Your steel building has served you well. It’s been a reliable base for your business, protecting your inventory, equipment, and operations. But lately, things have gotten cramped. Growth is a wonderful problem to have, but when space becomes a constraint, it is time to consider extending your steel building.
In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why choosing to extend your steel building is beneficial and how Hamilton Steel can help.
Riding the wave of business growth
There are several key indicators that an extension is the next logical step for your steel structure. Perhaps your business is experiencing a surge in demand. Maybe you’ve expanded your product line, necessitating additional storage space.
Or, you might be welcoming new staff members, requiring more office space or a workshop area. Whatever the reason, a lack of space can quickly hamper your progress. Extend your steel building to allow for seamless accommodation of this growth and maintain your momentum.
Navigating local regulations
While planning permission is generally required for steel frame buildings, smaller structures like garages, sheds, and workshops may qualify for permitted development, allowing construction without formal approval. However, these exemptions are subject to specific criteria, including size, location, and intended use.
Even if your project falls within the permitted development guidelines, it’s advisable to consult with a planning officer. They can provide specific guidance tailored to your local regulations and may identify any potential issues that could affect your project.
Many planning departments offer a pre-application service, which allows you to submit a preliminary proposal and receive feedback before submitting a formal application. This can help you identify any potential pitfalls and address them upfront, increasing the likelihood of your application being approved.
If you’re unsure whether you need planning permission for your steel frame building, Hamilton Steel can provide expert advice and guidance. Our team can help you navigate the planning process and ensure that your project complies with all relevant regulations.
Hamilton Steel can help with planning applications
Even if your project falls outside the scope of permitted development, Hamilton Steel can still guide you through the planning permission process. Our experienced team can assist with:
Understanding local regulations: We’ll help you decipher the relevant council policies and ensure your design adheres to all planning requirements.
Preparing applications: We can collaborate with architects and engineers to create a comprehensive application package with detailed plans and drawings.
Liaising with authorities: We can act as a point of contact between you and the local planning department, streamlining communication and ensuring a smooth application process.
The advantages of steel building extensions
Steel is an ideal material for building extensions due to its numerous advantages. Here’s why:
Quick and efficient construction: Steel components are prefabricated in controlled environments, ensuring precision and minimising on-site construction time. This translates to quicker completion, reducing disruption to your business operations and allowing you to enjoy your expanded space sooner.
Minimal foundation requirements: Compared to traditional building materials like concrete, steel requires less extensive foundations. This not only reduces construction costs but also streamlines the project timeline, allowing you to begin construction more quickly.
Better energy efficiency: Modern steel buildings can be designed with energy-saving features such as insulated panels and reflective coatings. These features help to reduce heat loss and gain, resulting in lower heating and cooling costs. This not only contributes to a more sustainable operation but also reduces your overall energy expenditure.
Durability and longevity: Steel structures are known for their durability and longevity. They are resistant to fire, pests, and other elements, ensuring that your extension will remain structurally sound and functional for years to come.
Increased property value: A well-designed and executed steel building extension can significantly increase the value of your property. The additional space and improved functionality can make your building more attractive to potential buyers or tenants.
How Hamilton Steel can help
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when to extend your steel building. However, if you’re facing space constraints that are hindering your business growth, it’s a strong indication that the time for expansion might be now.
With steel’s inherent advantages and Hamilton Steel’s expertise in navigating regulations and planning applications, extending your steel building can be a smooth and rewarding experience, paving the way for a more prosperous future.
Ready to discuss your steel building extension project? Contact Hamilton Steel today.
