9 Questions to Ask Before Building Fabric Structures for Your Business

Buildings are a massive investment for any type of business. Business owners can't afford to be lax with this. From warehouses to other commercial buildings.

And if you're thinking of getting fabric structures, then you need to consider the safety and longevity of a fabric building before you go around putting your money on any fabric manufacturer that claims they're the best.

In business, it's important to take control of what you own, and make sure your investments reap the right benefits that are intended for your business. For this reason, selecting a reliable fabric structure manufacturer is critical if you plan on erecting fabric buildings to hold your consumer goods.

The problem is, there are many fabric structure manufacturers to pick from. One has better advantages than others. And everyone knows that it's not easy knowing and understanding the exact attributes to look for when you're choosing a fabric structure company to take care of your fabric building for you.

Luckily, there are several critical questions you can ask a fabric manufacturing company so you can better understand the level of quality they present, and the legitimacy of their offered services.

Here are 9 critical questions to ask fabric manufacturing companies to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.

#1 Is there a turn-key service?

It's desirable to install structures at shorter production periods. Not to mention the fact that it costs less. But most importantly, ask if there's an option for having several different contractors. They add time and money.

The fabric structure company you pick for your new commercial storage building must have full-service building processes. They need to see through all aspects of you project; from design, right down to installation, and even handling post-service.

These kinds of fabric structure companies are preferable because they can help you maximize savings, facilitate successful building processes, and even offer additional components.

Post-service is also important to ensure that you'll have a team on-hand to check in on you and your new building. This involves fixing minor repairs or re-covering -- especially if the structure becomes damaged.

#2 Can you create custom structures?

There is an increasing business demand and varying environmental factors. That's why you may need fabric structures to configure a particular way that's completely customized to you.

Not every fabric structure company has the same highly-skilled designers, engineers, and detailers to develop structures that match your exact building specifications and requirements.

So make sure you find out whether a fabric building company you're looking into has the expertise, skill, and ingenuity you need to create custom structures like no one else can.

#3 Are there 3rd-party engineers involved?

Unfortunately, there are fabric structure companies that cut corners for faster, easier, and cheaper ways to win your business over. You need to be capable of sniffing these people out. A legitimate fabric structure manufacturer isn't always lowest-priced, and they work with third-party engineers.

Employing and getting third-party engineers on-board give the opportunity to identify issues and provide unbiased reviews of the structure without being heavily influenced by the company's internal processes or demands. That's how you can be sure of the unbiased and legitimate quality.

#4 Do you implement a site-specific review?

One of the best ways to ensure that you receive the most reliable and efficient fabric building services is to have the site of your building location reviewed objectively and thoroughly.

Site-specific reviews look at particular factors like unique wind speed, snow load, and also seismic conditions that are specific to your building site. Afterward, your fabric building will be engineered accordingly.

The fabric structure company you choose to work with should obtain site photos marked with building orientation and location. This way, they can start the process of the review to check up on site conditions that are necessary to the design.

They can also engineer a structure unique to your specifications this way. And if done correctly and superbly, your fabric building may even last more than a decade.

#5 What are some of your material quality practices?

There are some fabric building manufacturers who build their fabric structures with the use of bent web trusses.

But while these bent web trusses are far quicker to install, and sometimes more affordable to fabricate, bent web trusses can't handle the proper coating of protective zinc or hot dip galvanization. Improper welding points mean that the access for the HDG liquid won't be able to penetrate and coat the inside truss.

That means weak points in both the steel and the truss. As time goes by, the bent web trusses in the structure are more likely to weaken and buckle.

Make sure the fabric structure company that you sign on with not only makes use of hot dip galvanization, but also uses open web trusses that aerate the corners of the welds so the protective zinc can penetrate the steel framework.

The results are apparent in stronger and more resilient commercial storage fabric buildings.

#6 How many years have you been in operation?

Experience is a critical factor, and should be considered closely when you're in search of the right engineers to design and build your project.

You need the right company to install it too. Choice suppliers must have positive reviews, and a proven track record of success in other similar projects. Don't hesitate to ask a company about seeing awards or special accolades they've gathered through the years of service.

Make sure to critically review given testimonials as well. And better yet, don't be afraid to ask for the location of a nearby fabric structure they have produced so you can check out the quality of their work with your own eyes.

#7 What's the average price per square foot?

Not everyone is a billionaire -- business owners know that full well. Understandably, financial constraints may keep you from working within a price range that matches your budget. However, do be wary of fabric building companies who market their services at extremely low prices. The cheapest structures aren't always the best.

A reliable fabric building company invests a lot in premium materials to ensure that clients get top-of-the-line quality buildings. Safety and longevity of the structure is paramount, and it's not something we should take lightly.

#8 Do you offer long-term support and post-service options?

Maintenance and repair of fabric buildings are inevitable. And frankly speaking, there's no one better to do it for you than the original fabric building company who installed your structure. So look for a company that has reputable customer service, and is readily available to serve you.

Or even better? You need someone proactive in contacting you to do a quality check after a project has been completed.

#9 Are your fabric structures supported by warranty?

Each service provider promises excellent and long-lasting structures. Of course, you want to work with a legitimate company. So make sure you ask about a company's warranty information.

Reputable fabric structure companies would gladly share the details of their warranty program. They would make sure you understand it too. They would have reasonable programs in place for you, and this shows how dedicated they are to delivering high-quality customer service.