Month: March 2025

PEMBs are Cost-effective
PEMBs are the most cost-effective way to maximize your square footage and expand your business. Compared to traditional construction methods, these structures offer unmatched durability, flexibility, and affordability. Whether you need a new facility, an expansion to your current building, or a custom build, PEMBs provide a streamlined and efficient solution that meets your business’s growing needs.

“From design and procurement to supply and erection, we handle it all.”
Jeremy Dicken | FED Vice President

Benefits of Single Source Management

One of the most significant advantages of partnering with FED Design/Builders for your metal building project is our ability to oversee every stage of the process. From design and procurement to supply and erection, we handle it all. This comprehensive approach eliminates delays, miscommunications, and the complications often associated with coordinating multiple parties. Many customers experience these issues when they rely on separate contractors for their steel orders and on-site work, but with FED, everything is managed in-house. As a result, your project stays on track, helping you operationalize your business faster.

Choosing FED as your General Contractor (GC) for your steel structure provides significant advantages. As your GC, we have complete control over the timing and delivery of your steel, eliminating the need for subcontractors and ensuring a smoother, more efficient process. Often, customers hire an architect who designs based on their vision, but without considering the budget or material costs. This can lead to customers paying for designs they can’t afford to build. At FED, we prioritize understanding your budget first and then develop a design that works within it. Our approach saves both time and money for our customers.

Trusted Partnerships That Deliver Results

Our strong industry partnerships play a critical role in delivering high-quality metal buildings. We collaborate with trusted U.S.-based steel providers like Chief Buildings to ensure that every project benefits from the latest advancements in steel construction. As Chris Bayer, Chief Buildings District Manager, states:

“We believe in the power of collaboration and shared values. By teaming up with FED, we’ve created an environment prioritizing collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous growth. The result is successful projects and satisfied customers, leading to mutual success. This strong business relationship is critical for navigating the ever-evolving construction market in Michigan, ensuring we stay ahead of the curve and continue to deliver exceptional results.” – Chief Buildings

Why Choose FED Design/Builders?

• Expertise in PEMB Design & Construction: We understand the unique challenges and benefits of PEMBs, ensuring your project is executed with precision.
• Single-Source Accountability: With FED handling everything from design to completion, there’s no miscommunication between contractors or supply chain delays.
• Strong Supplier Relationships: Our trusted partnerships ensure high-quality materials and competitive pricing.
• Efficiency & Speed: We streamline the process and deliver projects faster by eliminating unnecessary third-party coordination.
• Commitment to Excellence: Our core values, Quality, Integrity, and Customer Service are at the heart of every project we undertake.

Let’s Build Your Future Together

If you’re considering a Pre-Engineered Metal Building for your next project, partner with FED Design/Builders to experience the benefits of a streamlined, cost-effective, and expertly managed construction process. Contact us today to discuss your vision.

At FED Design/Builders, we believe that great construction isn’t just about steel, concrete, and blueprints. It’s about the people who bring projects to life. As we celebrate Women in Construction Week, we want to recognize the incredible women on our team who play a vital role in shaping the success of every project we take on.

The Impact of Women at FED Design/Builders
Women in the construction industry bring expertise, leadership, and dedication to every stage of the process. From financial management to project coordination, marketing to human resources, these professionals ensure that projects stay on budget, operations run smoothly, and client relationships remain strong. At FED, we are proud to have a team of women who drive excellence in commercial construction.

Insights from the Women of FED
In honor of Women in Construction Week, we asked the talented women at FED Design/Builders to share their experiences and insights. Their words highlight the diversity of roles in the industry and the impact they make every day:
Breaking Stereotypes – “Break the stereotypes, be a leader, and be confident. The construction world needs every personality to complete a project.” – Rachael Worpell
Project Development – “The most rewarding part of my job is seeing projects come to life from an idea to a finished building that people use.” – Amanda Lambdin
Building Relationships – “The construction industry is all about relationships. I love being out in the community, sharing our team’s work, and helping businesses find the right building solutions.” – Mallory Soulliere
Financial Stewardship – “Financial management ensures that projects stay on budget, deadlines are met, and resources are used efficiently.” – Sarah Sisco
Employee Growth – “HR is about more than hiring. It is about mentoring employees, helping them grow, and ensuring they have a clear path to success.” – Laura Maveal
Marketing & Communication – “Our marketing efforts inform customers that they don’t need to settle for anything but an exceptional building experience. I also love sharing insights on our team; I think there is a lot of value in our customers knowing who they are working with beyond the surface level.” – Shania Hopkins
Embracing the Industry – “Embrace the unknown and be comfortable with not having all the answers. The construction industry has its own language, and that is perfectly fine. You will learn something new every day.” – Taylor Vasher
Continuous Learning – “Always be ready to learn from someone! Everyone has a different perspective: younger, older, more experienced, or less. The more of those you can store in your ‘databank,’ the more successful you can be.” – Alisha Grove
Recognizing Every Role – “Don’t be discouraged by the title ‘construction.’ There are many pieces to the puzzle that make up and run a construction company. Everyone from the receptionist to the field crew is what makes the construction industry successful.” – Lacy Woodruff
Shaping the Future – “Women belong in construction, and their skills, leadership, and innovation are essential to the industry’s future.” – Rheanon Blair

The Future of Women in Construction
The construction industry is evolving, and more women are stepping into leadership roles, breaking barriers, and redefining what it means to build. At FED Design/Builders, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all team members can thrive. As we celebrate Women in Construction Week, we extend our gratitude to the women who contribute their expertise, passion, and leadership to our projects. Their impact is felt in every building we construct, every client we serve, and every challenge we overcome together.

Are you interested in a career in construction? Whether in project management, administration, finance, marketing, or the field, there’s a place for you in this dynamic and rewarding industry. Join us in shaping the future of commercial construction!

Thank you to the women of FED Design/Builders – your hard work and dedication make all the difference!

Protecting Your Metal Building Through Michigan’s Harsh Conditions

Michigan’s unpredictable winter weather can be tough on commercial metal buildings. With heavy snowfall, sudden thaws, and ice buildup, it’s crucial to take preventative maintenance steps to protect your steel building. Regular upkeep extends the lifespan of your metal structure, prevents costly repairs, and ensures it remains energy-efficient throughout the season. Use this metal building maintenance checklist to keep your facility in top condition during harsh winter months.

Inspect the Roof Regularly
Clear off snow buildup safely using a roof rake or professional service to prevent overloading. If snow removal is necessary, remove approximately half the snow depth in a balanced pattern to prevent structural stress—progress from each end wall toward the center and clear snow from the eave toward the ridge.
Avoid metal shovels or scraping the roof down to the panel’s surface, as this can damage fasteners and lead to roof leaks.
Watch for ice dams along edges and gutters, which can cause leaks and structural damage. Use a rubber mallet to break thick ice, avoiding metal tools that might puncture the roof. Inspect the roof system for unusual deflections in frames, purlins, or joists.
Periodically check roof fasteners to ensure a proper seal and replace any that are missing, stripped, or broken.

Maintain Gutters and Drainage Systems
Keep gutters, downspouts, and roof drains clear to prevent water backup and ice formation.
Ice damming is more likely on the north side of a building and in shaded areas. Consider installing heat tape in gutters and downspouts to reduce ice buildup.
Walk the building exterior and repair any clogged or dislodged downspouts.
Ensure proper water drainage away from the building foundation to prevent erosion and structural issues.

Check Doors and Windows for Proper Sealing
Inspect weather stripping around doors and windows to prevent drafts and moisture infiltration.
Repair or replace damaged seals to maintain energy efficiency and reduce heating costs.
Remove ice buildup around doors to prevent warping or operational issues.

Assess Structural Integrity
Check for new dents, cracks, or shifts in the metal structure caused by ice expansion or heavy snow loads.
Tighten loose fasteners and bolts, as extreme temperature fluctuations can cause them to loosen over time.
Inspect metal flashing and sheeting lap joints to ensure a proper seal and prevent leaks.
Make sure all support beams and framing are in good condition.
Remove salt accumulation on base trims to prevent corrosion and rusting.

Prevent Condensation and Moisture Issues
Ensure insulation is in good shape to reduce condensation buildup inside the building.
Use dehumidifiers or proper ventilation systems to maintain interior moisture control.
Inspect metal surfaces for rust or corrosion and treat them immediately to extend the lifespan of your metal building.
Remove overhanging tree branches, as well as piles of leaves or pine needles, which can trap moisture and accelerate metal corrosion.

Check and Maintain Heating Systems
If your building has a heating system, ensure it’s running efficiently to prevent freezing issues.
Clear any obstructions around vents or exhaust areas to maintain airflow and ventilation.

Plan for Emergency Weather Events
Have a snow removal plan for driveways, entryways, and parking areas to keep the property safe and accessible.
Stock up on salt or sand to maintain non-slip walking surfaces around the building.
Watch for extreme deflections in the roof structure and listen for unusual noises when snow and ice accumulate.
If a roof leak occurs, address it immediately to prevent further damage and water infiltration.

Stay Proactive, Stay Protected
Following these commercial metal building maintenance guidelines, you can protect your steel structure from Michigan’s harsh winter conditions and maximize its longevity. Preventative maintenance saves money on future repairs and ensures your facility remains safe, energy-efficient, and fully operational.

If you need professional assistance with metal building upkeep, roof inspections, or structural repairs, FED Design/Builders is here to help.

Contact us today for expert advice and tailored solutions for your commercial building maintenance needs!