermined sizes. Your building's dimensions can be based on its intended use, available property, local requirements, and plans for future space.
Are your buildings engineered?
Yes. Olympia steel buildings are professionally engineered to provide the strength and structural performance required for their intended location and use. Engineering takes factors such as building dimensions, wind loads, snow loads, and other applicable requirements into consideration. Project-specific engineered drawings can also be provided when required for permitting and construction.
Can you match my local building codes?
Yes. Steel building requirements can vary considerably depending on where the building will be constructed. Olympia can design your building to meet applicable local requirements, including wind and snow loads. Before ordering, we recommend checking with your local building department to identify any specific codes, permits, or engineering requirements that apply to your property.
Can I make changes after my order?
Changes may be possible after an order is placed, depending on the type of change requested and how far the building has progressed through engineering and manufacturing. Some changes may affect the price, engineering, or delivery schedule. If you need to modify your building after ordering, contact your Olympia representative as soon as possible to discuss the available options.
Construction & Installation
Can I build it myself?
Yes. Many Olympia steel buildings are designed with straightforward assembly in mind, making them suitable for experienced do-it-yourself builders. Whether you erect the building yourself or hire a contractor will depend on the building's size and complexity, your experience, available equipment, and local requirements. Larger projects will typically require a qualified construction crew.
Do I need a concrete foundation?
Most steel buildings require a properly designed foundation, which commonly consists of a concrete slab and appropriate footings or piers. Foundation requirements depend on the building design, local soil conditions, building codes, and engineering requirements. Your local contractor or foundation professional can determine the appropriate foundation for your site and building.
How long does assembly take?
Assembly time varies depending on the size and complexity of the building, site conditions, weather, available equipment, and the experience and size of the erection crew. A smaller building may be completed relatively quickly, while larger commercial or industrial buildings naturally require more time. Planning and having the foundation and site properly prepared before delivery can help keep construction on schedule.
Do you provide instructions?
Yes. Olympia provides an erection manual with your steel building to guide you through the assembly process. The manual provides information and instructions for properly erecting the building and its components. Our team is also available to answer questions and provide support if you need assistance during construction.
Do you offer installation services?
Installation services may be available for certain projects depending on the building, project location, scope of work, and scheduling. Because installation is evaluated on a project-by-project basis, it is not available with every building purchase. Speak with your Olympia representative if you're interested in installation services, and we'll determine whether they are available for your project.
Durability & Performance
How long do steel buildings last?
A properly designed and maintained steel building can provide decades of reliable service. Olympia buildings are engineered for long-term durability and feature quality materials designed to withstand the elements. Our internal galvanized framing is backed by a 60-year limited warranty, providing additional confidence in the structural components of your building.
Are steel buildings rust resistant?
Yes. Olympia uses galvanized steel framing and durable exterior panels designed to resist corrosion and provide long-lasting protection. Our building panels include a 40-year limited rust-through perforation warranty. If corrosion causes a qualifying hole to rust completely through a panel during the warranty period, the panel is covered for replacement according to the terms of the warranty.
How much snow can they handle?
There isn't one snow-load rating for every Olympia building. Buildings are engineered according to the requirements of their location, including applicable snow loads. A building in an area that experiences heavy snowfall can therefore be designed differently from one located in a warmer climate. Your Olympia representative will determine the required design loads for your building location.
What wind ratings are available?
Wind-load requirements vary based on location and local building codes. Olympia buildings can be engineered for the wind-load requirements applicable to the building site, including areas where higher wind resistance is required. Because requirements vary by location and building design, your Olympia representative can help determine the appropriate specifications for your project.
Are steel buildings fire resistant?
Steel is a noncombustible building material and does not ignite or contribute fuel to a fire. This gives steel construction an important advantage over many combustible building materials. However, a building's overall fire-resistance rating depends on its complete construction—including insulation, interior finishes, wall and roof assemblies, and applicable local building codes.
Customization & Options
Can I add windows and doors later?
Yes, windows and doors can often be added after the building is purchased because many openings are field-cut during construction. However, it's best to identify planned openings during the design process so they can be properly incorporated into the building's engineering and layout. If you decide to add an opening later, consult Olympia or a qualified professional first to make sure the modification will not affect the building's structural integrity or engineering costs.
Can I insulate the building?
Yes. Olympia steel buildings can be insulated to improve temperature control, energy efficiency, and comfort. Insulation is particularly useful for workshops, garages, commercial buildings, and other structures that will be heated or cooled. Your Olympia representative can discuss insulation options based on how you plan to use the building.
Can I finish the interior
Absolutely. Olympia primarily provides the engineered steel building shell, giving you the flexibility to finish the interior for your particular use. Customers can add interior walls, offices, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, ceilings, and other finishes as needed. This makes the same basic steel building system suitable for everything from garages and workshops to offices and commercial facilities.
Can I expand the building later?
Yes. Olympia steel buildings can be designed to accommodate future lengthwise expansion by adding additional framing bays at an endwall. Increasing the building's width is considerably more complicated because it affects the structural design and requires additional engineering. If future expansion is part of your plans, tell your Olympia representative during the initial design process.
What panel or trim colors are available?
Olympia offers 13 panel colors and 6 trim colors, allowing you to mix and match colors to create the appearance you want. Color availability can vary, so your Olympia representative can confirm the current choices for your building. You can also use our interactive Color Sampler to experiment with different wall and trim combinations and see how they look together before making your selection.
Olympia Difference
Why choose Olympia?
Olympia has been providing steel buildings since 1988, combining decades of experience with American manufacturing and personalized customer service. We offer professionally engineered buildings, quality materials, extensive customization options, and support throughout the process. Because we own the factory, we maintain greater control over manufacturing quality while offering true factory-direct pricing.
Where are your buildings made?
Olympia steel buildings are made in the USA using American steel. Our building components are manufactured at our own facility, giving us direct oversight of quality and production. From engineering through manufacturing and delivery, we're committed to providing customers with a dependable American-made steel building.
Do you ship to Canada?
Yes. Olympia serves customers throughout both the United States and Canada. We also have a dedicated Canadian office and website to serve the Canadian market, with representatives familiar with Canadian building requirements and projects.
What warranties are included?
Olympia steel buildings are backed by long-term limited warranties designed to protect your investment. These include a 60-year limited warranty on the internal galvanized framing, a 40-year limited rust-through perforation warranty on the building panels, a 40-year limited paint warranty, and lifetime warranty on the fasteners. Specific coverage, conditions, and exclusions vary, so customers should review the applicable warranty documents for complete details.
What kind of support do you provide?
Our support doesn't end when your building is delivered. Olympia's experienced team can assist throughout the process, from planning and design through engineering, manufacturing, delivery, and construction. We provide an erection manual with the building and remain available to answer questions that may arise during assembly. Our goal is to help make the entire steel building process as straightforward as possible.
We Own the Factory
Our advanced manufacturing facility ensures top-tier quality, reliable delivery, and true factory-direct pricing.
Save time and money with Olympia.
A History of Trust
Olympia was founded in 1988 and remains a proud American, family-owned company committed to the same integrity and quality that built our reputation.
Other companies may sell steel buildings — but Olympia builds them right here in the USA, with American steel and American pride. We would be honored to show you the difference.
What Customers Are Saying
"I shopped around, and in the end, selected Olympia Steel Buildings. This was my first steel building and I am not a contractor. I wanted to do as much as I could to keep costs down an enjoy the experience. With that said I had a lot of pre-sales/design questions to minimize the unknowns.... The entire building went together very well... Took about 6 weeks to complete with help from family and friends. Great People, Great Product."
M. S.
"I purchase a 30x40 building from Olympia Steel Bldgs and was very impressed with the whole process, from order, delivery to final construction. They referred me to a crew that were very professional and knowledgeable and gave me a great deal on insulation and labor costs. The building is extremely well constructed and I was able to add extra roll-up doors from a local vendor and it looks great!... If I ever move and need another building, I will be calling Olympia! Thanks Again"
D. R.
"I had a fantastic experience with Olympia. After 6 months of dealing with another company that failed to deliver, I reached out to Olympia and got a BETTER building for the same price as the other company. It was delivered quickly with all the pieces, parts, and hardware... I was able to put the 25'x36'x10' building up myself with a little help from friends and family. I'm now enjoying my third winter of parking my cars and my boat inside, and it's GREAT!... I cannot recommend the building or company more highly!"
E. N.