How Much Does a 30×40 Metal Building Cost?

Providing temporary solutions no matter the needs of your business, let’s take a look at the cost and pricing information for a 30×40 metal building.

One of the biggest misconceptions that people have about metal buildings is that there is one standard price. They assume that they can ask for a price sheet and pick their future building off a menu of options.

Metal construction doesn’t work this way. If you are a first-time buyer, then it can help to learn about what goes into pricing metal building construction. This way, you can have realistic expectations about the cost of your 30×40 metal building.

30×40 Metal Building Cost Factors

Several factors go into determining the cost of your metal building. First, prices vary depending on where in the country you plan to build. Then, the price will increase based on how complicated of a design you want.

The more windows, doors, and other customizations you choose, the higher the cost. Keep in mind that all of these extras will increase the costs for materials, labor, and permitting.

The next influential factor is the price of steel. If there is a trade war or some unexpected major event, then the price of steel can wildly change.

The final factor to consider is the economies of scale. The larger the building, the cheaper it is to build per foot. You will typically see a noticeable drop around 5,000 square feet and then another good drop at 10,000 square feet.

Portable Office Trailers and Workspace

Let’s start by looking at one of the most common types of portable buildings. A mobile office trailer is meant to be a temporary solution, so most people choose to rent their building. There are lease options for both short and long term rental.

Since the unit is self-contained and doesn’t require a lot of assembly, they are the most cost-effective option available. There is a little labor involved as you need to secure your building to the ground.

Renting one of these trailers will cost you anywhere from $100 to $500. The lower price end will get you a small trailer that is about 8 feet wide and 20 feet long. At the higher cost end, your trailer size is about 24 feet wide and 60 feet wide.

There are extras that you can pay extra for that include climate control, bathrooms, ramps, and skirting.

If you’d rather buy your trailer, you can expect the cost of a few thousand dollars.

Modular Buildings for Larger Requirements

If you need something larger, you should consider a modular office building. Since these buildings are considerably larger, they are usually custom-built, which will increase the cost.

Pricing is done by the square foot because you’re paying for a prefabricated unit that is divided into multiple pieces. This is different from our previous trailer options where you pay one lump sum for the trailer.

If you want a modular building with a wood frame, you can expect to pay anywhere from $45 to $65 per square foot. If you want a steel frame, the cost will be a bit more. You can expect to pay $75 to $95 per square foot.

Your plan to build a 30×40 metal building means that you have 1,200 square feet to pay for. Use this number to estimate the cost of your structure.

If you’d rather rent, you can get a basic, no-frills option for $300 a month. However, this price can climb to $3,000 depending on the extras you choose to add.

There is a third option; you can rent to own your metal building. This will reduce the upfront cost but still allow you to invest in a permanent asset.

Prefabricated Office Buildings

These buildings are similar to the modular offices we just discussed. They are constructed off-site, and then the pieces are connected to each other on-site to create a single building.

Buildings in this category tend to be quite large, and they require a builder to construct them on a concrete slab. They also typically have MEP (Mechanical, Engineering, and Plumbing).

You can expect to pay per square foot for your permanent building. Costs range from $35 to $100. A large scale building can easily cost $200,000 or more for the entire project.

The price of your building will greatly depend on what your final intended use is. If you want a storage facility, then you need fewer add-ons. But if you want a church building or office building, then you will need more customizations.

While it may sound like this is a substantial investment, this is just an upfront cost. Keep in mind that it is still your most cost-effective option because a bulk of the construction is done offsite at a manufacturing facility.

Your completed building will also be energy efficient and will last longer. So your initial investment is still lower than traditional building methods, and your investment will last longer for long-term savings.

How Long Will They Last?

You can expect your prefabricated or modular metal building to last 15 to 20 years. A mobile office trailer will last anywhere from 1 to 5 years. You can make either building last longer by performing proper upkeep and maintenance.

With these kinds of lifespans, you can expect a higher ROI than with traditional building methods.

Get a Quote for Your Metal Building

If you need a 30×40 metal building, the first thing you need to decide is what type of structure will fit your needs. Maybe a temporary trailer will work. Or perhaps you need something more permanent.

Once you decide on your building, you need to consider your extras carefully. If you aren’t careful, your steel building cost can snowball just from the add-ons.

Request a quote today for your new metal building.