A new way of purchasing steel buildings has gained popularity over the past few years - purchasing your steel building system online. Although there are many advantages to this process, there are also deficiencies and caveats that need to be pointed out so that the consumer is protected and ultimately satisfied if purchase is finalized.

The pre-engineered steel building system has enjoyed over 60 years of excellent sales and results. Steel buildings are some of the most durable structures available and some come with substantial warranties. The benefits of buying a building online can be beneficial if the consumer knows what to look for.

Any on-line steel building website that features on-line ordering capability should have qualified, trained representatives who are also available at a phone number. Never order a building on-line without first talking to a representative of that company to insure that they can provide you with a building that will meet your exact specifications. Find out if the representatives or estimators are competent by discussing your building needs first. Make sure they can help you now and through the planning portion of your project and until completion.

Get as much product information about the on-line company you are dealing with, before purchase, at their website, through faxes, through the BBB, or through mailings. Be sure that you can obtain any information that you do not have through these resources by calling the company and getting answers to your questions.

Make sure that the design and pricing systems on-line are easy to use, especially if you are new to the steel building process. Most professional websites offer clear instructions on how to utilize their systems and/or provide a number to call so that a professional can walk you through the process.

Comparison shop a number of steel building on-line websites. Make sure that websites that are significantly under-pricing their buildings compared to other companies are comparing “apples to apples.” Some companies use thinner 29 gauge steel as opposed to the recommended 26 gauge premium standard.

Make sure that the applicable building codes for your area of the country are available on-line. It is best to check with your local building code office in order to know the correct tolerances before trying to price a building. Some on-line building companies will try to sell you a steel building that is deficient in the proper codes and loads for your area. You will not be able to get the proper approvals to erect this building.

Make sure that the shipping costs of your building are itemized in the contract. Some companies hide the actual shipping costs in a very vague “final price” listing that does not specify shipping charges. Make sure that the company can deliver the building in line with your project schedules and not their convenience.

Make sure that there will be a technical assistance person that you can contact at any point up through and including the completion of your project to resolve any problems. Some companies do not provide this service - you are on your own. Finally, make sure that the on-line company has a customer service department that can react to any of your building needs, now or for future unforeseen issues.