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Old 02-22-19, 09:33 AM   #2
CrankyDoug
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They look good but are rarely cost effective.

I've looked into them a few times over the last 25 years. Cost varies widely by region and many areas don't allow them. Most juristictions require engineering drawings from a licensed PE. Since the primary structure is steel you might even be required to use AWS certified welding services. Construction usually involves a crane at $250-$500 an hour.

The 8 foot width results in high external surface area which is not energy efficient. Steel prices are high right now so the connecting elements are costly. Preparing a rusty and probably leaking container for finish is a lot of work. Sandblasting runs $150+ an hour and you are responsible for containing and desposing of the contaminated sand.

Even if you can build without permits it is probably cheaper to use conventional materials.
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