Risks of Buying Non-Canadian Steel Buildings

Steel buildings have become an increasingly popular choice for commercial, industrial, and even residential projects. And with good reason---they’re durable, versatile, and cost-effective. However, when searching for the best deal, many buyers are tempted by the seemingly lower prices of steel buildings sold by U.S. manufacturers.

While the savings may look appealing upfront, sourcing steel buildings from non-Canadian companies often comes with hidden risks and long-term costs that can far outweigh the initial discount. Here’s why choosing local suppliers, like Steel Built Corp., is the safer, smarter choice.

Why Choose a 100% Canadian Manufacturer?

Working with a trusted Canadian supplier offers peace of mind and practical benefits that outweigh any minor savings offered by foreign manufacturers.

• No Hidden Costs: Avoid tariffs, customs fees, and currency exchange surprises.

• Guaranteed Compliance: Canadian-made steel buildings are certified to meet all local regulations, ensuring smooth permitting.

• Stronger Legal Protections: Disputes can be handled in Canadian courts, and warranties are enforceable.

• Local Support: With nearby customer service and access to parts, issues can be quickly resolved.

• Support for Local Economy: By choosing Canadian, you’re contributing to local businesses and job creation.

As a 100% Canadian steel building provider, Steel Built Corp. specializes in commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential steel structures. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Expert Services: From certification to installation, we handle everything, including zoning approvals, custom designs, and free detailed drawings.

• Local Manufacturing: All our products are made in Canada, adhering to strict national codes and standards.

• DIY-Friendly Options: Prefer to build it yourself? We offer steel building kits coupled with full guidance and support.

Take a look at our completed projects [here]{.underline} and see how we’ve helped countless Canadians build with confidence.

So what can happen if you buy a steel building from a non-Canadian manufacturer? Below are some of the key challenges you might face.

Lack of Transparency About Manufacturing

A growing number of companies claim to be Canadian when their manufacturing is actually done in the U.S.---Pennsylvania to be specific. Here’s how to verify the legitimacy of a supplier:

• Look for a Factory: Ask for the physical address and an opportunity to tour the factory.

• Check the HST Number: A legitimate Canadian company should easily provide its HST number.

• Inspect the Contract: Ensure the agreement clearly mentions Canadian regulations and legal recourse.

If a company avoids answering these questions or refuses to provide documentation, it’s a red flag.

Regulatory and Code Compliance Risks

Building regulations and codes in Canada are unique and rigorous, designed to ensure safety and structural integrity. Unfortunately, relying on non-Canadian manufacturers often means facing issues with code compliance.

Certification Gaps

Many U.S. manufacturers are not certified by the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB). Without CWB certification, a building is unlikely to meet the requirements necessary to obtain permits in Canada. For instance, the CWB A660 certification---essential for Canadian building permits---can easily be verified on the Canadian Welding Bureau website. Any reputable supplier should provide this information upfront.

Inspection Requirements

Certain regions in Canada require an onsite inspection by the stamping engineer during the construction of Canadian steel buildings. U.S. engineers generally won’t travel to Canada to complete these inspections, leaving you to deal with potential permit denials and project delays.

High-Pressure Sales Tactics

Beware of U.S. companies that use sales pitches claiming you must place an immediate deposit. A legitimate supplier would always encourage you to seek municipal approval of the building before committing financially.

Risks of Non-Compliance

Purchasing a steel building in Canada that fails to meet Canadian standards can lead to denied building permits, forcing you to make costly adjustments or risk dismantling the building altogether. The possible fallout includes wasted resources, delays, and legal complications.

Unclear Factory Location

Always ask for the factory location of any company. Many U.S.-based companies operate under Canadian-sounding names but are merely middlemen importing products that don’t meet Canadian standards.

Hidden Tariffs, Customs Fees, and Unexpected Costs

A lower sticker price can be deceiving when purchasing a non-Canadian steel building. Importing steel across the border often comes with hidden fees that quickly inflate the overall cost.

Tariffs and Import Duties

Recent trade disputes between the U.S. and Canada have resulted in fluctuating tariffs on steel imports. These added duties can significantly increase the final cost of your residential, industrial, or commercial steel building.

Customs and Brokerage Fees

Cross-border purchases come with customs and brokerage fees, which many buyers don’t expect. Worse, U.S. sellers typically leave these fees to the buyer, further driving up the cost.

Exchange Rate Fluctuations

Even when U.S. companies quote prices for metal buildings in Canadian dollars, they often pass any exchange rate differences onto the buyer, which can lead to unpleasant surprises on your final bill.

Tax Non-Compliance

Some U.S.-based manufacturers may fail to properly collect or remit Canadian taxes, leaving you potentially accountable when the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) reviews the transaction. Always make sure your supplier is incorporated in Canada and has an HST number.

Legal and Warranty Risks

Protecting your investment is crucial and buying from a U.S. manufacturer can limit your legal recourse if something goes wrong.

Warranty Concerns

Enforcing warranties with American companies can be challenging, particularly if there are language barriers or differing legal frameworks. If parts need replacing, you’ll face long waits as items are shipped internationally.

Lack of Legal Protection

Unlike Canadian suppliers, non-Canadian manufacturers are not bound by Canadian law. If a dispute arises, you may have to take legal action in a U.S. jurisdiction, creating additional costs and complications. Ensure any contract explicitly states that disputes will be resolved in Canadian courts. If they can’t commit to this, walk away.

Limited Local Support

U.S. manufacturers often don’t provide local customer service. Without support nearby for your steel frame building, you’ll find yourself struggling to resolve issues when they arise.

Installation and Local Support Risks

Beyond purchasing the pre-engineered steel building, installation is a critical step that can go awry when using non-Canadian manufacturers.

Limited Local Expertise

Most U.S. manufacturers don’t have local installation teams and leave buyers struggling to source installers familiar with assembling their products. It can also be difficult to find a local contractor who specializes in prefab steel buildings.

Lack of Local Parts

When repairs or replacements are needed, waiting for parts from the U.S. can delay projects for weeks or even months. Always ask where parts are sourced and how replacement items are handled.

Secure Your Investment with a Canadian Steel Building

When it comes to steel buildings, price should not be your sole deciding factor. The risks of sourcing from non-Canadian manufacturers can lead to compliance hurdles, hidden costs, and limited support that diminish any initial savings. By choosing a reputable Canadian supplier like Steel Built Corp., you’ll enjoy peace of mind, seamless project execution, and long-term reliability.

Do your due diligence. Request HST numbers, verify certifications, and prioritize quality and compliance over short-term bargains.