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Can I assemble a metal building by myself? (slrpnk.net)

submitted 2 days ago by Jimbabwe@lemmy.world to c/diy@slrpnk.net

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I bought this for pretty cheap at an auction and I don’t even know if there are instructions inside. I’m a pretty handy guy with time and tools and some knowledge. I’ve worked on roofs before and know the basics of many other trades.

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[–] perestroika@slrpnk.net 11 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

I recommend to find some assistance. Even one other person can help immensely at certain points.

I have built a 2-storey shed on a metal frame alone, and it involved highly inconvenient and more than moderately dangerous stages. I would not do it again.

I managed only because I relied heavily on industrial aluminum profiles for machine building (engineer's Lego beams).

[–] 7toed@midwest.social 5 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I stupidly was hanging some ceiling drywall alone recently. I gotta say the ancient Egyptians would have respected my pulley work, more than OSHA for sure. Otherwise it would have been boring.

industrial aluminum profiles

If you don't mind divulging, how does that stack against timber for cost at least for the time?

[–] perestroika@slrpnk.net 2 points 1 day ago

If you don’t mind divulging, how does that stack against timber for cost at least for the time?

It's too expensive but practically indestructible, except in salt water. Unlike wood, it does not offer any favourable thermal properties, so you can only do unheated sheds with it. I came across a pile of it on a bankruptsy auction, which made it possible to afford its use.