Building a portable garage

[arrowhead]

So there are these potable pre-built (wood framed, vinyl siding, shingled roof) garages available and I'm thinking of building one for my son (well asking him to build one so I get garage space back and he can take it with him when he moves out).

The 12x20 ones are available but are around $5000 and I know I could build for probably half of that. The only thing is the floor, it has to be strong enough to be moved as an assembly (that way it's only a temporary structure and I don't need a permit) Not sure how to go about building a floor for it. I'm assuming it must have skids and a multilayer structure for strength. Any ideas?

And BTW, not interested in a shipping container or a portable tarp type tent garage

Here's a video of how they are moved.

 

[arrowhead]

Oops, just found this site, gives some details on the skids

http://www.coolsheds.com/shed-moving/

 

[Voi]

The only thing is the floor, it has to be strong enough to be moved as an assembly (that way it's only a temporary structure and I don't need a permit).

For what it is worth, in my area we need a permit to "park" one of these portable garages once they're over 144 square feet. Your area might be different but I thought I should mention it.

Also, the local company that sells these has recently started mentioning the cement board type subfloor their builder uses. I looked it up and it is a subfloor material made by the same company that makes the LP Smart Siding. I've never seen the stuff much less used it but it might be worth looking into.

Otherwise, use Google to search this site for skids and you'll find a lot of great discussion.

 

[readhead]

The garages I sell have four 4x6 skids with 2x6 joists at 12" on center with 5/8" T&G plywood. We have sold some to store tractors and had the builders double sheet the floor.

 

[slowzuki]

Most here have 2x6 floor framing, my friend had his done with 2x8 as a upgrade. Same idea paid 7000$ for a 12x20. I thought it was a bit steep. Nothing was pressure treated. Not a proper door, no loft.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Usually you can have a floor if it rests on skids.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Nice video on how they were moved. Good luck on building you one.

 

[readhead]

Our trailer is 42' and we just winch the building onto the trailer. We can load multiple buildings on the trailer. We also have a " mule" so we don't have to get the trailer where the building goes.

 

[davo727]

Well that shed moving link you listed has stipulations for only 2 skids at a narrow base due to their trailer type, Im thinking if you had a truck parked inside the building if you got a wheel outside of the skids it might break the floor.

Maybe ck some more on transport companies to see if any of them can move a building with 4 skids, 2 of the skids out a little wider to support a vehicle weight inside the building.

 

[davo727]

I would use four 6x6 skids and a lot of steel angle reinforcements and lag bolts or structural screws like these http://www.grkfasteners.com/products/rss/rss

 

[readhead]

The building in the video has four skids. The trailer can't be 12' wide and go down the road. The industry standard has the two center skids at about 66". Believe it or not there is a whole industry for shed trailers and shed transport equipment.

 

[arrowhead]

This is a 14x24 sold at a local retailer. I figure if I simulate the skid spacing, then there must be a local mover than I can hire when the time comes that can accommodate it.

I'm not sure how to get 24' long skids though, splice 16' footers together?

 

[Cyberbear]

Is it possible to fabricate the small structure in sections that can be assembled or disassembled as needed, without requiring the services of a moving company?

 

[readhead]

That is what Tuff-Shed does for their KD buildings. Whenever we come across a customer that has restrictions for getting a complete building to the desired place we recommend Tuff-Shed. Quite a bit more expensive but it gets the job done.

 

[davo727]

Call some real lumber yards ( not home depot) in Albany or near you, should be able to get pressure treated 20 footers, maybe 24 ... maybe special order.

I'm not sure how to get 24' long skids though, splice 16' footers together?