The choice between pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB) and conventional steel construction significantly affects project cost, schedule, and complexity. Understanding when each system is appropriate—and how to estimate both—helps contractors provide accurate bids and guide owners toward optimal solutions.
Understanding the Systems
Each structural approach has distinct characteristics.
Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings
Definition: Factory-designed, manufactured building systems with integrated structural framing, roof, and wall systems
Key characteristics:
- Manufacturer-designed structure
- Proprietary component systems
- Factory fabrication
- Standardized details
- Integrated package
Components included:
- Primary framing (rigid frames, beams, columns)
- Secondary framing (purlins, girts)
- Roof panels
- Wall panels
- Accessories (doors, windows, trim, gutters)
Conventional Steel Construction
Definition: Custom-designed steel framing using standard structural shapes and independent cladding systems
Key characteristics:
- Engineer-designed for specific project
- Standard structural shapes
- Multiple fabricators possible
- Separate cladding design
- Component-by-component specification
Components:
- Structural steel framing
- Metal deck
- Miscellaneous steel
- Separate wall and roof systems
- Independent accessories
Cost Comparison
Understanding cost drivers helps with accurate estimating.
Pre-Engineered Building Costs
Typical cost components: | Component | $/SF Range | |-----------|-----------| | PEMB package | $12-25 | | Erection | $4-8 | | Foundation | $3-8 | | Total shell | $19-41 |
Cost advantages:
- Lower engineering costs (included)
- Efficient material usage
- Faster erection
- Reduced field labor
- Simpler connections
Cost disadvantages:
- Premium for non-standard sizes
- Limited modification flexibility
- Proprietary replacement parts
- Expansion complexity
Conventional Steel Costs
Typical cost components: | Component | $/SF Range | |-----------|-----------| | Structural steel | $15-35 | | Metal deck | $3-6 | | Erection | $5-12 | | Roof/wall systems | $12-25 | | Total shell | $35-78 |
Cost advantages:
- Flexibility in design
- Multiple sourcing options
- Standard replacement parts
- Easier modifications
Cost disadvantages:
- Higher engineering costs
- More field labor
- Complex connections
- Longer schedule
Application Suitability
Each system fits different project needs.
Best Applications for PEMB
Ideal projects:
- Warehouses and distribution centers
- Manufacturing facilities
- Agricultural buildings
- Aircraft hangars
- Storage buildings
- Athletic facilities
Project characteristics favoring PEMB:
- Simple rectangular footprints
- Clear span requirements
- Single-story construction
- Standard door/opening layouts
- Budget-driven decisions
- Fast schedules
Best Applications for Conventional Steel
Ideal projects:
- Multi-story buildings
- Complex architectural designs
- Mixed-use facilities
- Buildings with heavy equipment loads
- Structures with unique geometries
- Expansion-planned facilities
Project characteristics favoring conventional:
- Irregular shapes
- Multiple roof levels
- Heavy crane loads
- Future expansion planned
- Stringent aesthetic requirements
- Complex MEP integration
Hybrid Approaches
Combining systems:
- PEMB with conventional mezzanines
- Conventional structure with PEMB cladding
- PEMB warehouse with conventional office
- Conventional frame with standing seam roof
Estimating Pre-Engineered Buildings
PEMB estimating follows specific procedures.
Obtaining PEMB Quotes
Quote request information:
- Building dimensions (width, length, eave height)
- Roof slope requirements
- Load requirements (wind, snow, collateral)
- Door and window schedule
- Crane requirements (if any)
- Insulation requirements
- Color selections
- Delivery location
Major PEMB manufacturers:
- Nucor Building Systems
- Butler Manufacturing
- Varco Pruden Buildings
- BlueScope Buildings
- Chief Industries
- Metallic Building Company
Evaluating PEMB Quotes
Quote components to verify:
- Primary and secondary framing
- Roof and wall panels
- Trim and accessories
- Hardware
- Anchor bolts
- Design and drawings
- Delivery costs
Common exclusions:
- Foundation design/construction
- Concrete work
- Erection labor
- MEP systems
- Interior finishes
- Permits
Erection Costs
Factors affecting erection: | Factor | Impact on Cost | |--------|----------------| | Building size | Larger = lower $/SF | | Clear height | Higher = more costly | | Complexity | More = more costly | | Location | Remote = premium | | Season | Winter = premium |
Typical erection costs:
- Simple buildings: $4-6/SF
- Standard buildings: $5-8/SF
- Complex buildings: $7-12/SF
Estimating Conventional Steel
Conventional steel requires detailed quantity analysis.
Takeoff Categories
Steel tonnage categories:
- Columns
- Beams and girders
- Bracing
- Joists/trusses
- Miscellaneous steel
- Metal deck
Steel Pricing Factors
Cost per pound factors: | Category | $/lb Range | |----------|-----------| | Heavy structural | $1.50-2.50 | | Light structural | $2.00-3.50 | | Miscellaneous | $3.00-5.00 | | Specialty/complex | $4.00-8.00 |
Erection rates:
- Standard framing: $0.60-1.00/lb
- Complex framing: $0.80-1.50/lb
- High work: Premium 20-40%
Cladding Systems
Separate wall system options:
- Insulated metal panels: $15-30/SF
- Curtain wall: $60-150/SF
- EIFS/stucco: $15-35/SF
- Masonry: $25-60/SF
- Precast: $30-70/SF
Roof system options:
- Standing seam: $12-25/SF
- Built-up/modified bitumen: $10-20/SF
- Single-ply membrane: $8-18/SF
- Metal panels: $10-20/SF
Schedule Comparison
Timeline differences affect total project cost.
Pre-Engineered Timeline
Typical PEMB schedule:
- Design: 2-4 weeks
- Fabrication: 6-10 weeks
- Delivery: 1-2 weeks
- Erection: 2-6 weeks
- Total: 11-22 weeks
Conventional Steel Timeline
Typical conventional schedule:
- Design: 4-8 weeks
- Shop drawings: 3-5 weeks
- Fabrication: 8-14 weeks
- Delivery: 1-2 weeks
- Erection: 4-10 weeks
- Total: 20-39 weeks
Schedule Impact on Costs
Time-related savings with PEMB:
- Reduced general conditions
- Earlier occupancy
- Lower financing costs
- Faster revenue generation
Design and Engineering Considerations
Structural requirements influence system selection.
Load Requirements
PEMB limitations:
- Maximum clear spans: ~200-300 feet
- Crane capacity limitations
- Snow/wind load ranges
- Collateral load capacity
Conventional advantages:
- No theoretical span limits
- Heavy crane capacity
- High point loads
- Complex load paths
Expansion Capabilities
PEMB expansion challenges:
- Endwall removal and replacement
- Connection to proprietary system
- Structural modifications limited
- Same manufacturer typically required
Conventional expansion benefits:
- Standard connection methods
- Any fabricator can add
- Flexible modification
- Non-proprietary details
Aesthetic Options
PEMB appearance:
- Industrial/utilitarian standard
- Enhanced options available
- Limited architectural integration
- Improving design options
Conventional appearance:
- Unlimited architectural options
- Any cladding system
- Full design flexibility
- Premium aesthetic possible
Quality and Durability
Long-term performance considerations.
PEMB Quality Factors
Advantages:
- Factory quality control
- Consistent fabrication
- Engineered systems
- Proven details
Considerations:
- Panel gauge selection matters
- Coating/warranty options
- Thermal bridging potential
- Maintenance requirements
Conventional Quality Factors
Advantages:
- Material specification control
- Independent inspection possible
- Proven performance history
- Standard details
Considerations:
- Field welding quality
- Connection fabrication
- Fireproofing requirements
- Coordination complexity
Bidding Strategy
Position your bid appropriately based on system selection.
When to Propose PEMB
Consider offering PEMB when:
- Specifications allow alternatives
- Budget is primary driver
- Schedule is compressed
- Building is utilitarian
- Owner is value-focused
Presenting the alternative:
- Show clear cost savings
- Address schedule benefits
- Offer equivalent performance
- Note any differences
When to Propose Conventional
Recommend conventional when:
- Complex geometry required
- Heavy industrial loads
- Future expansion planned
- High aesthetic standards
- Multi-story construction
Value Engineering
VE opportunities:
- Propose PEMB as alternate to specified conventional
- Offer conventional upgrades for PEMB-specified projects
- Suggest hybrid approaches
- Present lifecycle cost analysis
ConstructionBids.ai helps contractors find industrial and warehouse projects where pre-engineered and conventional steel knowledge creates competitive advantage. Track opportunities matching your structural capabilities.
