Readiness check

Is your metal building ready to go up safely?

A pre-engineered metal building is a kit that only goes together if the anchor bolts were set right and the frames stay braced until the building is stable. The failures are predictable: bolts off the setting plan, an unbraced frame, leaking panels. Answer for how the job is actually run. The score stays on your device; enter an email only if you want the erection readiness checklist sent over.

1. Were the anchor bolts set to the manufacturer's setting plan and verified before steel arrived?Yes, set to the plan and surveyed before deliverySet, but not checked against the planWe will shim and hope they fit

2. Is the foundation correct (level, elevation, concrete cured) for the frames to land on?Yes, foundation verified level and curedMostly, with some out-of-level piersWe have not checked it

3. Do you have the manufacturer's erection drawings and follow the part-mark system?Yes, erection drawings on site and followedWe have them but improviseNo drawings, we figure it out

4. Do you start from a fully braced bay as the stable reference?Yes, braced bay first, then build off itWe start wherever is convenientNo braced-bay plan

5. Do the frames stay braced (temporary and permanent) before the crane is released?Yes, never release the crane until bracedSometimes we release early to keep movingWe rely on the bolts to hold it

6. Is all the permanent bracing (wind bracing, flange braces) installed per the design?Yes, all bracing in per the drawingsMost of it, some skipped as a nuisanceWe leave out bracing that is in the way

7. Is the steel plumbed and aligned before the sheeting locks it in?Yes, plumbed and aligned, then sheetedRoughly, we sheet and adjustWe sheet as we go

8. Are the panels fastened right (correct screws, closures, sealant) to keep it dry?Yes, proper fasteners, closures, and sealantMostly, some over- or under-driven screwsWe just run screws and move on