Now that your order is placed, one of the most important things you can do is get your job site ready for the installation crew. The good news is that site prep is straightforward, and a little bit of work on your end goes a long way toward making installation day smooth and stress-free. This article walks you through exactly what your site needs to look like before the crew arrives.
Make Sure Your Site Is Level
The installation crew needs a level surface to work with. Your job site should have no more than 3 inches of variation across the area where your building will sit, measured both front to back and side to side. If the ground has dips, slopes, or uneven spots beyond that, you will want to have the site graded before your installation date.
One thing worth knowing is that flat and level are not the same thing. A piece of land can look flat to the eye but still have enough slope to cause problems during installation. An unlevel site can lead to the building leaning, doors not closing properly, and difficulty squaring the frame. To confirm your site is level, use a standard level or run a string line across the area where the building will go.
If the crew arrives and the site is not level or the slab is not correct, they will not be able to install the building. In that case, the crew will leave and a return trip fee will apply once your site is ready. This is avoidable with a little preparation ahead of time, and your customer service rep will check in with you before installation to make sure everything looks good.
If you already mentioned an unlevel site or any obstacles to the Metal America team during the sales process, you can disregard these requirements. Your team already knows what to expect and has planned accordingly.
Clear the Area and Check for Access
Before the crew shows up, make sure the installation area is completely clear of anything that could get in the way. This includes vehicles, equipment, debris, tree branches, fencing, and anything else that might block access to the site or the footprint of your building.
You will also want to make sure there is at least 10 feet of clearance around the perimeter of the building. The installation crew needs this space to operate safely, and if your building requires a lift, that equipment needs room to maneuver. While you are checking the area, look up and around for any overhanging power lines or utility lines that could interfere with the installation. If power lines need to be moved, contact your utility provider ahead of time so that does not hold things up on installation day.
Upload Your Site Photos
Once your site is ready, take a few photos and upload them through the order tracking portal on the Metal America website. You can access the portal anytime by clicking “Track My Order” in the top right corner and entering your 8-digit Order ID.
These photos help the manufacturer confirm that your site meets the requirements and plan for a smooth installation. Your customer service rep will also use them to verify that things look good before scheduling the crew. The sooner you get them uploaded, the better prepared everyone will be when it is time to install.
A Note for Customers Installing on a Concrete Slab
If your building is going on a concrete slab, make sure the slab is poured and fully cured before installation is scheduled. A concrete slab takes about 30 days to fully cure. The pad or slab must be completed before the crew can come out. If you purchased concrete through Metal America, our construction team will coordinate that process with you. If you have questions about concrete or general contracting work, you can reach the construction team directly at (737) 256-6529.
How Long Does Installation Take?
A helpful rule of thumb is roughly 1 hour of labor per $1,000 in total cost. So if your building cost $8,000, you can expect installation to take around 8 hours of on-site work. This is just an estimate, and actual times can vary depending on weather, site conditions, and the complexity of your build. But it gives you a good sense of what to plan for.
Also keep in mind that orders under $25,000 are typically placed on a multiple-installation run. That means the crew may be installing other buildings in your area on the same trip. If a job ahead of yours gets delayed due to weather or other circumstances, your install date may shift slightly. Metal America will call you with as much advance notice as possible if that happens.
You Are Not Doing This Alone
Site prep is one of the few parts of the process where the responsibility falls on you, but that does not mean you are on your own. Your customer service team is here to answer any questions about what your site needs, and they will follow up with you to make sure everything is on track before installation day.
If you are unsure whether your site is ready or you run into any issues during prep, give the customer service team a call at (737) 381-0896, press 2. They are happy to help you figure out exactly what needs to happen so your installation goes as smoothly as possible.