Why Pay More for a Steel Building?
3 August 2021. By Joshua Wiggins, General Manager
IN BRIEF
An average industrial shed costs around $3,000 to $3,500 per square meter for a complete turnkey installation. Investing in a high-quality structure provides better ROI and long-term value while avoiding future repair costs. Steelcorp offers Australian-made steel buildings with a lifetime structural warranty, featuring hot-dip galvanised steel frames for exceptional durability with minimal maintenance. Building sooner, rather than later, can help mitigate inflation's impact and deliver greater value. Choosing cheaper prefabricated structures may lead to higher maintenance costs, whereas investing in quality gives you more usable space for your business needs.
Why Invest in a Quality Steel Building?
When it comes to an industrial building or warehouse project, it can be tempting to go for the cheaper option upfront. But when investing in a structure designed to stand the test of time, paying a little more for quality is a decision that will pay off in the long run.

We often receive inquiries about the costs of a warehouse or industrial shed, and we’re always upfront about the difference between Steelcorp’s high-quality solutions and those of our competitors. While our pricing may be at the premium end of the market, it reflects the superior value and durability we offer.
Weighing the ROI of a High-Quality Structure
Spending more on a quality structure means better value over time. Opting for the cheapest deal doesn’t always mean the best value—it’s essential to consider the long-term return on investment (ROI). A commercial steel supplier like Steelcorp offers structures that last, minimising future repair costs and maintenance issues.
What Does ROI Look Like in Real Terms?
Consider a farmer storing hay in an inferior shed. If left exposed to the elements, the hay may only last six months, yielding minimal profits. However, if the hay were stored in a steel construction warehouse, it could last twice as long, boosting profits significantly over the course of the year.

While the initial cost might seem higher, investing in a quality industrial shed can quickly pay for itself, especially as it enhances the value of your property. A well-built structure provides more space, better usability, and long-term protection for your business operations.
The Influence of Inflation on Building Costs
“The best time to buy was yesterday. The second-best time is now.”
Delaying the investment in a high-quality steel building means you risk losing value due to inflation. The cost of steel and other raw materials continues to rise, which can impact the cost of construction projects. By building now, you can lock in current prices and avoid the inevitable price increases in the future.
Choosing to work with industrial steel builders now, rather than later, ensures that your structure will continue to deliver value long into the future.
Lifetime vs. Limited Warranties: What’s the Real Difference?
At Steelcorp, we offer a lifetime structural warranty on all our steel buildings, ensuring that, decades from now, we’ll be there to address any issues. Many competitors, however, use cheaper materials like painted steel frames, which may only last 20 years and don’t come with the same long-term commitment.
Lifetime warranties on hot-dip galvanised steel frames provide the peace of mind that your investment will last, avoiding the long-term costs associated with inferior materials.
Are You Really Getting What You Pay For?
Just like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, structures with painted steel frames require constant maintenance due to corrosion, particularly in harsh environments. Steelcorp's industrial steel construction services ensure that your structure is built to last without constant upkeep.
Reducing Long-Term Maintenance and Repair Costs
Although some prefabricated industrial sheds might appear to be a good deal, their low-quality materials often result in significant maintenance costs within just a few years. Corrosion, damage, and deterioration are common in cheaper builds, which can quickly become unsafe or unusable.
A commercial structure built with high-quality materials, like our hot-dip galvanised steel, reduces these ongoing costs and ensures that your structure is functional and safe for years to come.
How Much Does a Commercial Structure Cost?
To give you a sense of pricing, an average warehouse project can cost around $3,000 to $3,500 per square meter for a complete turnkey installation. If you're opting for a structural kit installation, the cost drops significantly, averaging $500 to $700 per square meter.
While these numbers might seem simple, they don’t account for the experience and expertise that Steelcorp brings to every project. We’ve built hundreds of industrial steel buildings across Victoria and NSW, ensuring that each structure meets the highest standards.
Additionally, our steel construction services go beyond just building. We assist with permits, council approvals, and the full design process to ensure a seamless experience from start to finish.
Why Choose Steelcorp for Your Industrial Building?
At Steelcorp, we pride ourselves on offering steel buildings that deliver unmatched durability and quality. Our lifetime warranty covers the hot-dip galvanized steel frames, ensuring long-term protection from rust and corrosion. Our COLORBOND® roofing and Australian-made rainwater components are specifically designed to withstand Australian conditions, providing your building with the protection it needs.

Choosing Steelcorp means you’re not just getting a shed; you’re getting a comprehensive solution that includes expert installation, high-quality materials, and ongoing support.
