Strip malls became popular in the 1950s as more people wanted car-friendly shopping experiences. Today, many businesses require a physical location with good traffic. A strip mall is ideal for retailers, restaurants, and services like hairdressers and coffee shops.

When you think about a strip mall, you may imagine outdoor malls from the past: drab, box-like structures with very little aesthetic appeal. However, modern prefab strip malls have more curb appeal and functionality than others. The difference? More people are choosing steel strip malls.

Steel strip malls offer the versatility, functionality, and durability of steel. Choosing a pre-engineered metal building can help you get the exact specifications you want and unlimited building design options.

Contact the team at Titan Steel Structures to learn why a prefab strip mall is the most cost-effective way to bring your idea to life.

7 Reasons to Choose a Steel Building Strip Mall

Steel building kits provide the most efficient and cost-effective way to erect commercial buildings. Steel buildings offer unmatched durability and versatility, letting people create the exact size and space they need to house retail outlets, restaurants, and more.

Here are seven of the best reasons to choose a prefab strip mall.

1. Lower building costs

Prefabricated steel building kits arrive at the construction site pre-cut, pre-drilled, and ready for assembly. This reduces construction time and waste, allowing smaller teams to construct a shopping center in less time.

2. Lower long-term costs

Steel buildings resist many of the problems associated with traditional construction, including water damage, pests, and fire. Because of these advantages, insurance companies often offer lower rates to insure steel buildings.

Generally, steel buildings require less upkeep and maintenance than wood construction. Unlike wood, steel does not absorb water or harbor mold and mildew. It does not expand, shift, sag, or warp in moist or windy conditions.

Steel stands the test of time in all climates and conditions. A steel strip mall will hold up in any area with less time, money, and upkeep.

3. Quick construction time

When you are planning to build a strip mall, time is money. You don’t want to wait months or years to finish construction while valuable commercial real estate deals are on the line.

Choosing a prefab steel building kit can save you money and time during construction. First, all the materials arrive at the construction site on time, which minimizes construction delays. Second, all the components of the kit are guaranteed to be code-compliant. Finally, all the components are pre-measured, cut, and drilled, which streamlines the construction process.

4. Customizable

A steel building offers unmatched customization options. Regardless of the dimensions of your space, designers, and architects can customize the interior and exterior of your strip mall.

A prefab steel building kit allows you to rearrange or expand the building’s components. As your needs change during planning or construction, you can adapt your building with minimal interruption of construction.

You can also choose customizations that make your strip mall more efficient and pleasant to use. These include creating customized access to loading and parking lots, adding skylights and windows, and adding solar panels or insulation.

5. Energy efficient

Expert manufacturers design pre-engineered steel building kits to reduce gaps around doors and windows, reducing HVAC use. Steel buildings can also support the weight of extra insulation, which reduces energy consumption. Solar panels, vents, and other energy-efficient features can increase a steel building’s usability and eco-friendliness.

6. Unlimited design opportunities

The days of boring, boxy strip malls are over. Today, steel strip malls serve as the perfect canvas for a designer or architect’s ideas. There are so many ways to customize the design of your strip mall, including:

Canopies, purlin extensions, and mansards allow you to change the look and feel of a building easily
Framed openings, stucco facades, masonry, and inset end walls will enable you to customize the appearance of your mall
Sky and wall lights, custom trips, and walk-through doors can enhance both functionality and appearance
Exterior panels in a wide range of colors and finishes let you create serious curb appeal

With a steel building, you do not have to choose between function and beauty. It can give you the attractive exterior, low operating costs, and usable interior space you want in less time.

7. Durability

When you invest in a steel building, you want it to stand the test of time. Investing in a large commercial space like a strip mall means you need your building to last for decades. Steel has unmatched strength and durability. Choosing steel means you will have fewer maintenance and repair costs. Your building will withstand whatever Mother Nature can throw at it. You will worry less and enjoy your investment more if you choose steel.

Get Started With Steel Building Strip Mall Construction

Contact the Titan Steel Structure team today to learn more about the advantages of choosing a steel strip mall or to get a free quote for your project.