Invariably, one of the first questions we get when talking to someone about a building is, “How much does a fabric building cost?”.
While several factors affect how we calculate a building’s price, we can start with simple square foot ROM (rough order of magnitude) pricing. The cost of a basic tension fabric building will typically range from $4 to $10 per square foot and increase as the building becomes more complex. This ROM includes installation but does not include foundation costs.
What are the factors involved in calculating a building price?
The factors involved in calculating a building price include:
- Size of the building
- Profile design – arch or gable
- Choice of membrane – HDPE or PVC, fire rated or non-fire rated
- Location – Engineering and space to unload and install the building
What factors increase the cost of a fabric building?
We’ve covered simple costs per square foot, but what factors add to the cost of a building? Big overhead doors are the first place where the price starts to creep. If you want to climate control your structure, add the HVAC equipment, insulation, and interior building liner costs. Other common accessories include lighting, exhaust fans, and ridge vents. Uncommon customization options include fire suppression systems or extra engineering to suspend items from the truss, like conveyors for a fertilizer storage facility.
How does location factor into the cost of a fabric building?
Each fabric building is engineered specifically for the site the building will be installed. Additional steel re-enforcements may be required for buildings built in heavy wind and/or snow regions. The soil conditions, combined with the size of the building, will directly affect foundation requirements. A more stable poured in place or poured in place piers foundation may need to be chosen, which is more costly. For more complex structures and worksites, installation costs may also increase.
