How the Right Contractor Makes All the Difference in Pre-Engineered Projects

by David Flaherty | 31 July 2025 1:58 pm

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The more pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs) we construct, the more I realize how different these projects are from traditional commercial builds. Some may look simple from the outside, but coordinating all the moving parts—from manufacturers to structural engineers to civil and architectural design—can be deceptively complex. That’s why choosing the right general contractor (GC) can make or break the experience.

If you’re an owner considering a PEMB, I want to share a few lessons we have learned over the years that can help you choose a general contractor who understands the process and how to make your project as smooth as possible.

1. Look for a contractor who embraces manufacturer engineering

Many PEMB manufacturers offer in-house structural engineering as part of their services. In our experience, taking advantage of that is a smart move. These engineers already know the building systems’ exact reactions and load paths, meaning there is no guesswork.

A local structural engineer, especially one unfamiliar with pre-engineered systems, may overdo it to play it safe, which could lead to added costs or longer project timelines. On top of this, local engineers are often booked out for months ahead. Using metal building manufacturers’ in-house engineering can cut turnaround times in half, as we’ve gotten drawings back in three to four weeks instead of waiting two months or more.

2. Find a GC that can coordinate with all parties involved

One thing that surprises many first-time owners is just how many professionals need to come together to get one of these projects off the ground: The architect, civil engineer, structural engineer, manufacturer, and general contractor all must stay in sync. If there is no GC tying it all together, issues can pile up quickly.

That is a big part of the role—helping everyone communicate and making sure the plans from each party match up. For example, during preconstruction, we often catch things such as structural column lining up right in the middle of a planned window or door. If those mistakes are not caught early, they can create serious complications down the road.

3. Make sure your GC understands ideal use cases, challenges, and personal preferences

PEMBs have come a long way. Sure, they are still used for warehouses and retail spaces, but we also see them pop up as modern “barndominiums”—a few thousand square feet of shop or garage space, paired with a few hundred square feet of personalized living space.

These are especially popular with folks who want flexibility and value: car collectors, hobbyists, even people looking for a pickleball court or workshop attached to their home. From a cost perspective, they typically offer 25 to 30 percent savings over traditional construction.

That said, they come with unique challenges. These buildings are usually slab-on-grade, limiting what can be done on steep lots or basements. And here is the truth: Concrete cracks. Even with a perfect pour, there will be some cracking over time. It is not a defect, just the nature of the material. Aesthetics can also be tricky. There are big steel bump-outs, window wells deeper than standard framing, and unique trim details. It takes a creative builder to finish those interiors in a way that hides the industrial elements while keeping aesthetics in mind—and to the owner’s liking. A good GC will take time to understand how owners intend to use their building and the expectations for spaces where people may live or work.

4. GCs who prioritize collaboration can help cut costs

One of the most valuable things a GC can do is help clarify everyone’s scope before construction starts and facilitate continuous cooperation between the project team.

For example, we can often buy insulation cheaper and faster directly from insulation suppliers than through the building manufacturer. But this only works if the project manager and estimator are on the same page about the plans and have conversations early and often. That is why we have started building in planning time for our internal teams, allowing time to review the scope and make smarter decisions that benefit the client.

Find a problem solver, not just a builder

No matter how good the plans are, something unexpected always comes up. That’s just the nature of construction. A GC who is experienced with pre-engineered projects will know how to pivot, communicate clearly with the owner, and find a solution that does not completely derail the project.

If considering PEMB, I’d encourage finding a contractor who is not only familiar with the format but also embraces its nuances. The right GC will not just build your project; they will help navigate the process from every angle, avoiding pitfalls you might not even see coming.

Nolan Woody, operating partner at Curbed Construction[2], runs all day-to-day operations, oversight, and project management. Before starting Curbed Construction, Nolan gained valuable experience as a senior project manager for dozens of high-value commercial construction projects.

Source URL: https://www.metalconstructionnews.com/articles/contractor-pembs/

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