Economic Value

Design Flexibility

  • Steel is versatile, strong and long-lasting.
  • Steel framing systems can provide long spans and allow large open spaces.
  • Increased flexibility in bay spacing and framing layout, afforded by steel framing systems, maximizes usable floor space for owners and tenants.
  • Steel floor systems can allow entirely new service arrangements to be accommodated within the floor-ceiling depth.
  • Steel cladding and framing systems can facilitate curves and other creative features.
  • Steel roof and wall systems are available in a variety of styles and colors.
  • Steel gives architects the freedom to achieve their most ambitious designs.
  • Steel is used in everything from industrial to iconic structures.
  • Building owners value the flexibility of steel buildings and the benefits they provide.

Construction Cycle Time

  • Steel is typically fabricated off-site, reducing on-site labor, cycle time and construction waste.
  • Shorter construction time results in earlier occupancies and lower financing costs.
  • Steel has a more predictable schedule that can shave months off the total project cycle time.
  • Panelized construction can minimize rain, snow, excessive heat, and other weather delays by offering a more predictable schedule.

Insurance Savings

  • Using cold-formed steel can result in significant cost savings on builders risk insurance. Since cold-formed steel is noncombustible, it reduces the risk of property loss during construction and over the life of the structure.
  • Reduced risk of property loss leads to lower insurance premiums for builders and owners.
  • Savings can be realized on single-family tract, low-rise multi-family, mid-rise commercial and mixed-use structures.
  • Vendor and rate information: Steel Framing Industry Association.