What Happens After You Request a Quote from Buildway?

If you’re like most buyers, you’re excited to get started but unsure what happens next. Will someone call you? How long until you receive a price? What should you be doing while you wait? You’ve clicked on the “request a quote” button for a metal building kit but, now what?

At Buildway, we understand how uncertain this stage can feel, especially if you’ve experienced long delays or vague replies from other suppliers. That’s why we’ve built a clear, step-by-step process to guide you from quote request to final delivery.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly what happens next, what to expect at each stage, and how to keep your project on schedule with zero surprises.

Why This Process Matters And How Buildway Does It Better?

Many customers come to us frustrated by prior experiences:

• “I requested a quote and never heard back.”
• “The price I got didn’t include shipping or install costs—huge surprise.”
• “Once I signed the quote, no one told me what was next or how long it would take.”

These are common complaints and they highlight a major problem in the metal building industry: a lack of communication and transparency.

At Buildway, we believe in doing things differently:

• You’ll hear from us within 24–48 hours
• You’ll get a fully itemized, clear quote
• You’ll know your exact next steps including your responsibilities and timeline

Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Initial Review of Your Quote Request (Within 24–48 Hours)

Once you submit your quote request, the process begins right away behind the scenes. Your information is sent directly to our engineering and project coordination teams, who begin evaluating the key details of your build. Our goal at this stage is to ensure we fully understand your project requirements so we can generate an accurate, customized quote. This first review is fast but thorough. Within 24 to 48 business hours, we analyze your request for scope, complexity, and compliance. Here’s what we look for during this initial assessment:

• Building size and layout (width, length, height, doors)
• Intended use (e.g., workshop, garage, commercial storage)
• Location details (for local code compliance and load ratings)
• Site conditions (flat land? remote area? delivery access?)
• Required wind/snow/seismic loads per your location

If all information is present, we move straight to quoting. If something’s missing, we’ll contact you quickly to fill in the gaps.

Why Some Requests Take Longer

Most quotes are turned around in 24–48 hours, but some may take longer if key details are missing. We want to give you accurate pricing, not a rough guess, so we’ll always follow up before moving ahead.

Here are a few common reasons we might need more info:

• Your building site’s ZIP code or county (essential for load specs)
• Door and window placement
• Roof type or pitch
• Interior requirements (e.g., insulation, liner panels)

…we can’t finalize your quote yet.

We’ll reach out directly, often same-day to clarify these missing items so we can move forward.

Step 2: Your Buildway Rep Reaches Out to Finalize Your Specs

Once we’ve reviewed your initial request, the next step is personal: you’ll be contacted by a dedicated Buildway project rep, usually within 1 to 2 business days. This person will be your main point of contact from now through delivery, helping you navigate every step with clarity and confidence. Their first task? Making sure we fully understand how you want your building configured, so your quote reflects exactly what you need, with no missing pieces or surprises down the line.

During this conversation, your rep will walk you through key choices and ask questions to finalize your spec sheet, such as:

• Door and window layout (roll-up doors, man doors, glass, etc.)
• Roof options (gable, single-slope, pitch, color)
• Insulation needs (roof only or full building? R-value targets?)
• Custom features (interior walls, mezzanines, gutters)
• Site-specific delivery considerations (access road width, unloading space)

This step helps prevent:

• Miscommunications
• Missing components in your quote
• Budget surprises later (like forgotten delivery fees or foundation work)

By the end of this stage, your spec sheet will be complete and your building will match your real-world needs.

Step 3: You Receive a Fully Itemized, Transparent Quote

Once your building specs are finalized, we’ll prepare and send your official quote usually within a few days. This is a clear, detailed breakdown of what you’re getting, with no hidden fees or vague line items. Here’s what your Buildway quote will include:

• Total project price, broken down by component
• Engineered drawings (customized for your location and building codes)
• Material list (steel frame, sheeting, trim, accessories)
• Estimated lead time (based on current production queue)
• Shipping costs, clearly separated
• Optional add-ons (windows, insulation, overhangs, etc.)

What sets Buildway quotes apart?

Many suppliers provide bundled estimates with unclear line items, making it hard to see exactly what’s included.

At Buildway, you get line-by-line pricing and product transparency so you can:

• Compare vendors accurately
• Spot missing costs (before they become a surprise)
• Understand exactly what you’re buying

Step 4: You Approve the Quote and Place Your Order

Once you’ve reviewed your quote and everything looks accurate, you’re ready to move forward and this is where your project officially begins to take shape. Your Buildway rep will guide you through the final approval process, ensuring every detail has been double-checked and nothing has been overlooked. This is also your last chance to make changes before we lock in your order for production.

Here’s what happens next:

• You approve the final drawings and quote: Your rep will go over the engineered plans with you to confirm measurements, layout, door/window placements, roof style, and accessories. This ensures your building matches your site and intended use before anything goes to production.
• You submit your deposit: Once approved, you’ll make a deposit to officially reserve your production slot. This also locks in your quoted pricing, protecting you from material cost increases or lead time shifts.
• We finalize your engineer-stamped plans: Our team submits your final specs to our engineering department, where your building drawings are sealed and stamped according to your local building codes (wind, snow, and seismic loads). These stamped drawings are critical for permitting and foundation prep.

At this point, your order moves out of design and into the manufacturing phase, meaning your building is now on the production schedule and things start moving quickly.

Step 5: Manufacturing & Fabrication (3–6 Weeks)

Once your order is approved and your deposit is received, your building officially enters the production phase. This is where your project starts to come to life: piece by piece. Our fabrication team takes your approved plans and begins manufacturing all components of your steel building in a controlled factory environment, ensuring consistency, precision, and quality from start to finish.

Here’s how your kit is built:

• Steel components are carefully cut and punched according to your exact specifications to ensure a perfect fit during assembly.
• Framing sections are fabricated with precision, including all necessary welded connections and structural bracing.
• Main structural supports and reinforcements are assembled, providing the strength and integrity your building needs to meet local load requirements.
• Roof and wall panels are formed and coated with protective finishes to resist corrosion, extend durability, and match your selected aesthetic.
• A final round of quality control inspections is completed to verify that all components meet engineering standards and your project requirements.
• All parts are then labeled, packaged, and staged for shipping, ensuring everything arrives organized and ready for a smooth delivery and installation process.

Why Off-Site Fabrication Makes a Difference

Because your entire building kit is fabricated off-site in a controlled environment, this approach offers several key advantages:

• Construction timelines are significantly faster since all materials arrive pre-cut, pre-punched, and ready for assembly, minimizing on-site prep work.
• Build quality is higher and more consistent, thanks to precision machinery and strict quality control processes not always possible on job sites.
• Weather-related delays are greatly reduced, as the manufacturing process isn’t affected by rain, snow, or other unpredictable site conditions.

This streamlined approach helps ensure your building project stays on schedule and on budget. Most buildings are completed and ready for shipment within 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the size of your structure, customization level, and current production demand.

Step 6: Pre-Shipping, Site Prep & Delivery

About one week before your building is ready to ship, we shift gears into the final prep phase: ensuring everything is organized, packed, and scheduled for a smooth delivery to your site. This stage is critical not just for logistics, but for keeping your installation timeline on track. It also requires some coordination on your end to ensure the site is accessible, safe, and properly equipped for offloading.

What We Do Before Shipping

As your kit nears completion, our logistics and support teams handle several final tasks to prepare for delivery:

• We send you detailed packing lists and part manifests: These documents list every component included in your building kit, allowing you to cross-check everything upon arrival and plan for staging materials.
• We coordinate freight shipping: We work with trusted freight carriers to schedule transport based on your location, accessibility, and preferred delivery window.
• We confirm your site readiness: Our team will check in with you to ensure your foundation is complete (if applicable), your access road is clear, and your unloading plan is in place.
• We assign an estimated delivery window: You’ll receive a specific delivery date range so you can arrange equipment, labor, and storage space in advance.

What Your Delivery Will Include

When your steel building kit is ready, it will be loaded onto a flatbed truck and shipped directly to your site or to the closest accessible drop location if direct access isn’t possible. To ensure a smooth offloading and assembly process, we make sure everything you need arrives clearly labeled, securely packaged, and ready to go.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically included in your delivery:

• Structural steel frames and primary framing members
• Wall and roof panels, cut to size and coated for durability
• Trim packages, fasteners, and weather-sealing materials
• Doors and windows, if included in your order
• Anchor bolts and hardware, properly labeled and grouped
• Printed assembly drawings and erection plans
• Support materials, such as installation guides or contact information for customer service

This comprehensive kit is designed to make the on-site build as smooth and efficient as possible, whether you’re hiring a contractor or managing the project yourself.

What You’ll Need to Unload the Kit

Because Buildway is a supply-only provider, you are responsible for unloading all materials upon delivery. Proper preparation is key to avoiding delays or damage. You’ll need:

• A forklift, telehandler, or crane, depending on the size and weight of your building kit components
  (Smaller buildings may only require a forklift, while larger kits will need more robust equipment.)
• Stable, clear ground near the delivery location for staging and sorting parts safely
• A small crew or sufficient manpower to inspect materials as they’re unloaded, cross-reference the packing list, and notify us of any missing or damaged items

Important Reminder: Delivery trucks typically do not wait. Make sure unloading equipment and personnel are ready on-site when the shipment arrives. If you’re not prepared, re-delivery or storage fees may apply.

This final stage is all about preparation. Once your building is on the ground, you’re ready to move into the installation phase. For a deeper look at every component included in a standard steel building package, explore our detailed breakdown on what exactly comes in a metal building kit?

Real-Time Buildway Timeline: From Quote to Delivery

Note: Timelines can shift due to permits, weather, holidays, or foundation readiness.

Your Responsibilities Before Delivery

Buildway provides the kit but you’re responsible for getting the site ready. Here’s what you need to do:

Site Selection & Prep

• Choose a flat, accessible build site
• Level or grade the land if needed
• Clear debris, trees, or obstacles
• Ensure road access for flatbed/semi-truck

If you want a step-by-step breakdown of how to prepare your land properly, check out our full guide on Metal Building Site Preparation: Everything to Do Before Your Kit Arrives. It covers grading, access requirements, drainage, and everything you need to have ready before your kit shows up.

Foundation Work

• Obtain all required local permits
• Pour concrete slab (per engineer specs)
• Install anchor bolts correctly
• Manage drainage, compaction, and soil prep

Utilities & Logistics

• Arrange site utilities (if needed)
• Confirm access to electrical hookups or water
• Make space for unloading and material storage

Delivery & Unloading

• Have equipment (forklift, crane) ready
• Check and inspect materials immediately
• Report damage or missing parts to Buildway right away

Assembly / Erection

• Hire a licensed erection crew (or DIY if allowed)
• Follow the stamped plans carefully
• Maintain safety protocols and insurance coverage

Buildway’s Transparency Promise

At every stage, we keep you in the loop.

We commit to:

• No hidden costs or fees
• Realistic timelines, clearly communicated
• Human support before, during, and after delivery
• Expert engineering customized to your project

With Buildway, you’re supported, informed, and empowered to get your project done right.

Conclusion

Once you’ve reviewed your quote, approved the plans, and feel confident about the scope of your project, it’s time to take the final step: confirm your spec sheet and lock in your production slot. This step moves your order into our fabrication schedule and officially kicks off the building process. The sooner you confirm, the sooner we can begin manufacturing your custom kit.

Here’s what to do next:

• Carefully review your final quote and engineered drawings: Double-check dimensions, door/window placements, roof style, and included accessories.
•  Confirm your order and submit your deposit: This secures your pricing and reserves your place in the production queue.
• Start preparing your site for delivery: Begin planning for foundation work, site access, offloading equipment, and any required permits.

Need a hand reviewing your specs? We’re here to help. Reach out to your Buildway specialist for a final walkthrough of your plans, quote, or any site prep questions. Want a reference guide? Download our free Quote-to-Delivery Timeline PDF to keep this process handy every step of the way.

Build smarter. Build with clarity. Build with Buildway. Confirm Your Specs & Start Your Project Today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to get a quote after submitting a request to Buildway?

Most Buildway quotes are delivered within 2 to 4 business days, depending on the complexity of your building project and how quickly all necessary specifications are provided.

2. What should be included in a steel building quote from Buildway?

A complete steel building quote from Buildway should include:

• Itemized pricing for each building component
• A detailed parts list
• Engineering and stamping fees
• Estimated lead times for manufacturing and delivery
• Freight and delivery costs
• Optional upgrades (e.g., insulation, windows, doors)

This level of detail ensures full transparency and eliminates hidden costs.

3. What happens after I approve my steel building quote?

After you approve your quote, Buildway finalizes your engineering plans, secures your production slot, and begins fabrication. You’ll also receive guidance on preparing your site and foundation in advance of delivery.

4. How long does it take to receive a steel building after placing an order with Buildway?

Most Buildway steel building kits are delivered within 6 to 8 weeks from the date of order approval. Timelines can vary based on building size, complexity, permitting, and current production demand.

5. What equipment do I need to unload a steel building kit?

To safely unload your building kit, you’ll need:

• A forklift or telehandler with sufficient lift capacity
• Clear, level access for the delivery truck
• Stable ground for staging materials

For larger or heavier kits, a crane may be required. Always review your parts list in advance to ensure you’re properly equipped for unloading.