Metal building questions, answered

We recommend designing your building in the 3D Estimator first so you have a working price to apply against. That way your financing application matches the building you actually want, and there are no surprises when the final quote comes back.

Pricing varies by state because freight distance, local labor rates, and the engineering required for regional snow and wind loads all differ. A quote engineered for a low-load, low-freight area will look cheaper than one built to meet your area's codes — but it may not be legal to permit or safe to install where you are.

The 12x20 is our most popular small carport, with pricing that starts around $2,800. It's fully customizable — add a taller roof, longer legs, or partial sides. Pricing is illustrative; call (208) 572-1441 for an accurate, up-to-date quote.

Contact us as soon as possible. We'll do our best to accommodate the change — keep in mind that revisions can affect your timeline and final cost depending on how far along the order is. Call (208) 572-1441 or email sales@embmetalbuildings.com.

Yes — extensively. You choose the size, roof style, colors, and the placement of doors and windows, plus features like insulation, extra framing, and wainscoting. Design it end to end in our 3D builder to see every option and its effect on price.

Standard window sizes are 24x36 and 30x36. Custom sizes are available on request and may add a little lead time. Windows can be placed to suit your layout — just note where you want them when you design or request your quote.

An open carport has a roof and legs but no sides — great for basic cover at the lowest cost. An enclosed carport is effectively a metal garage: it adds walls and doors for full weather protection and security. You can also enclose one, two, or three sides in between.

Yes. A 20x20 or larger building can be set up with a single roll-up door — centered or offset — leaving the rest of the interior open for a workshop, storage, or a future second bay. Just tell us the door count and placement you want.

We provide the shell, structural drawings, and concrete specifications. Interior finishing — electrical, plumbing, insulation finish, and permitting — is handled by you or your local contractors, which keeps you in full control of the interior and its budget.

Yes, but single-slope and lean-to designs are custom-engineered rather than picked from standard options, so they're quoted manually by our engineering team. Email your specs to sales@embmetalbuildings.com or call (208) 572-1441 with your project details.

We don't recommend it. EMB supplies complete building kits — frame and panels engineered to work together — and installs them with professional crews. Mixing in third-party panels compromises the fit, the structural integrity, and your warranty coverage.

Measure the full length and width of the area, then leave clearance around the footprint for installation and future maintenance. For height, think about what goes inside — RVs, lifts, and tall equipment need extra peak height and door clearance. When in doubt, size up.

Pour the slab slightly larger than the building — for example, a 31x41 slab for a 30x40 building. Thickness is typically 4 inches for light loads and 6 inches for heavier loads like RVs or equipment. Always follow your engineered foundation plan and local code.

Yes. A level site is critical for a correct, safe installation and for the long-term stability of the structure. If your ground isn't level, grade it or plan for footings before your install date so the crew can set the building properly.

We recommend letting the installers drill on site. Pre-setting anchor bolts requires extreme precision — even a slight misalignment causes fitting problems on install day. On-site drilling guarantees perfect alignment; pre-setting is possible but may incur additional fees.

Anchor bolt plans are included in your engineered drawing package. If your concrete subcontractor needs them ahead of the pour, have them contact our engineering department with your project name or order number and we'll get the plans over.

Absolutely — we encourage coordination between your foundation team and our engineers. Call the main line at (208) 572-1441 and ask for the engineering department, or for the engineer assigned to your order.

Have them review the engineered foundation plan before the pour. It specifies the anchor bolt placement and the slab thickness for your building's specific loads and your local codes — following it exactly prevents costly rework on install day.

Lead and erection time depends on the size and complexity of the build, but most orders are delivered and installed within roughly 4–8 weeks. We'll give you a clearer timeline for your specific building when you order.

Extra 4-foot bracing is required on buildings 8 feet tall or higher, and on structures in areas with heavy snow or wind loads, for added stability. Your engineered drawings will call out exactly where bracing is needed for your build.

14-gauge framing (2½" x 2½" tube) is lighter and cost-effective for standard builds. 12-gauge framing (2¼" x 2¼" tube) is thicker and stronger, giving greater resistance to wind and snow. If you're in a high-load area or want maximum durability, choose 12-gauge.

A certified building is engineered and stamped to withstand your region's specific wind and snow loads, and tested for seismic, wind, and snow performance. It's often required for permit approval in areas with severe weather — and it's the safer, code-compliant choice everywhere.

Standard wall height reaches up to 20 feet. Taller walls are available on custom projects — tell us your clearance needs and our engineering team will confirm what's possible for your building and site.

Our standard capacity extends to 100 feet wide in a clear-span design. Wider custom structures may be possible — talk to a project manager about your span and load requirements and we'll engineer the right solution.

Yes. We build custom dimensions for residential, agricultural, and commercial needs, and can work around property limitations and setbacks. If a standard size doesn't fit your site or use, we'll engineer one that does.

Every building is backed by a 365-day workmanship warranty on installation and a 20-year rust-through warranty on the steel panels and framing — so you're covered on both the build quality and the long-term integrity of the steel.

Permits are required in many locations and should be obtained before installation to stay compliant. Requirements vary by city and county — check with your local building department early, and we can provide the engineered, certified drawings most jurisdictions ask for.

Business-use buildings may require additional permits or certifications depending on your location and how the building will be used (for example, commercial occupancy or specific fire and access codes). Check with your local authority, and we'll supply the certified engineering to support your application.