“How long will it take?” is right up there with “How much will it cost?” The honest answer is that it depends on your site, your county, the season, and the manufacturer’s schedule. We will not throw out a week count here because it would not be fair to you. What we can do is walk you through each stage so you know what to expect and what you can do to keep things moving.
Stage 1: Quote and design
It starts with figuring out what you need: size, height, roof style, doors, windows, and how you will use the building. You can start with our quote builder or the size guide.
Changes are easiest to make here. Once the building is ordered, changes can slow things down or add cost.
Stage 2: Signing and deposit
Once you are happy with the design and quote, you sign and put down a deposit. On turnkey jobs that include concrete, payments follow the work: 10% of the job subtotal at signing (non-refundable), 35% of the remaining balance at footer pour completion, and 65% at the 4-inch slab pour.
If you are financing through our rent-to-own program, that paperwork happens here too.
Stage 3: Site review
Someone looks at your site to check slope, drainage, access, and soil. This tells us what site prep is needed and catches problems early, like a steep driveway or a wet spot.
Stage 4: Permits
If your county requires a permit, this is often the stage with the most variation. Some counties are quick. Others take longer, especially in busy seasons. Your county building office can tell you what they need. Engineered drawings are available for our certified buildings if they ask for them.
Stage 5: Site prep
Clearing, grading, filling, and compacting the pad. On a flat, open lot, this can be simple. On a sloped or wooded lot, it is more work.
Stage 6: Footers and slab
Footers are poured below the local frost depth. If your county requires a footer inspection, it happens before the slab is poured. Then the slab goes in, typically 4 inches thick. Concrete needs time to cure before the building can go on it. See our concrete foundations page for more.
Stage 7: Manufacturing
While the site and foundation work is happening, the manufacturer builds your building. We work with 4 carefully vetted manufacturers, and each has its own production schedule. Custom sizes and features can take longer to fabricate than common sizes.
Stage 8: Delivery and install
The building is delivered, set, anchored, and checked before the crew leaves. The install itself is often the fastest part of the whole project.
What causes delays
Most delays come from a handful of things:
| Cause | Why it slows things down | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | Rain and freezing temps stop grading and concrete work | Plan ahead and stay flexible |
| Permits | Review times vary by county and season | Apply early, have drawings ready |
| Inspections | Crews wait on inspector schedules | Know your county’s inspection steps |
| Site issues | Wet ground, rock, or tough access | Get a site review early |
| Design changes | Changes after ordering restart steps | Finalize before you sign |
| Busy season | Spring and summer are in high demand | Order earlier in the year |
| Manufacturer backlog | Production slots fill up | Get in line sooner |
Weather matters more than people think
Concrete and dirt work both depend on weather. Grading a wet site makes a mess and can leave soft spots. Pouring concrete in freezing temperatures takes special care, and heavy rain can wash out a fresh pour. A good contractor will not rush a pour just to stay on schedule.
How to keep your project moving
- Decide on size and options before you sign
- Call your county building office early about permits
- Clear the site before the site prep crew arrives
- Keep the driveway and access path open
- Answer the phone when the crew calls with a question
One point of contact helps
When the dirt work, concrete, and building are handled by different companies, each one waits on the other, and you end up in the middle. With our turnkey service, one company handles site review, site prep, footers, slab, and the install. You have one person to call when you want to know where things stand.
Thinking about next year?
Steel, diesel, and fuel costs keep going up. A 15% deposit locks your quoted building price until spring, so you can get on the schedule now and keep your price.
Call or text John at 276-235-1191, or start with the quote builder. We’ll talk through your timeline and quote it.
Common Questions
How long does it take to get a metal building?
It depends on your site, permits, weather, and the manufacturer’s schedule. Give us a call and we’ll talk through where your project might land.
What is the most common cause of delays?
Weather and permits are the two big ones. Rain and freezing temperatures stop dirt and concrete work, and permit review times vary by county.
Does the foundation have to be done before delivery?
For buildings going on a slab, yes. Footers and slab are poured first, and the concrete needs time to cure before the building goes on it.
Can I lock my price while I wait?
Yes. A 15% deposit locks the quoted building price until spring.
Ready to price your building?
Call or text 276-235-1191, or send us the size, location and what it is for. We will come back with a real number.
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