Front view of a warehouse with tarpaulin door, perspective from the side above

Avoid 5 common problems that can occur after buying a lightweight building

Find out how you can improve your construction planning

Anyone interested in a lightweight hall often wonders why such detailed information is required for a meaningful quote when requesting a quotation. Of course, guide prices can be quoted for the construction of a lightweight hall or industrial tent. Nevertheless, there are important points to clarify in advance that can prove to be cost drivers later on.  Below you will find some tips that can improve your construction planning when buying or building a lightweight hall.

 

1. Planning and analysing requirements

A major advantage of modular lightweight buildings is that they can be modified at a later date. This type of hall can be extended at a later date, facades can be changed, gates and doors can be retrofitted and much more. However, the buyer should invest sufficient time in planning and analysing requirements, as every subsequent modification incurs additional assembly and material costs.

Include retrofitting in the planning?

If, for example, the building is initially to be used temporarily for a few years and a change of location is then planned, it may be sensible to take a higher snow load into account now, as the additional costs for this are manageable at the time of purchase. Retrofitting at a later date, on the other hand, is often associated with significantly higher costs. This does not necessarily have to involve snow loads. Retrofitting with photovoltaics, sprinkler systems and the like at a later date should also be considered in advance.

Changing the side height

The same applies to the side height. Even if a low side height is sufficient for the time being, it should be considered whether this is also sufficient for a later, different use of the hall. This is because the costs for a subsequent conversion are also significantly higher here.

Manufacturers provide assistance

During the planning phase in particular, we can provide you with important assistance in determining whether a lightweight hall is optimally designed for your current and future requirements. We always take into account the local and specific requirements of your location and use. In addition to environmental factors such as wind and snow loads, the energy costs for heating, air conditioning, lighting, etc. must also be taken into account. RÖDER offers energy-efficient solutions for every type of hall - customised to your individual requirements.

 

2. Building ground and foundation

The low foundation costs of lightweight halls speak for themselves! The simple use of ground or screw anchors, heavy-duty dowels, strip or point foundations is sufficient to erect this hall system on almost any surface.  Nevertheless, you should carefully consider the planned location before purchasing a hall. In the case of temporary hall solutions, it is often the case that an existing, ready-founded site is used, e.g. car parks or asphalt surfaces, which are not always level.

Levelling out slight slopes

These are often inclined to ensure water drainage or because evenness was not important for the previous use. Lightweight halls can compensate for slight slopes of up to approx. 3 % if they are even. If the slope is greater, the hall supports must be underpinned accordingly to ensure stability. Strip or point foundations are then often the more economical solution, especially as they can also achieve optimum sealing of the façade to the ground.

Soil nail pulling tests avoid later costs

The soil must have the appropriate properties for the use of ground anchors. Many manufacturers therefore offer to carry out soil nail pulling tests. These or corresponding soil surveys show in advance whether installation with ground anchors is possible or whether alternative anchoring methods should be used in order to avoid later costs.

 

3. Authorisation

Planning permission must also be applied for for tent-like lightweight halls if they are no longer classified as "temporary structures" due to their service life. This is generally unproblematic if the lightweight hall fulfils the static requirements for permanent buildings.  There are often different regulations in Germany at regional or state level. . This can lead to delays and additional costs.

Obtain authorisations before starting construction

Find out about local building regulations and authorisation procedures at an early stage. Work with an experienced architect or civil engineer who can help you comply with the regulations. Apply for all necessary permits before starting construction. Reputable manufacturers of lightweight buildings can also provide you with all the necessary information and often offer assistance with the submission of the documents.

 

4. Cost estimates and budget overruns

Many buyers underestimate the costs that can arise in addition to the purchase of a lightweight building, its transport, assembly and foundations for any adjustments that may be necessary later. Budget overruns are then a problem in retrospect.

A site inspection is recommended

For this reason, we try to obtain as much information as possible when requesting a quote. A sales representative should also visit the site in advance in order to incorporate the location, position, subsoil, inclination and other factors into the quotation. Environmental factors can play a role, especially on site, so that the construction and foundations must be adapted accordingly. Some manufacturers of lightweight buildings offer this service of on-site appointments, usually without obligation.

 

5. Heat and insulation

Modular lightweight buildings are also suitable for use as a workplace, as a residential solution or simply as a thermally insulated warehouse for temperature-sensitive goods - even if it is only a temporary installation, the prerequisite is good, modern insulation.

Amortisation possible after one year

With the ECO-Line construction method, for example, it has been possible for the first time to achieve an energy efficiency in modular "flexible" buildings that was previously only reserved for conventional "unchangeable" hall types! The energy efficiency of this construction method has been proven by the engineering firm Von Rekowski und Partner mbH! The EcoLine construction method ensures that a product is not only economical on the day of purchase, but also over the period of use. The additional costs for good insulation, as with the EcoLine design, are amortised after just one year of use.

Careful planning with experts

Before purchasing a lightweight building, it is advisable to obtain comprehensive information about local regulations, consult qualified experts and ensure that your own needs and requirements are adequately taken into account. Careful planning and research can help to avoid these common problems.

We are happy to support you in planning a lightweight building on a greenfield site or in an existing building.

 

 

 

Alexander Christmann

Head of Industry / Industry Solutions


Alexander Christmann, Head of Industry / Industry Solutions.

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