If you want a straight answer without fluff, here it is: most small to mid size pre engineered steel buildings go up in 1 to 8 weeks once the foundation is ready and the kit is on site. Larger or more complex projects can stretch to 8 to 16 plus weeks. The range depends on design complexity, crew size, weather, inspections, and how smoothly the logistics run. In this guide we will break it down like a real job diary, so you can plan with confidence and avoid the classic time traps.
TLDR
- Shell erection only for a simple 30 x 40 workshop with a ready slab: 1 to 2 weeks
- Mid size warehouse or farm building with insulation and doors: 3 to 6 weeks
- Large or complex buildings with mezzanines, cranes, or heavy MEP: 8 to 16 plus weeks
Those numbers assume a clear site, a ready foundation, materials on hand, and an experienced crew.
First, let us separate two timelines
When people ask how long it takes, they often mix two clocks.
- Project timeline: permits, design approvals, site prep, foundation, utilities, and then erection.
- Erection timeline: from the day steel shows up on site to the day the shell is weather tight.
This article focuses on erection time, but we will note the upstream tasks that can speed it up or slow it down.
Quick reality check by building size and use
Use this table as a starting point. It assumes the foundation is in place, deliveries are complete, and the crew is mobilized.
Table 1 — Typical erection time by size and complexity
| Building type and example size | Scope included in estimate | Typical erection time | What can extend the schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small shop, 30 x 40, single slope | Primary and secondary framing, roof and wall panels, one roll up door | 1 to 2 weeks | Weather, missing parts, inspector availability |
| Medium warehouse, 60 x 100, gable roof | Framing, sheeting, trim, 2 to 4 sectional doors, basic fiberglass insulation | 3 to 6 weeks | Complex openings, higher wind bracing, interior liner panels |
| Agricultural barn, 80 x 150, high eave | Framing, standing seam roof, wall sheeting, large sliding doors | 4 to 8 weeks | Tall lifts, heavy purlins, remote site logistics |
| Distribution box, 120 x 200 with mezzanine | Framing, standing seam, insulated panels, mezzanine and stairs | 8 to 12 plus weeks | Crane rails, fireproofing, phased deliveries |
| Industrial with overhead crane and complex MEP | Full shell, crane runway beams, penetrations for process | 12 to 16 plus weeks | Coordination with trades, special inspections |
What actually determines erection time
Design complexity
Clear span frames go up fast. Additions like mezzanines, parapets, canopy steel, crane runways, or many wall openings add fit up time and more inspections.
Foundation readiness and accuracy
If anchor bolts are out of tolerance, crews stop to slot base plates or fix anchor layouts. Concrete must reach the required strength before you hang serious loads. Many teams plan 7 to 14 days after pour depending on the mix and the engineer.
Crew size and experience
A four person crew with a telehandler can move briskly on a small shop. Larger frames and tall eaves benefit from a second lift and a six to eight person crew. Familiarity with the specific building system saves days.
Equipment on site
Telehandler or crane capacity, man lifts that can actually reach the eave height, and a working scissor lift keep the pace. Undersized equipment is a silent schedule killer.
Weather and daylight
Wind can shut down picks. Rain can delay panel work. Short winter days reduce productive hours unless lights are planned.
Delivery and staging
Phased deliveries are normal on larger jobs. Staging steel near the pick area with clear walkways and tag control prevents hunting for parts and keeps torqueing sequences smooth.
Inspections and other trades
Pre pour, anchor bolt, frame, and final inspections vary by jurisdiction. Door installers, electricians, and plumbers need clean windows in the schedule so you do not stack trades in the same doorway.
The process from drop to dry in
Here is how most jobs flow once steel hits the site. Use the durations as a planning guide, not a promise.
Table 2 — Phase by phase breakdown
| Phase | What happens | Typical duration | Time savers you can control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receiving and staging | Check counts, inspect for damage, lay out bundles and hardware by sequence | 0.5 to 2 days | Color code parts, pre stage fasteners and sealants, keep a clean laydown yard |
| Columns and rafters | Set frames, plumb, line, torque base bolts | 1 to 5 days | Verified anchor layout, correct shims, steady crane access |
| Secondary steel | Girts, purlins, bracing, eave struts | 1 to 6 days | Pre sort by bay, have impact sockets and spare bolts ready |
| Roof install | Insulation or liner, panels, clips or fasteners, ridge cap | 2 to 10 days | Start on leeward side, follow clip spacing, protect panels from foot traffic |
| Wall install and trim | Vapor barrier if needed, panels, corners, base and rake trim | 2 to 8 days | Snap lines, keep trim organized, cut station away from dust |
| Openings and accessories | Walk doors, roll up or sectional doors, windows, louvers | 1 to 5 days | Pre frame openings, confirm rough openings before paneling |
| Punch and seal | Touch up, closers, closures, sealants, final torque checks | 1 to 3 days | Use a shared punch list with photos, walk it daily |
Add the rows that apply to your job and you have a realistic window.
How long does it take end to end including permits and foundation
If you want a big picture view from first sketch to move in, plug your conditions into this quick planner.
Table 3 — High level project timeline including prework
| Stage | Typical range | Notes to keep things moving |
|---|---|---|
| Planning and design approvals | 2 to 8 weeks | Finalize loads, elevations, and openings early to avoid revisions |
| Permits and reviews | 2 to 12 weeks | Varies by city. Pre meets with the building department help |
| Site work and utilities | 1 to 3 weeks | Access, grading, temporary power and water |
| Foundation and anchor bolts | 1 to 3 weeks plus cure time | Schedule inspections early, verify anchor templates |
| Erection of shell | 1 to 16 plus weeks | Driven by size, complexity, crew, and weather |
| Doors, MEP rough in, finishes | 2 to 8 plus weeks | Coordinate penetrations before panel install |
You can overlap some of these if your jurisdiction allows conditional starts and if your team is organized.
Example timelines you can use as a playbook
5,000 square foot shop, inland climate
- Week 0: Foundation cured and anchors verified
- Day 1 to 2: Receive and stage steel
- Day 3 to 5: Set primary frames
- Day 6 to 9: Secondary steel
- Day 10 to 14: Roof and wall panels
- Day 15 to 18: Doors and punch
- Total erection time: about 3 weeks
18,000 square foot warehouse, moderate snow and wind
- Week 0: Foundation ready, inspections cleared
- Week 1: Frames and bracing
- Week 2: Purlins and girts
- Week 3 to 4: Roof with insulation
- Week 5: Walls and trim
- Week 6: Doors, windows, punch
- Total erection time: about 5 to 6 weeks
40,000 square foot industrial with mezzanine and crane
- Week 0: Logistics plan and phased deliveries
- Weeks 1 to 2: Heavy frames, crane runway beams
- Weeks 3 to 5: Secondary steel, decking, mezzanine
- Weeks 6 to 9: Standing seam roof and insulated wall panels
- Weeks 10 to 12: Openings, penetrations, fireproofing coordination
- Total erection time: 10 to 12 plus weeks
How to shave days off the schedule
- Confirm anchor bolts with a template and a total station before steel arrives
- Stage by sequence: first bay closest to the pick, last bay farthest away
- Order a few spare fastener kits to avoid downtime if a box is short
- Have lifts that can reach the eave with margin; do not push the limits
- Plan inspections like milestones and invite the inspector to the site early
- Keep a live punch list with photos shared between GC, erector, and owner
- Protect panels with foam and walking paths to prevent rework from damage
What usually causes delays
- Anchor bolts out of tolerance or the wrong projection
- Wind above lift limits, rain on panel days, or freezing sealants
- Missing door hardware or wrong rough opening sizes
- Equipment breakdowns and fuel delays
- Stacking trades in the same spot without a plan
- Late change orders for openings or mezzanine details
Conclusion
Erection time is not a mystery when you break it into stages. If you plan the site, verify the foundation, size the crew and lifts correctly, and sequence deliveries, a small building can be standing in a couple of weeks and a mid size building in a month or so. For larger or complex work, give the project the breathing room it deserves and track the punch list daily. If you want, I can tailor this timeline to your exact footprint, eave height, roof type, and climate, and I can build a Gantt style calendar you can hand to your team.
Frequently asked questions
Can you erect a steel building in winter?
Yes, with cold weather gear, heaters for sealants, and snow management. Short days and wind risk will slow the pace, so plan extra time.
How much does insulation slow the job?
Single layer fiberglass adds some handling and taping, maybe 10 to 25 percent more time on roof days. Liner panels or double layer systems add more but can improve energy performance and interior look.
Are standing seam roofs slower than through fastened roofs?
Standing seam often takes longer to install because of clips and seaming, but it can save time later because it moves with temperature and needs fewer penetrations.
Do prefab kits really speed things up?
Pre engineered kits reduce field cutting and drilling, which is a big time saver. The biggest gains still come from accurate foundations, smooth deliveries, and an experienced crew.