Surplus Steel Buildings
Surplus steel buildings do not really exist. Surplus sales are typically a high-pressure sales tactic used to get a buyer to make a quick decision without gathering competitive pricing from a variety of sources. Metal building buyers do not order steel buildings on a 'whim' nor do they typically put down a deposit on a building by mistake. Buyers looking for a steel building generally know what options and features the steel building needs to have in order to fit their needs. With that being said, manufacturers do not manufacture complete steel buildings on speculation; so they are typically not sitting around in some warehouse yard waiting for you to order the 'last one' available.
Be careful if your salesperson mentions a surplus steel building that is currently available at a reduced cost. More importantly, if the building does exist, it may not be appropriately rated for your geographic climate region. Steel buildings are rated for weather loads that they can withstand including snow and wind. These loads for snow and wind can vary dramatically between regions even within the continental United States. A steel building roof (snow) load in Colorado is probably not the same for a Texas steel building. Local building codes also provide for circumstances that may require specialized design and construction features that are not available in a potential surplus steel building.
Surplus Steel Buildings equal Used Steel Buildings
The cold reality is that surplus steel buildings might very well be used steel buildings. In that case, you are now buying a building that has been assembled, disassembled, and soon to be assembled at your location. The purchase of an existing building can certainly provide you with a considerable discount, but it may be frought with issues including leaks that may occur due to the numerous screw holes that have been tapped/used twice. This existing building may not have the size and number of doors you would like or be the color that you would like on your property.
When looking for a steel building and comparing prices be sure that the bids you receive account for taxes and freight. These can be a big surprise when dealing with an unscrupulous steel buildings salesperson. Be sure that any estimate you receive includes applicable taxes and freight costs. Depending upon the complexity of the steel building you are looking for you may require unloading and construction services to be a part of your purchase.
When shopping for a steel building make sure that your needs and requirements are clear before you do any comparison shopping. If you know what you need, a qualified steel building representative can assist you with code requirements, therefore giving you an accurate and safe estimate for your steel building. Never pay for steel building prices. Any reputable steel building company should provide you with a complete estimate without forcing you to pay any money upfront.