Big Box Garage Packages

[Stephen P]

I'm considering purchasing a garage "package" from Menards. I believe other big box outfits market similar systems. Would be grateful to anyone who has has experience building with these. I'm an experienced woodworker but consider myself a rank amateur when it comes to building construction techniques. That said, it looks like it could be a fun project and could save a boatload of money compared to hiring someone to do it soup to nuts.

 

[Scottishross]

Looks a good thing

 

[58Yeoman]

I did a Menard's 28x28 back in '99. They delivered it on the back of a truck, tilted it and it slid off. One truss got broken, they gave me the stuff to fix it (easy). 2x4's didn't go flying when I cut off the metal straps (like my idiot b-i-l at the time said it would). Everything was stacked as it would be needed, so it went well. My brother and at-the-time GF built it in about a week. A couple neighbors pitched in as well on the roofing. I was pleased with it...the wood was straight and not twisted. I really liked the insulated metal door and the coil spring that used a reversible drill to wind it up.

 

[koditten]

I checked prices for my garage package at all the major players. Decided on Lowes because the guy behind the counter really knew his ****. I was even instructed to return my insulation and rebuy it to qualify for rebate/promotion. That call right there saved me 600 bucks.

Working with the pro desks is entirely different from the rest of the store when it involves big box stores.

Kirk

 

[Stephen P]

I did a Menard's 28x28 back in '99. They delivered it on the back of a truck, tilted it and it slid off. One truss got broken, they gave me the stuff to fix it (easy). 2x4's didn't go flying when I cut off the metal straps (like my idiot b-i-l at the time said it would). Everything was stacked as it would be needed, so it went well. My brother and at-the-time GF built it in about a week. A couple neighbors pitched in as well on the roofing. I was pleased with it...the wood was straight and not twisted. I really liked the insulated metal door and the coil spring that used a reversible drill to wind it up.

Thanks much. Did you get much in the way of instructions?

 

[Stephen P]

I checked prices for my garage package at all the major players. Decided on Lowes because the guy behind the counter really knew his ****. I was even instructed to return my insulation and rebuy it to qualify for rebate/promotion. That call right there saved me 600 bucks.

Working with the pro desks is entirely different from the rest of the store when it involves big box stores.

Kirk

Yes, I've seen that as well in terms of the pro desk guys. Very helpful . . . as long as I'm there asking the questions. My concern is what happens when I'm at a loss on the site. What kind of "instruction manual" did you work with?

 

[58Yeoman]

Thanks much. Did you get much in the way of instructions?

Uh...no. I figured out after I'd started that everything was in order, and I totally missed a 1/2" piece of plywood for the header above the entrance door, but I chalked that up to my inexperience. No instructions included, but my brother was good with building stuff...

 

[70Chevy]

I bought mine from the Home Depot...signed up for a Pro Account and got like 10% off or something.
As far as instructions...the guy at the desk drew some sketches on 8-1/2 x 11 paper. More than enough materials. The internet is full of info for building. I had the luxury of having a contractor at the house next door doing some work if I had any questions.
Built my garage for the most part alone in one week working 6-8 hours a day and screwing things up along the way.