Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
High Desert Buildings & Barns
At High Desert Buildings & Barns, we believe that an educated customer is a successful customer. Building a steel structure is a large investment, and our goal is to provide clear expectations about the process, timelines, materials, and responsibilities from start to finish.
Permits & Planning
1. Do you obtain the building permits?
Yes.
High Desert Buildings & Barns manages the permitting process for your project from start to finish.
Our permitting services include:
- Site planning and drafting
- Engineered building plans
- Gathering required documentation
- Preparing and submitting permit applications
- Coordinating with local municipalities
- Tracking permit status through approval
We have a dedicated permitting specialist who stays current with local building requirements and works directly with municipalities to help keep your project moving forward.
Please note: Permit timelines are controlled by the local jurisdiction and may vary depending on workload, review requirements, and requested revisions.
Timeline Questions
2. How long does it take to build my building?
Every project is different. The timeline depends on several factors, including:
- Building size and complexity
- Engineering requirements
- Local permitting requirements
- Supplier lead times
- Weather conditions
- Material availability
- Subcontractor scheduling
A typical project follows this timeline:
| Phase | Typical Duration |
| Drafting & Engineering | 6–8 Weeks |
| Permit Submission & Review | 4–12 Weeks (varies by jurisdiction) |
| Material Procurement & Manufacturing | 6–12 Weeks |
| Site Preparation | 1–3 Weeks |
| Concrete Work | 1–3 Weeks |
| Concrete Cure Time | 3–4 Weeks |
| Steel Building Erection | 2–6 Weeks |
Typical Total Project Duration:
Approximately 10–12 Months
Some projects may be completed sooner, while others may require additional time due to permitting, engineering changes, weather, supplier delays, or customer-requested modifications.
3. Why does it take so long to build a steel building?
Many customers assume the steel erection is the longest part of the project. In reality, the actual building assembly is often one of the quickest phases.
The majority of the project timeline involves:
- Designing the building
- Engineering review
- Permit approval
- Material procurement
- Manufacturing components
- Scheduling crews and subcontractors
- Weather considerations
Once permits are approved and materials are available, steel erection typically moves quickly.
Cost Questions
4. How much will my building cost?
The building cost is influenced by several factors, see next question.
However, a typical building will run between $20-$30/square foot.
For a total project cost, depending on doors, windows, and other option, will run between $85 -$120 per square foot.
5. What determines the price of my building?
Several factors influence pricing:
- Current steel market pricing
- Building size
- Building height
- Door sizes and quantities
- Windows
- Insulation
- Interior finishes
- Site conditions
- Engineering requirements
Steel prices fluctuate based on market conditions and can affect multiple areas of construction.
6. Do you offer financing?
Currently, High Desert Buildings & Barns does not offer in-house financing.
Customers are welcome to use outside lending options.
7. What are your payment terms?
Typical payment schedule:
- 20% Deposit: Initiates engineering, design, and permitting
- 30% Permit Approval: Covers site preparation, aggregate, and concrete scheduling
- 40% Material Delivery: Covers steel package and erection materials
- 10% Final Completion: Due upon completion of contracted work
Specific payment schedules may vary depending on project scope.
Site & Foundation Questions
8. Do you do site work and concrete?
Yes.
High Desert Buildings & Barns offers complete site preparation and concrete services, allowing us to provide a turnkey building experience.
Our services may include:
- Site clearing
- Building pad construction
- Importing and compacting aggregate
- Final pad grading
- Foundation excavation
- Concrete forming
- Reinforcement installation
- Anchor bolt placement
- Concrete placement and finishing
- Final preparation for steel erection
Our goal is to provide one company responsible for coordinating your project from the ground up.
9. How thick is the slab?
A typical accessory building may only require a 4-inch slab.
At High Desert Buildings & Barns, our standard slab is:
- Minimum 4-inch thickness
- 3,000 PSI concrete
- Engineered reinforcement requirements
For customers needing additional strength, we offer upgraded 6-inch slabs.
10. Do you install rebar?
Yes.
All foundations are installed according to engineered plans.
Reinforcement may include:
- Rebar
- Wire reinforcement
- Thickened edges
- Footings
- Additional structural requirements
11. Do you install vapor barriers?
Typically, vapor barriers are not required for standard agricultural or storage buildings.
However, requirements may change depending on:
- Municipality requirements
- Building use
- Climate control needs
- Interior finishes
12. Can I pour my own slab?
Yes.
Customers may complete site preparation and concrete work themselves or hire their own contractor.
However, customer-performed work can affect:
- Project scheduling
- Warranty coverage
- Coordination between phases
HDBB must be notified when customer-performed work is complete before proceeding with additional construction phases.
13. Do I need a survey?
In many cases, a property survey may already exist through your municipality or from a previous property transaction.
Most accessory buildings do not require a new survey; however, requirements vary by jurisdiction.
If your project requires property line verification, setbacks, or additional documentation, HDBB will help identify those requirements during the planning process.
14. Can you build on a slope?
Yes.
However, building on sloped terrain may require additional engineering, grading plans, drainage considerations, or retaining systems.
These requirements are determined based on:
- The severity of the slope
- Soil conditions
- Municipality requirements
- Building design
15. Can you build on my existing concrete slab?
In most cases, no.
Existing slabs are typically not engineered specifically for the steel structure being installed.
Our buildings require foundations designed specifically for:
- Building size
- Wind loads
- Snow loads
- Soil conditions
- Structural requirements
A new engineered foundation is usually required to ensure proper performance and warranty coverage.
16. Do I need soil testing?
It depends on your location and permitting authority.
Some municipalities require soil testing for permitted structures, while others allow standard foundation assumptions.
HDBB will help determine what your project requires.
Engineering Questions
17. Can I add onto my building later?
Yes, depending on the building design.
Because HDBB manufactures rigid-frame steel buildings, future expansions are typically easier compared to many other steel building systems.
Many manufacturers use lighter end-wall designs that require extensive engineering modifications when adding onto a structure.
With a properly designed rigid-frame building, future additions can often be planned into the original design.
We recommend discussing future expansion before construction begins.
18. Why do I need engineered plans?
All permitted buildings require approval from the local municipality.
Engineered plans verify that the structure meets:
- Current building codes
- Required wind loads
- Snow loads
- Structural safety requirements
The engineer reviews the design and provides stamped drawings required for permit approval.
19. Who stamps the drawings?
There are typically two important approvals:
1. Structural Engineer
The engineer reviews the building design and provides the engineering stamp.
2. Local Municipality
The building department reviews the plans and adds their approval, comments, and requirements.
The final approved plans from the municipality are the plans that must be followed during construction.
20. What wind and snow loads are required?
Requirements depend on your building location and elevation.
For example, in much of Yavapai County, Arizona:
- Approximately 20 lb snow load
- 110 mph wind speed (3-second gust)
Actual requirements are determined by the municipality and building site.
Building Questions
21. What sizes of buildings do you offer?
Because HDBB manufactures rigid-frame steel buildings, we do not have a limited list of standard sizes.
We can design and build a wide variety of custom sizes.
Some sizes may be more cost-effective due to material efficiency, such as:
- 40′ x 40′
- 40′ x 50′
- 50′ x 60′
Your salesperson can help determine the most economical design for your needs.
22. What colors are available?
Our metal panel suppliers offer approximately 10 standard colors.
Your salesperson will provide current color selections during your consultation.
23. Can I add a lean-to?
Absolutely.
Lean-tos are a popular addition for:
- Equipment storage
- RV parking
- Hay storage
- Covered work areas
- Animal shelters
24. Can I add a mezzanine?
Yes.
Mezzanines can be incorporated into the building design.
They should be planned before construction so the structure can be engineered properly.
25. Can I install windows later?
Yes, but it is usually much more expensive.
Installing doors and windows during initial construction allows proper framing and flashing.
Adding them later typically requires:
- Cutting completed panels
- Additional framing
- Additional trim work
- More labor
In many cases, adding openings later can cost nearly twice what it would have during original construction.
Doors
26. Roll-up doors vs. sectional overhead doors?
Both have advantages.
Roll-Up Doors
Advantages:
- Lower initial cost
- Compact design
- Good for basic storage applications
Limitations:
- More difficult to insulate
- Limited opener options
- More service-related issues over time
Sectional Overhead Doors
Advantages:
- Residential appearance
- Better insulation options
- Easier opener installation
- Longer service life
- More customization options
For most customers, we recommend insulated sectional doors with metal back panels for durability and long-term performance.
Insulation
27. What is the best insulation for Arizona?
The answer depends on your goals.
Fiberglass Insulation
Advantages:
- Lower upfront cost
- Good for condensation control
- Basic temperature improvement
Limitations:
- Can lose effectiveness over time
- Does not seal air movement
Closed Cell Spray Foam
Advantages:
- Provides moisture barrier
- Maintains R-value over time
- Adds structural rigidity
- Excellent temperature control
Limitations:
- Higher initial investment
- More difficult to replace damaged panels afterward
For customers wanting long-term temperature and moisture control, closed-cell foam is usually the best option.
Construction Questions
28. What equipment is needed?
Most projects can be completed using:
- Reach lift
- Scissor lifts
- Small support equipment
29. Do you need a crane?
Most projects do not require a crane.
Equipment requirements depend on:
- Building height
- Location
- Site access
- Building complexity
30. How many workers will be on site?
Our erection crews typically include:
- Lead installer
- 2–4 trained installers
Crew size may vary depending on project requirements.
31. What happens if it rains?
Weather can affect construction schedules.
Examples:
Wind:
- Prevents safe roof and siding installation
Rain:
- Can make job sites unsafe
- Can affect equipment operation
HDBB monitors weather conditions and works to minimize delays whenever possible.
Warranty Questions
32. What warranties are included?
High Desert Buildings & Barns provide:
Workmanship Warranty
- One (1) year from installation date
Structural Steel Warranty
- Twenty (20) year limited rust-through warranty on red iron framing
Metal Panel Warranty
- Ten (10) year limited warranty on metal sheeting
Warranty coverage applies to work performed by HDBB or authorized subcontractors.
Customer-performed work or third-party construction may affect warranty coverage.