Below, we present a detailed analysis of both paths, enriched with technical and legal aspects that often elude investors during the planning stage.
The secondary market: apparent savings and real risks
Buying an existing building is tempting above all because of the prospect of starting operations immediately. However, a “second-hand” building often comes with a set of hidden limitations that can block the development of a modern production line.
“Fatigue” of the material and corrosion
Older steel structures, especially those erected in the 1990s or early 2000s, may hide structural defects. Micro-cracks in welded joints or pockets of corrosion under layers of old paint are not just a cosmetic problem, but above all a matter of structural safety and roof load-bearing capacity (important, e.g. when installing photovoltaic systems).
Very poor energy performance
Today's insulation standards (WT 2021) differ drastically from those of years ago. A second-hand building with old sandwich panels or – worse – trapezoidal sheet with mineral wool can generate heating costs up to 40–60% higher. At current energy prices, the difference in loan repayments for a new building is often offset by the savings on heating alone.
Technological and legal limitations
Modern logistics requires space. Old buildings often have closely spaced support columns that prevent forklifts from moving freely or wide production lines from being installed. Documentation can also be a problem: the lack of an archived structural design is the most common obstacle when trying to modernise the building or add offices. Without it, obtaining a permit for alterations is a lengthy and costly process (requiring a survey and expert reports).
Building from scratch: the foundation of your success
A greenfield investment, i.e. building from scratch, allows the building to be perfectly matched to the production process. However, for the process to run smoothly, the investor must take several aspects into account.
Before heavy machinery enters the site, a geotechnical survey is essential. The bearing capacity of the subsoil directly affects the foundation design. In modern steel construction, pad foundations with precise anchor bolt cages are usually used, which saves concrete compared with traditional strip foundations.
Every plot is either covered by a Local Zoning Plan (MPZP) or requires a Planning Decision (WZ). These specify, among other things, the permissible building height, roof geometry and plot coverage ratio. When designing a building from scratch, we can be sure it will be 100% compliant and optimised for fire-safety regulations.
Why does steel beat traditional masonry?
The choice of technology often determines the final project budget. Comparing steel buildings with masonry buildings, we see three key advantages:
- Foundations: Thanks to the lower dead weight of the steel structure, the foundations can be lighter and shallower, which reduces earthworks costs by up to 30%.
- Speed and modularity: Steel buildings structures based on prefabricated components allow the investment to proceed predictably and scalably, with the impact of weather on the construction schedule kept to a minimum.
- Residual value: This aspect is often overlooked. A steel building can be dismantled, moved or sold as a structure. If the company's strategy changes, a masonry building becomes “real estate” that is hard to sell without the plot.
Where do the problems end and MATBUD begin?
We understand that the biggest barrier to building a new building is fear of lengthy procedures and bureaucracy. Drawing on years of experience, we have created a system that makes construction an almost hands-off process for the investor.
Ready-made solutions “from stock”
We have ready-made modular structures made of solid hot-rolled IPE I-beams available directly at our yard. This means the investor doesn't have to wait months for steel to be ordered from the mill.
Fast-track delivery from design to handover
For typical dimensions (column-free width from 6 to 22 m, length up to 120 m), our investment process is fully optimised. Buildings in this width range are available from stock, which significantly speeds up project implementation and allows investors to start operations quickly.
- Help with formalities: We provide technical consultancy and prepare documentation required for obtaining a building permit.
- Schedule: The whole process – from formalities to handover of the finished building – usually takes about 5 months.
- Fast erection: The steel structure erection itself, on prepared foundations, takes our crews just a few working days.
In parallel, we are extending our range with larger buildings 24, 25, 28, 30 and 32 m wide, which we currently build to order and plan to add to our standard range in the near future. If the project requires other parameters, it is also possible to design and build a building with non-standard dimensions, tailored to the investor's needs and the specifics of their business.
A warranty for years
We don't skimp on quality. We use only hot-dip galvanised steel, which allows us to give a 10-year warranty on the corrosion protection. We work with renowned suppliers of sandwich panels, doors and windows, ensuring top-class insulation performance.
A tailor-made investment
The choice between a second-hand and a new building doesn't have to be a compromise between price and quality. Thanks to modern prefabrication methods at MATBUD, building a new, energy-efficient building fully tailored to the investor's needs takes only slightly longer than buying and adapting an old one.
Invest in the future, not renovations. A new building is not just space – it is a tool that should work for your profit, not generate maintenance costs.
Would you like a precise quote for your investment?
Please use the form. You are also welcome to contact our technical department. Our advisors will analyse your needs free of charge, check the local zoning plan (MPZP) requirements and propose the optimal structural solution, combining fast delivery with the highest safety standards.
FAQ
These are prefabricated structural components of a building, already held in the manufacturer's stock, which can quickly be allocated to a specific investment. This reduces the waiting time associated with fabricating a structure from scratch.
Yes. We offer modular steel structures available from stock, designed for self-assembly. We supply a complete set of components with documentation and instructions, so erection can be carried out by a local contractor.
Can a ready-made steel structure be adapted to the investor's needs?
Yes. The available structures can serve as the basis for a building with a specific purpose, e.g. warehousing, production or agriculture. The key is to match the structural parameters to the building's dimensions, location and intended use.
What are the main advantages of a ready-made steel structure?
The biggest benefit is a shorter investment process. The investor does not have to wait for the full fabrication cycle of the steel components, can secure the structure against material price changes earlier and can move on to the next stages of the project sooner.
Who is a ready-made steel building a good solution for?
It is particularly beneficial for companies and farms that need to increase their storage, production or usable space quickly. It works especially well when the start date of the investment is of great business importance.
