need advice on a cheap garage solution for my lot

[robert_t_wallace]

I have a 1/2 acre lot in East Texas, I just had cleared. I plan on building a small cabin on, but want to get a garage in place first. I want a 2 car with some work area and was looking at a 24x36 TNT carport that is enclosed with 2 doors. Cost is around $5K. Not sure if these metal buildings using carport structures are any good, but the price is right... Concrete has gotten so expensive that it costs "almost" what the metal building costs. Black Top is not any cheaper. I am not after my dream garage..just something to store my boat and an old car in. I want it relatively secure.. and I want a work area for a shop bench etc.

I saw a garage made out of 2 storage containers and a roof which is creative and almost what I am looking for. The 2 containers are just not enough room or I would do that as it is secure... I will not be up there during the week and possibily not every weekend.

Anyone have any ideas of a cheap way to build a garage or a way to make a cheap foundation?

 

[Old Moparz]

With a wood pole building, you wouldn't have to do the concrete floor at all to build & use it. The floor is poured after the construction, so you could wait until a later date when your budget allows you to do it. The only drawbacks I see are, you'll have a dirt or gravel floor for a while, & that it wouldn't be 100% critter proof. Animals can fit under the walls & doors, not to mention that a gravel or dirt floor can be easily borrowed through. (Human thieves as well.) I suppose you could add a deeper "skirt board" at the base of the wall going further below grade to reduce the chances of borrowing.

 

[JB740i]

fyi--some places won't let you build the garage first...

 

[kbs2244]

Tie it down well for wind protection and you will be OK for storage use.
It will keep out the sun and rain and honest people.
Just don't put anything real valuble in it.

 

[v8garage]

fyi--some places won't let you build the garage first...

Usually, out in the country in Texas you can build pretty much what you want, unless you are in a restricted development.

 

[robert_t_wallace]

This is the country, so I don't think that is a problem..I will check anyway..thanks for the heads up.

 

[robert_t_wallace]

I am wanting to put a boat and a 1966 Mustang that is in pieces...

 

[timgr]

Did you see this one?
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=17&t=510228

A 40' plus a 20' container would give you more storage than the 2 20' containers and roof trusses in the other thread. The 40' containers are said to be cheaper too (less demand).

 

[robert_t_wallace]

Very cool! I saw an earlier post here where a guy put two of these with a car port between them. I am actually thinking about 3 of these...2 short ones and one long one in a U shape with a roof.