Prefab storage units typically are steel metal structures that provide hundreds or even thousands of extra square footage. You can use them when and where you need extra space. People use prefabricated storage buildings for everything from small residential backyard storage to huge pole barns, airplane hangars and warehouses.

Many people find prefab storage buildings an attractive option because they're cost effective compared to traditional labor-intensive concrete or wood construction. They're also easy to assemble, require little maintenance and are extremely durable.

There are a number of things to consider when looking for pre-fab storage buildings education and training. A few of the things you might want to consider include the following examples:

1. There are many different types of prefab storage buildings available today. It's good to know what's available for both small and large applications.

2. Manufacturers, brokers, contractors and do-it-yourself fans all can play a role in prefab storage units.

3. The prefab storage building industry has its own terminology.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn the types of prefab storage buildings that are available

Prefabricated storage buildings have become extremely popular for a host of reasons. When delving into pre-fab storage buildings education and training, it's good to know their history and the advantages they have over other types of storage options. You should also know basic information before making a big purchase.

I recommend: Bob Moore Construction has informative articles on the background and advantages of prefabricated steel buildings. The article at Buildings Guide offers a wealth of educational information on steel prefab storage units, including designs, finishes, structural requirements and assembly tips.

Understand the options for manufacturing and assembling prefab storage sheds and buildings

Most prefab storage building manufacturers not only design and create storage facilities, but also offer delivery, assembly and other prefab storage building services. Brokers and contractors are available to distribute, sell and erect prefab storage units, as well. There are plenty of options for do-it-yourself fans, too, with prefab storage unit kits being very popular.

I recommend: MetalBuildingComparison.com offers some good-to-know information on prefab building manufacturers, brokers and contractors. Industrial Quick Search offers a directory of prefab building manufacturers from California to Pennsylvania. To learn about do-it-yourself prefab storage sheds, visit Sheds and Storage.

Familiarize yourself with features and terms used in the prefab storage building industry

Most every industry or line of work has its own terminology, and the prefabricated storage building business is no different. It's important to be able to speak the language and to know the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions that arise when people set out to find prefab storage units.

I recommend: Olympia Steel Buildings offers a variety of resources to help you learn more about the features of prefab storage buildings. It provides links for the several of the features to help you learn more. American Steel Manufacturing has an A-to-Z glossary of terms related to prefab steel buildings.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Know that there are many options and accessories for prefab storage units, including bullet-resistant construction and windows, security screens, speaker systems, through-wall drawers, climate control, overhead doors, liner panels, sliding doors and windows, canopies and roof extensions.

Pre-fab storage buildings are a convenient, safe and cost-effective way of storing business items, and are also great to use as office space. Depending on the size of the unit you need, you may or may not want to install it yourself. Installation of prefab storage units is a lot of work, but may be worth the savings when the unit is small.

Pre-fab storage buildings come in almost any shape and size. When a pre-engineered unit will not work for your business needs there are manufacturers available to custom design a unit for you. As you consider the budget you have for a prefab unit and the type of unit you need, keep the following in mind:

1. Assemble prefab storage units yourself to save on cost

2. Have a prefab building engineered to meet your exact specifications

3. Utilize manufacturers and retailers that offer installation services for large and small units

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find prefab storage units that you assemble yourself

A large part of the cost you pay for prefab storage units is the installation. You can save a bundle by installing the units yourself. Most units can be assembled with four people in as few as three days. Tools are not an extra expense because standard tools are used for the assembly.

I recommend: American Steel Span is a manufacturer of pre-engineered metal buildings. Some examples of their pre-fab storage buildings include garages, horse barns and aircraft storage units. The type of prefabricated storage building they sell is one that you construct yourself. Find prefab storage units at Olympia Buildings. Because they are a manufacturer, you save on cost by eliminating the middle man.

Utilize prefab storage building services that offer custom design options

When a pre-engineered prefab storage building will not meet the needs of your business, look to manufacturers that offer custom design options. Whether you plan to use a prefab building for storage purposes only or instead as office space, have a storage building designed to meet your specific needs.

I recommend: Walters Buildings is a manufacturer of prefab storage buildings. Walters Buildings can design storage facilities to meet your exact storage needs. They install the products for you so that they are erected correctly. Cormode and Dickson Construction is another company that custom designs, builds and installs prefab storage units.

Locate prefab storage buildings from services that offer full installation

There are not many prefab storage building manufacturers that offer installation services. Save time and money when you work with a manufacturer that does offer installation. You will not have to worry about installing the units yourself or hiring a contractor to do the work for you.

I recommend: American Steel Buildings offers a huge variety of prefab storage sheds and buildings. Installation fees are included in the quote you receive from this manufacturer. The warranty on American Steel's prefab buildings includes 20 years for paint and rust. Get quotes for prefab buildings and installation quickly from United Steel. Be sure to specify that you want the building installed when you request a quote.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many prefab storage services offer units that can be expanded. Start small, to stay within your budget, then expand as your business grows.

Pre-fab, short for pre-fabricated, storage buildings are metal structures used for storage purposes, such as hangars for aircrafts, garages for other vehicles, or for keeping animals. Prefabricated structures are available in standard sizes and shapes or you can order customized structures to fit your application requirements. Pre-fab storage structures must be easy to assemble, durable and maintenance free.

This guide intends to familiarize you with some of the key terms related to pre-fab storage buildings, such as the galvalume steel, steel framing, insulation, design practices, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and roof fasteners.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Steel framing

Steel framing provides support and necessary strength to the structure of pre-fab buildings. It is the interior structure or base on which the steel is applied.

I recommend: Norsteel Buildings, a supplier of steel building products, provides information about various steel framing options, such as beams, frames and trusses.

Galvalume steel sheets

Galvalume steel sheets are corrosion-resistant sheets used for pre-fab storage buildings. They are coated with aluminum and zinc. This steel is produced by a continuous hot dip process and contains 55% aluminum and 45% zinc.

I recommend: You can get detailed information about galvalume sheets at Steel Roofing, an information resource for architects, contractors and building owners.

Roof fasteners

Roof fasteners are used to join the sheets in a pre-fab storage building. Generally, stainless steel fasteners are preferred as these fasteners are durable and corrosion resistant.

I recommend: STEELBUILDING.COM provides information on various steel building products, including roof fasteners.

Thermal insulation

Thermal insulation protects the building from loss or gain of heat during winter or summer. Insulated roof and wall systems can decrease the heating and cooling expenses for the building.

I recommend: For further information on insulation products and their functions, browse through the website of Ludeman Insulation & Supply.

Design practices

Designing a building depends upon various factors and building codes. Design of a pre-fab building is based on factors including type of application, wind factor, load and probable location.

I recommend: MetalBuildingDepot provides detailed information on design practices for constructing a steel building system.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

LEED is an internationally recognized certification system that measures a building on its performance in saving and recycling energy resources.

I recommend: U.S. Green Building Council provides detailed information about the LEED rating system and factors that influence this rating.