By Keen's Buildings • Metal Buildings • Metal Sheds • Metal Storage Buildings • Storage Barn • Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds 0 Comments

Storage solutions: Should you rent or buy?

It doesn’t take much to acquire a lot of things before you’ll need a storage solution. Over the years, between all the gifts, tools, and just day to day living we acquire many things. However, as our belongings increase our ability to store it more or less stays the same. That is, unless we take matters into our own hands. If you have an attic, garage, or basement that is overflowing then it’s time to consider another storage option. There are many alternatives at your disposal.  But one looming question remains. How do you know whether you should rent or buy a storage unit? That is the question we have set out to answer.

Rent

Rent is good as a temporary solution but it’s a far cry from an optimal solution in the long term. If you are trying to move, then a rented area may be best, but honestly, there are more downsides to renting. Firstly, rented storage units are often very expensive. Renting storage may cost anywhere from $150 to $250 per month or more (and that depends on a variety of factors, such as the storage location, amount of storage space, and the company). You also will not be able to access your belongings outside of business hours or keep an eye on your belongings.

Buy

Purchasing a storage unit offers more convenience.  You only have to make a one-time payment for the storage solution. If it is on your property, you can also keep an eye on it. You don’t need to worry about waiting for certain times to access your property. Additionally, if you are having the storage solution built, you can request to have it constructed to your specifications.

If you are looking for the perfect storage solution, call Keen’s buildings today. We offer high-quality metal constructions that are completely customizable.

 

By Metal Buildings • Steel Buildings • Steel Garage • Storage Barn • Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds 0 Comments

Keen’s Buildings – Steel Buildings: The Eco-Friendly Option

Going green has increased in popularity over the past few years as more and more people grow environmentally aware. Currently, our way of life is not sustainable, but if we all pitch in and do our part to help the environment, we can make a tremendous difference. Opting for a steel building as opposed to a metal one can go a long way in helping the environment.

Recycled material

Metal buildings are often made out of recycled metals making them a significantly reusable resource. Additionally, recycled metal won’t decrease in strength or possible uses like other materials.

Product emissions

Metal does not result in the same amount of emissions as when working with other materials. Steel production plants produce little waste, and some penalties are so efficient that they don’t produce any carbon dioxide, the water used in the production and manufacturing of steel is recycled.

Energy efficient

The energy used to heat and cool a typical building often accounts for about half of the total energy. With a steel building, good insulation, insulated panels, and a reflected roof, you can dramatically cut your expenses. The cost of making your steel building as efficient as possible will pay for itself.

Durable

Metal buildings will last a long time and require little to keep up and maintain. While easily overlooked, the durability of a building is an essential aspect of going green. Unlike wood, steel is naturally pest and fire resistant meaning that a lot less can damage it. A mishap that can completely annihilate a wooden building may not even phase a steel building.  Treated wood may be more resistant to pests, fire and water damage. However, the chemicals used to treat wood can pose health risks, this is particularly true for animals who may be interacting with the wood.

Steel buildings are an excellent investment, not just because it’s beneficial for the environment, but for your wallet, as well. If you need help deciding which building will work best for you or want to consider more options, call Keen’s Buildings today! We would love to hear from you!

 

By Metal Buildings • Storage Barn 0 Comments

Keen’s Buildings Metal Barns: Keep your Barn, Fodder, and Animals Safe

Hay and other fodder are essential for keeping livestock, but having a high quantity of feed in a single area can present problems. If exposed to water hay can quickly rot, it can also present a tremendous fire hazard if exposed to even the smallest of embers. Both of these can completely render your fodder useless, however, with a steel building you can keep your fodder dry and safe until you need it.

You’ll also want to keep your livestock safe from the weather and other hazardous conditions. If not adequately sheltered your animals can get sick. Some buildings can pose health and safety risks to your livestock. Lose panels and exposed sharp edges can lead to injury and even infections in animals. If your steel slides then panels may come to lose, posing potential health and safety risks to your animals, and potentially compromise your fodder.

Here are a couple of other things to consider that will help you keep your fodder and animals safe no matter the season.

Roof panels

Be sure that your steel roof panels are securely in place so that they will be able to withstand strong winds. Strong winds can cause debris and other materials to become airborne and potentially injure your animals and life stock. With Keen’s Buildings, you can rest assured that your metal building will be of the highest quality.

The interior

With so many barn styles and options to consider, it can be difficult to select one, however, no matter what you choose, you should keep these tips in mind. One thing that should be used to govern the style of your barn you choose is what you intend to use it for. A horse barn, for example, usually has a straight aisle down the center, which can be used to drive a truck or other vehicles carrying supplies into the barn to make it easier to load and unload supplies.

The stalls will need to be in a location that is easy to access, to make the cleaning process easier. You’ll also benefit from having your tack room and washing stalls close by as well.

There is a lot to consider when having your steel barn constructed. We at Keen’s Buildings would love to help.  To learn more about our services and products call us today!

 

By Metal Sheds • Sheds • Storage Barn • Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds 0 Comments

Tips to Keep your Shed in Good Condition for the Summer

 

With summer in full swing, you’ll want to be sure that your shed stays in good condition. Here are some things to help keep your shed in running order for the summer.

Outside maintenance

Remove any debris

Between dirt, fallen leaves, and pollen chances are that the outside of your storage shed has gotten dirty. Cleaning the outside of your storage unit can help it last longer as trapped moisture can create mold, moss, and mildew, which can build up over time. Giving your building a good wash can help improve airflow (which will prevent mold from growing). Additionally, cleaning and removing any debris and accumulated leafy can deter critters from hanging around your shed.

Trim grass

Grass or plants touching your shed can make it easier for critters to access your shed. To prevent this, keep bushes, grass, and trees trimmed. Also, if you have any heavy branches over your shed that can potentially break consider cutting the branches away, so it doesn’t fall on your roof in the event of a storm.

Add a fresh coat of paint

Paint can add an extra layer of protection to your building. Wind, shrubbery, and day to day events can damage the pint, so adding another coat will not only help keep your building safe, but it will also add to its aesthetics.

Check the roof

Your roof will take the brunt of the rain and the sun. Sun can lead to moss build up. If you have moss build up, you can remove it with a gentle brush and a detergent. Be sure that the detergent you use is safe for shingles or the type of roofing you have. Check for damages or missing shingles.

Inside maintenance

Check the interior

You may be surprised just how fast outdoor buildings get dirty. Do a thorough job cleaning the inside of your storage shed. Remove all the sheds contents for the best results.

Checks for damage

After you’ve thoroughly cleaned your storage unit take the time to check for any damage. Check the doors, windows, leaks.

Pest control/prevention

If you notice any damage from pests, it’s best to have your shed treated. The risk of pests making a home out of your shed increases, particularly if they need to stay warm in the colder months. Be proactive and have your building treated. Trim and grasses that is touching your shed and remove anything pests may eat.

Inspect your accessories

Be sure also to examine any shelves or other accessories you have in your shed. Check for signs of wear and aging. The last thing you want is to have your property damaged because of a faulty shelf. Look for any compromised wiring, broken outlets or lights that may have burned out.

Organize

When you are replacing all the contents back into your storage unit, take the time to organize the contents of your shed. If anything is broken or damaged replace it. If anything is wet be sure it dries completely before putting it back in your sherd. The leading cause of mold is moisture.

 

 

By Metal Buildings • Steel Buildings • Storage Barn 0 Comments

Why you need a Steel Building if you’re a Farmer

Many buildings explicitly made for agriculture are wooden structures. Wood buildings are significantly more prone to sustaining damage than steel buildings over time; this can cost you considerably.

Wood is prone to swelling and rotting when wet for too long. Wood is also susceptible to molding. If you want your wooden structure to be resistant to water, you’ll need to have it treated.

Why is a wooden barn a bad choice?

Wood is also known for attracting termites and other pests. Termites are especially common in warmer climates, so if you’re living in Florida, you’ll need to keep a lookout. Once an infestation has occurred, it can be incredibly challenging to get rid of them. Within a few months, and an infestation can easily become unmanageable and devastate your structure.

Lastly, wood also far more flammable than metal. This is an important factor if you are living in Florida because of the large frequency of thunderstorms. While fires can occur for a variety of reasons; however, the end result is often catastrophic. Not only will you lose your building but all its contents as well. From farm equipment to livestock, you want to rest assured that all your property is safe.

For these reasons, many farmers are opting to have their agriculture building constructed from metal. Metal buildings are naturally more water, fire, and pest resistant than their wooden equivalent. Additionally, with metal, you can maximize space as metal can bear more weight without the need for support beams.

If you are looking for an eco-friendly and durable alternative to a traditional wood barn, consider building out of steel. Our metal buildings are completely customizable so that you can create an ideal agricultural building for you. Contact Keen’s Buildings to learn more. If you are having any problems financing your metal building, talk to us about our alternative payment options.

 

By Storage Barn • Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds 0 Comments

Living in South Florida and looking for Storage Shed? Read This.

Where do I buy a Storage Shed in South Florida?

With so many people claiming to be and have the best product or services, it’s complicated knowing where to go and whom to trust. This issue exists, even between metal building construction companies. Many metal construction companies build out of sub-par materials, which in the long run can cost you considerably in safety concerns or repair costs. Thankfully, there is Keens Buildings. We take every project very seriously and only provide you with the absolute best in building materials and customer service.

Where do I buy a storage unit?
If you are living in Florida and require a storage unit, you’ve come to the right place. Our expert sales representative will help guide you through the entire process. Simply select the location that is nearest you, fill out an application, and we’ll take care of the rest! We can install your metal building quickly and efficiently on site. Whether you are looking to have your storage shed on your property as a resident, or you are a business or corporation we will gladly meet your unique needs.

Why choose Keen’s Buildings?
All of our metal buildings are completely customizable. Because metal such a versatile material you can even repurpose your metal shed If you want to use it for something else later on. Metal is easy to expand, and you can also add additional rooms relatively quickly. Here at Keen’s Buildings, we pride ourselves in quality. We take care to make each construction to the client’s specifications all while providing longevity and durability to the construction. From carports to metal buildings, each project is handled with the utmost care.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help provide you with your ideal storage shed.

 

By Metal Buildings • Metal Sheds • Metal Storage Buildings • Steel Buildings • Steel Garage • Storage Barn • Storage Sheds 0 Comments

Storage Sheds and Outdoor Sheds in South Florida

Why rent space at a storage facility when you can build your own? It can be tempting to pay a storage facility to house the things you may not have room for. However, it comes with a few risks and undesirable requirements. Firstly, price. Many storage facilities will have you pay a fee (usually monthly or annually) these fees can compound and add up over time. Eventually, you may end up spending the same amount, if not more, renting. When it comes to cost over time buying a storage space is more cost effective. You also can’t easily maintain your property if you are renting a storage unit. lastly, with renting a storage space, you’ll have to travel to reobtain your belongings.

Why should you choose metal?
Steel sheds are fantastic for adding more storage space and no one makes metal buildings like Keen’s Buildings! Our sheds are designed to withstand the harshest weather conditions Florida can throw at you. Additionally, metal comes with a few perks that you won’t find with other materials, such as it being low maintenance and naturally fire and pest resistant!

The benefits of a metal shed go beyond merely being pest and fire resistant. Metal is an eco-friendly option that is easy to transport and takes relatively little time to install. That means you can spend let time worrying about your construction and more time utilizing it! Metal is also easy to recycle and creates significantly less by-product when being repaired and repurposed than other building materials. It is also incredibly durable and has the potential to outlive many other building materials by decades!

Our team is here to help!
We can help you navigate all of your shed needs. Our sheds are customizable, so you can design and create it to fit your unique needs. Call us today for more information!

 

 

By Metal Buildings • Steel Buildings • Storage Barn 0 Comments

Keen’s Building: Calculate the Cost of your Metal Barn

Gazing at your family’s beloved, old, yet classic wooden barn can be a fairly nostalgic feeling until you look at the cost for repairs. It’s difficult to maintain feelings of sentimentality when something is drilling an insurmountable hole in your pocket. Let’s take a look at exactly why metal barns may actually be a better option for both your building and wallet.

 

Why choose metal?

The advantages of building with metal vastly outweigh that of wood in terms of price and longevity.

  • Unlike wood, steel won’t rot
  • Steel is a very durable option being both fire and pest resistant
  • Metal can be recycled and repurposed
  • Steel is eco-friendly

Metal has a ton of advantages and to make matters even better; it doesn’t cost nearly as much to maintain or repair. Take for instance a steel framed building with a metal roof versus a typical asphalt roof. The steel framed building will likely have a warranty that lasts 40-50 years. An asphalt roof will only have a warranty of about 15 years. Beyond that, incurrence companies are typically willing to lower insurance costs of metal buildings thanks largely to metal buildings being so durable.

To have a proper understanding of what will drive the cost of a metal building we need to examine the primary influence of cost fluctuation: design choices, building code costs, and the variable costs. Let’s look at each of these one at a time to see how the cost of your metal building is impacted.

 Variable cost

Variable costs are prices that differ depending on a few things. These prices are often out of your control and can include things like material prices and labor costs. Naturally, variable costs will be a little different depending on the company you choose to have constructed your metal building, as well as the supplier of the raw material.

The first step to pricing any project is to consider the material used. In the case of building with metal, it is not uncommon for the prices to fluctuate depending on the demand. For metal, in particular, you’ll start to notice a drop in the price if your building is over 5,000 square feet. The price will drop again when your building reaches the 10,000 square feet arena.

Another variable cost that you’ll notice is the cost of fuel. Expenses needed to ship the necessary material will likely be factored into your overall costs. This is a necessary expense that will fluctuate greatly depending on your location.

The purchasing power of the construction company will have significant impacts on your building costs. Some companies can get steel at a discount, particularly if they purchase the materials in bulk.

Lastly, there are labor costs. The cost of labor can alter greatly depending on market demand. Still, there will likely not be a great difference in the labor costs for metal versus a steel building.

Building code costs

Building codes are preset costs imposed based on your location. These costs are set by your local, state, or regional government.

As mentioned before, building codes differ depending on your location. Someone living in a coastal region may need their building to withstand higher wind speeds. A person living inland, as such there will be cost differences to accommodate these requirements.

If you live further north your building may need to meet snow load building codes, to withstand the weight of fallen snow. Typically, these buildings are designed to withstand over one hundred pounds per square inch.

In areas prone to earthquakes the building codes differ. These codes are in place for safety purposes, so if you find yourself needing to pay more remember it’s to ensure the safety of your building and your life.

Design costs

These are the costs that you have the most control over. The structural designs you select, and any accessories, ascetics, and decorations you want will impact the cost.

Two major design choices will have a significant impact on your overall building cost. The overall width of your building and the shape of your roof.

The beautiful thing about metal buildings in that you can pretty much build it any length you want provided it fits your budget. However, the width of your building can only be roughly 200 feet (though some people will say 300 feet on the extreme end) before load-bearing walls or columns are required.

The roof shape is another key aspect of the overall price of your metal building. In general, a gabled roof or a straight wall single slope roof will be more expensive than an arched Quonset roof.

Additional costs will depend greatly on the function of your metal building.

Additional metal building prices

As you see the final cost will fluctuate significantly based on a number of both controllable and uncontrollable variables. Talk to your metal building contractors to weigh your portions and.

Keen’s Buildings offers a large variety of styles and building options to accommodate your particular needs. Click the button below to get a quote.

By Metal Buildings • Metal Storage Buildings • Steel Buildings • Storage Barn • Storage Buildings 0 Comments

Keen’s Buildings: Rent to Own Storage

Storage Building Solutions: Rent to own

Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, or even a school a lack of storage space can easily become an issue. Renting a storage building is often expensive as the month to month cost quickly adds up and you’ll have little to show for it, save for a hole in your wallet. Here at Keen’s Building, we’ve got the perfect solution for you!

Purchasing storage space can be difficult. Though ideal to own storage space, the truth is that it’s not always a viable option.  With bills to pay it’s perfectly understandable that purchasing storage space can be low on the list, but luckily there is rent to own. With Rent to own, you can acquire an affordable storage space via monthly payments. Should you decide to, you can purchase the storage space at the end of your rental term.

For some this option can seem suspicious; however, unlike other options, there are not invasive credit checks. There are a plethora of advantages when it comes to rent to own. For example, the one-time deposit, free-delivery, and set up. There are no high construction costs.

If that’s not enough to convince you there is the added bonus of potentially owning the storage space. With a typical storage rental, you pay from month to month without any potential to gain anything at the end. However, for rent to own you not only get time with the storage space to grow accustomed to it, but you can also purchase it at the end!

With our storage spaces, you can choose from a plethora of colors, designs, and styles on both the inside and outside of your storage area. We build according to your specific needs. Whether it’s for a residential area or a commercial one we seek to accommodate you whatever your needs are!

Don’t let storage be a problem! With Keen’s Buildings, you can have the storage space you need without burning a hole in your wallet. The best part is that we can have your rent to own storage space available for you in a short time.

 

By Keen's Buildings • Metal Garages • Metal Sheds • Metal Storage Buildings • Sheds • Steel Garage • Storage Barn • Storage Buildings 0 Comments

Florida and Georgia Metal Buildings for Agriculture

An investment of any sort is an important decision that should be considered carefully. There are a lot of options to weigh. We at Keen’s Buildings understand this and want to make the process for you as easy as possible. That’s why we offer a wide variety of metal building types for you to choose from.

Barns

Barns are the staple of agriculture buildings and have been used for centuries. Wooden barns are quite popular however, they are far from ideal as they are very susceptible to heat and water damage. Unlike wooden buildings, metal buildings do not require a lot of maintenance making metal buildings the friendlier and more economical option.

Garage

Equipment is the life force of any agricultural setting; however, if left in the elements it’s only a matter of time before they become damaged. Housing your equipment, no matter, if it’s gardening tools or heavy machinery, is crucial to ensuring a long lifespan. Rain, wind, and the sun can all severely damage equipment over time. With the low maintenance and high durability of metal, you can rest assured that your steel building will last for a long time, making your initial investment well worth it.

Hay/ fodder storage

If you are keeping livestock, you may find yourself in need of a storage unit for your fodder. It is important to carefully consider how you choose to store your fodder as the storage unit specifications can determine how long your fodder will keep. Damp areas or places that retain a lot of water will cause your fodder to rot quickly making it unusable.

Customize

Create your metal building your way. We have a lot of customizability options for your metal building. From adding extensions to repurposing preexisting space. If you have an idea of the type of structure you want, contact us, and we’ll happily help you sketch out your dream building.