Pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs) offer exceptional value, flexibility, and speed—but successful projects don’t start with steel. They start with smart planning. Whether you’re building a storage facility, warehouse, retail space, or custom commercial structure, knowing what to consider early on can save time, money, and future headaches. At MetalCor Building Systems, we’ve helped numerous customers design and build pre-engineered solutions across Canada. Here’s what you need to know before you break ground.
Understand Your Intended Use (Now and Later)
Before design even begins, think beyond the immediate purpose. Will this be a single-use facility or does it need to accommodate future expansion, leasing, or reconfiguration?
Key questions to ask:
- How much clear span space is required?
- Will interior walls, mezzanines, or partitions be added later?
- Are large overhead doors or loading bays needed?
We recommend outlining all use cases—short and long-term—so your structure can evolve with your business.
Site Conditions & Zoning Requirements
The site is just as important as the structure. Your design must align with:
- Local zoning bylaws
- Setbacks, height restrictions, and lot coverage
- Soil bearing capacity
- Drainage and snow load requirements (especially in Canadian climates)
Before we fabricate anything, MetalCor works with your team to ensure your design meets all applicable codes and is fully engineered for your region.
Foundation Coordination is Critical
PEMBs arrive ready to assemble—but only if the foundation is correctly placed and leveled. Mistakes here can delay the entire project.
You’ll need:
- A certified foundation drawing
- Accurate anchor bolt layouts
- A clear plan for site prep and foundation pouring
Pro tip: Involve your building supplier early in the planning process to ensure all trades are aligned.
Don’t Overlook Insulation and Building Envelope
Thermal efficiency is a major consideration in Canada. Whether you’re going basic MBI, energy saver systems or insulated metal panels, decide upfront how you’ll:
- Control heat loss
- Manage condensation
- Meet code requirements for thermal resistance
MetalCor offers multiple envelope solutions, including metal building insulation, energy saver systems, rockwool, and insulated metal panels. We’ll help you strike the right balance between upfront cost and long-term performance.
Think Through Customization and Add-Ons
Pre-engineered doesn’t mean one-size-fits-all. Your building can be customized with:
- Multiple façade options (metal, masonry, wood-look, IMP)
- Roof pitch and overhangs
- Interior layout flexibility (clearspan vs multi-span, partition walls)
- Windows, canopies, parapet walls, wainscotting
- Mezzanines
Plan your custom features before fabrication—change orders midstream are more costly. To help visualize your project before fabrication, we offer 3D building renders. These previews give you a realistic look at the finished structure (interior & exterior)—allowing you to refine layout, finishes, and features with confidence before final approval.
PEMBs are faster to erect than traditional buildings, but timelines still matter. Know what to expect:
- Design and engineering: 3–5 weeks (dependant on complexity)
- Fabrication: 6–10 weeks (subject to season, scope, size and complexity)
- Delivery and installation: varies by project size
At MetalCor, we can help you sequence your schedule and coordinate with foundation crews, erectors, and third-party trades.
Get Expert Guidance Early
Designing a successful pre-engineered building is about coordination and clarity. When you partner with MetalCor, you get more than a structure—you get a team that understands the details, deadlines, and decisions that make or break a project.
Ready to start your design?
Reach out to our team today for a tailored consultation and a no-obligation quote.
