When people ask, “How long will my steel building take?” they often expect a simple number.
The truth is: the total timeline includes several stages — quoting, engineering, permits, production, delivery, and construction — and each stage impacts the next.
Understanding this timeline helps businesses plan ahead, avoid the spring rush, and choose a start date that fits their schedule.
Below is a clear overview of what to expect at every stage of a typical Kodiak build.
“Sutton Project, completed by Kodiak Metal Buildings.”
Each step has a typical range — and starting earlier always shortens the total project duration.
Stage-by-Stage Breakdown
Every steel building project follows the same core steps, from early planning to final assembly. Below is a stage-by-stage breakdown of what happens at each phase and how it affects your overall timeline.
Typical timeline: 2–7 days
This includes:
- discussing building size, purpose, doors, windows, customizations
- reviewing the intended site
- clarifying snow loads, zoning considerations, or interior needs
- delivering a detailed quote
Quote incudes:
- engineered stamped drawings for permits
- full building package including roof, walls, trims, and framed openings. Additional accessories included if requested.
- Climatic data loads
- price of building you’ve asked for
Starting early avoids bottlenecks that commonly appear in spring when inquiries increase sharply.
Typical timeline:
- Small/Medium Complexity: 3-5 Weeks
- High Complexity: 5+ Weeks
This stage creates the stamped engineering documents required for permits and construction.
Drawings include:
- elevations
- structural specifications
- engineering calculations
- climatic data loads
- door/window placements
The more complex the building (retail storefronts, interior mezzanines, multiple door types), the longer this stage may take.
Timelines can vary depending on your own municipality, check with your local municipally for your own information.
Permitting is often the longest part of the entire process — and the one businesses underestimate the most.
"Permit volumes increase sharply in spring — starting early avoids the backlog.”
Typical timeline: 8-12 weeks (depending on season and complexity)
Once permits are approved and drawings are finalized, your building enters production.
Lead times vary depending on:
- order volume
- steel market timeline
- building complexity
- season (spring/summer are peak months)
Kodiak submits orders promptly, which helps reduce delays.
Typical timeline: 1–2 weeks after production
The building arrives in components, on one or several trucks depending on size.
- Truck scheduling factors include:
- distance
- load size
- rural access considerations
- weather (in winter months)
Customer is responsible for unloading but Kodiak can assist with unloading for an additional fee.
Typical timeline:
- Small garages/shops: 1–3 weeks
- Medium buildings: 3–6 weeks
- Commercial/agricultural: 6–12+ weeks
Construction speed depends on:
- size and complexity
- site prep readiness
- availability of crew
- weather conditions
- interior finishing requirements (retail, offices, etc.)
Kodiak provides building materials engineered for efficient assembly, which helps move this stage along smoothly.
“Steel buildings assemble quickly — especially when planning starts early.”
What Can Speed Up Your Build
To shorten timelines, start these early:
- have a clear building size + purpose
- address zoning questions upfront
- submit permits immediately once drawings are ready
- prepare the site as soon as ground conditions allow
- finalize design decisions early
Businesses that begin in winter typically have their permits approved by early spring — and are able to build sooner.
What Can Slow Down Your Build
Common factors that stretch the total timeline:
- waiting until spring to begin the process
- incomplete permit applications
- municipal backlog
- design changes after drawings are complete
- slow site preparation
- weather disruptions
The easiest way to avoid these delays is to begin planning now while timelines are flexible and engineering queues are shorter.
Final Thoughts
Every steel building is different — but the overall process follows the same rhythm: design, engineering, permits, production, delivery, construction.
The earlier you start, the smoother (and faster) the entire experience becomes.
Ready to plan your build?
Or reach out to our team with your questions — we’re here to guide you through engineering, permits, timelines, and everything in between.
