[MotoSook]

8K for a 30X30 is probably the minimal framing with a steel skin. Then you have to insulate and sheet the interior. Like you said, extras will load the price. As someone else said, the framing is not ideal for adding insulation using low cost solutions. Unless you insulate the roof/ceiling, it'll be pretty loud during a rain storm too. I'm using 1/2 inch sheating and house wrap. So even without insulation in the parking area, I should have better insulating value than a steel building w/o insulation.

I checked with a local steel building retailer, and the cost for just the basic 20X24 was rediculous. To make a steel build asthetically pleasing is probably rediculous. With wood, you can modify, add and maintain w/ traditional means.

I'm not opposed to steel buildings, but to design one the way I would want (comparable to my wooden building) will cost to much in the long run.

The current enamal coating that is used on steel sheets these days are pretty durable, but overtime, they will fade and flake. I see it all the time in the field. Sure it'll be 20 some years down the road, but vinyl siding is cheap and easily replaced. If you ever have to paint, you'll have to etch the skin before you paint. Siding...it's probably a $1000 job on my garage if I ever need to replace the siding.