Cheap Metal Buildings vs. High Quality Metal Buildings:
- John Kuykendall
- May 27
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
“Why Are Metal building Quotes So Different?”
That is one of the most searched questions people ask before buying a steel carport, RV cover, or metal building — and for good reason!
One company quotes $6,500. Another quotes $11,000 for what looks like the same structure.
Most customers assume somebody is simply “charging too much.”
Usually, that is not the case.
In the metal building industry, the cheapest quote is often cheaper because critical parts of the structure have been downgraded, omitted, or hidden in fine print. And unfortunately, most buyers do not discover those differences until after the first hailstorm, wind event, rust issue, permit problem, or warranty claim.
There are absolutely projects where shopping for the cheapest option makes sense. If you are buying patio furniture, a used car, or insurance policies, price shopping is normal.
But a permanent steel structure attached to your property is different. Find 3 reputable contractors and compare the actual value they bring to the project and make a decision based on how much you trust each one. the real concern here isn't if your getting the cheapest metal building possible. It's if the contractor you are hiring is ripping you off. Take these features into consideration when buying a carport for example.
A carport is only as good as:
the steel thickness
the engineering & design
the anchoring system
the installation quality
the warranty behind it
When someone dramatically undercuts reputable suppliers like Metal America, they are not magically getting the same materials cheaper.
They are usually cutting corners somewhere you cannot immediately see. (Metal America)
The Questions Smart Buyers Ask Before Signing
1. What Gauge Steel Is Actually Being Used?
This is one of the biggest tricks in the industry.
Many low-cost quotes advertise a large structure without clearly explaining the steel gauge used for the frame. Thinner steel costs less. It is also weaker.
According to multiple industry sources, 12-gauge framing is substantially stronger than 14-gauge and is often necessary for higher wind-rated certified structures. (Metal America)
What Many Buyers Miss:
“Standard gauge” is often vague wording
Some companies quietly downgrade framing thickness
Thin tubing may flex, sway, or fail earlier under wind load
Cheap structures often increase leg spacing to reduce steel usage (AA Metal Buildings)
One Reddit discussion even documented a customer discovering the company installed thinner steel than promised in the contract. (Reddit)
2. Is The Building Actually Engineer Certified?
This matters far more than most customers realize.
A non-certified structure may:
fail local permitting
violate wind-load requirements
void insurance claims
become a safety hazard during storms
Lower-end installers sometimes avoid certification because proper engineering adds cost.
Reputable suppliers build around certified wind and snow ratings. Metal America states many of their structures are engineered for 140–170 MPH wind ratings depending on configuration and anchoring. (Metal America)
Cheap uncertified structures may not even qualify for permits in many jurisdictions. (The Carport Co.)
3. What Kind Of Anchoring System Is Included?
Most buyers focus on the roof and walls.
Experienced contractors focus on what is holding the structure to the ground.
Weak anchoring is one of the biggest causes of metal carport failure in storms. (The Carport Co.)
Questions you should always ask:
Are the anchors rated for my soil conditions?
Is the slab engineered correctly?
Are edge clearances correct?
Is the structure certified with those anchors?
A cheap carport with poor anchoring becomes airborne debris in high winds.
4. What Warranty Is Actually In Writing?
Many customers never ask this until something goes wrong.
A quality metal building company should clearly explain:
workmanship warranties
rust-through warranties
wind certifications
panel warranties
paint warranties
Metal America lists:
up to 20-year rust warranties
certified wind ratings
workmanship coverage
manufacturer-backed paint warranties (Metal America)
Some bargain installers disappear after installation.
If the contractor cannot clearly explain the warranty in writing, that is a red flag.
5. Is The Roof Style Designed For Your Climate?
Not all roofs perform equally.
Many low-cost quotes use the cheapest roof system available because it lowers the sticker price.
But roof style dramatically affects:
water runoff
snow shedding
wind resistance
long-term maintenance
Industry guides consistently note that vertical roof systems outperform regular roofs in harsher climates and are often worth the upgrade for long-term durability. (ShelterScore)
Cheap Quote vs. Quality Structure Comparison
Feature | Cheap Carport Quote | Quality Engineered Structure |
Steel Gauge | Often thinner or vague | Clearly specified 12 or 14 gauge |
Wind Certification | Sometimes missing | Engineered and certified |
Anchoring | Minimal or undersized | Site-specific anchoring |
Roof Design | Cheapest roof option | Climate-appropriate system |
Warranty | Limited or unclear | Written manufacturer-backed coverage |
Installation | Lowest-bid crews | Professional certified installers |
Longevity | Short-term savings | Long-term durability |
Permit Compliance | Sometimes fails inspection | Designed for code compliance |
Total Lifetime Cost | Higher after repairs/replacement | Lower over time |
The Real Cost Of Buying Cheap
A cheaper quote may save money upfront.
But customers rarely calculate:
repairs after storms
replacing rusted panels
failed inspections
insurance complications
rebuilding after structural failure
resale impact on the property
One contractor guide summarized it perfectly: the lowest sticker price often becomes the highest long-term cost. (Oregon Carports)
What Reputable Suppliers Do Differently
Companies focused on long-term reputation tend to:
use higher-grade steel
provide certified engineering
offer documented warranties
build to code
properly anchor structures
explain specifications clearly
install with experienced crews
That is why higher-quality suppliers like Metal America generally cost more upfront.
You are not simply paying for metal.
You are paying for:
structural integrity
engineering
compliance
warranty protection
longevity
reduced risk
Final Thoughts
If two quotes are thousands of dollars apart, they are almost never the same building.
The cheapest contractor is not working miracles.
They are usually removing something:
steel thickness
engineering
certification
anchoring
labor quality
warranty protection
installation standards
And unfortunately, those shortcuts are usually hidden in the areas customers do not know to ask about. A quality metal building should protect your vehicles, equipment, and property for decades — not just survive until the installer cashes the check.
