The typical cost for a 30×50 metal building with a concrete slab includes the kit, foundation, labor, and basic accessories. Main cost drivers are steel kit price per square foot, slab thickness and reinforcement, local labor rates, and delivery charges. The following estimates use common Midwest to South pricing for a standard commercial or workshop build.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Kit (30×50, steel) | $18,000 | $26,000 | $42,000 | Includes basic frame, siding, and roof |
| Slab (concrete, 4 in thick) | $9,000 | $13,500 | $18,000 | Reinforcement and prep included |
| Labor & Erection | $12,000 | $22,000 | $40,000 | Fabrication,assembly, anchoring |
| Permits & Inspections | $500 | $2,000 | $4,000 | Depends on local codes |
| Delivery & Site Prep | $1,500 | $4,000 | $8,000 | Site access and grading |
| Electrical & Plumbing Rough-In | $2,000 | $5,000 | $12,000 | As needed for shop or garage use |
| Contingency & Misc | $2,000 | $6,000 | $12,000 | Unforeseen costs |
| Total Project | $46,500 | $78,500 | $146,000 | Assumes standard concrete slab and no major site issues |
| Price Per Sq Ft | $311 | $ CSS | $ |
Overview Of Costs
Cost ranges reflect typical market conditions across the U.S. for a 30×50 metal structure with a concrete slab. The total depends on kit quality, thickness of the slab, insulation needs, and optional features such as overhead doors, windows, and interior partitions. Assumptions: region, slab type, and crew hours. The table above shows total project ranges and per unit context where available.
Cost Breakdown
Breakdown emphasizes the major cost buckets to help compare bids. A typical project combines a steel building kit, foundation, labor, and site-related expenses. The following table presents a structured view with a mix of totals and per-unit guides.
| Columns | Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Warranty | Overhead | Contingency | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Kit | $18,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $2,000 | $0 | $0 | $2,000 | $1,200 |
| Slab & Foundation | $9,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1,000 |
| Installation | $0 | $12,000 | $2,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $3,000 | $5,000 | $0 |
| Extras | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $2,000 | $1,000 | $0 |
| Total | $27,000 | $12,000 | $2,000 | $0 | $2,000 | $0 | $5,000 | $9,000 | $1,200 |
What Drives Price
Material quality, foundation scope, and local labor rates most impact final cost. The kit cost depends on gauge steel, panel profiles, and insulation. Foundation cost varies with slab thickness, rebar layout, and soil conditions. Labor rates reflect crew size, equipment needs, and site accessibility. Regional differences can shift total by a meaningful margin.
Regional Price Differences
Pricing varies by region due to labor and material markets. In the Northeast and West Coast, higher labor and regulatory costs often push totals up, while the Southeast and Midwest may run lower on typical installations. Urban sites face delivery and crane access premiums, whereas rural sites may incur longer travel times but simpler logistics.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor is a major portion of the total, especially during erection and finish work. For a 30×50, expect crew sizes from 3 to 6 workers over 5–14 days depending on weather, site access, and optional interior work. Common rates range from $40–$120 per hour per crew, with larger projects closer to the upper end.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs can surprise if not planned for. Examples include site clearing, grading, drainage, snow load or wind code upgrades, interior insulation, and electrical rough-ins beyond basic access. Delivery windows and crane rental may add to logistics costs, as can temporary power or water on site.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate how choices affect price.
Basic Scenario
Specs: standard 30×50 steel kit, 4 in concrete slab, basic doors and no interior finish. Labor hours: 5–7 days. Totals: kit $18,000; slab $9,000; labor $12,000; permits $1,000. Total $46,000–$50,000.
Mid-Range Scenario
Specs: upgraded insulation, two 12 ft doors, basic electrical rough-in, moderate site prep. Labor hours: 8–12 days. Totals: kit $26,000; slab $12,000; labor $18,000; permits $2,000; delivery $3,000. Total $78,000–$95,000.
Premium Scenario
Specs: high-performance walls, multiple windows, full electrical and plumbing rough-ins, interior partitions. Labor hours: 12–20 days. Totals: kit $42,000; slab $18,000; labor $40,000; permits $4,000; delivery $6,000; extras $8,000. Total $118,000–$140,000.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Savings Playbook
Budget tips can trim costs without sacrificing safety or longevity. Compare kit suppliers, negotiate bulk site services, and consider off-season installation windows when demand and crane rates are lower. Batch permit and inspection requests to reduce trips, and plan for modular interior layouts that minimize custom work. Evaluate alternative foundations such as a smaller slab or use of pre-engineered components to save time and money.