Garage builders? Roanoke/Botetourt

[MaverickH1]

Looking at getting one of the cheap metal buildings on our property in Virginia, just wanted to see if anyone had any experience with some of these companies. They seem like a dime a dozen and at good prices, but I'm worried I'm not seeing all the requirements or there isn't much accountability with some of these companies due to not having any reviews.

It looks like cost for something like a 30'x30'x12' with a lean-to and two 10'x10' doors would be somewhere around $11,000-$16,000 for the building with "FREE DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION!"

Other costs I see are:

- $2000 or so for insulation?
- $4000-$5000 for concrete slab
- Permitting, any engineer drawings that are required?
- Leveling, which I've already done.

If anyone has done these, any recommendations or advice?

Something like this:

 

[MaverickH1]

Bump, hoping for replies.

Anybody have feedback on these types of buildings or the companies that put them up?

I have a lot of projects I need to get started on. An old wooden boat, restoration of a 1982 Chevrolet K20 Suburban into our modern family vehicle, surplus Humvee modifications, etc.

 

[Bobaloo22]

I have one for my RV, got it from Allens in North Carolina. They were very professional and we are very happy with the quality. I still have not mounted a door. Also I would do the concrete and insulation on my own. Just call local guys for those.

 

[cory58]

Happy with my metal garage in Charlotte, NC. Had it for 2 years. Great value for the money if you don't need stick-built or heavy-duty steel. Here is a short list of recommendations based on my experience.

1. DO NOT USE DIAMOND OUTDOORS OF THE CAROLINAS. Not sure if their service area goes up to Roakone, but I cannot express strongly enough how bad my experience was with them.

2. When researching garage/carport companies, be aware that many of them are just resellers. I thought I was buying from Capitol Buildings (Sophia, NC), but they were just reselling Diamond Outdoors buildings. Good resellers will help you throughout the process and add value. Capitol handed me off to Diamond as soon as the deposit check cleared and that's when the problems started.

3. Expect the actual installation date to be months later than the original date you are given.

4. Pay for the engineered plans, even if you don't plan to get a permit. They will come in helpful if you have problems and will help when you contract for the pad (see #5 below).

5. Contract directly for the concrete pad. If you do the turnkey deal with the building company, they will find the cheapest jackleg concrete sub to do the pad. They also have a habit of wanting to charge more than quoted because the site is supposedly not prepped sufficiently.

6. Either plan to insulate the walls and roof after installation or pay for the upgrade with the building. The radiant barrier type installation that comes from the building company is not great, but better than nothing. You will regret not insulating the building.

7. Get insulated doors.

8. Get the largest doors that will fit. My building is 30 wide with 13 walls. Love my 12x12 doors. Not sure if 12x12 doors will fit with 12 walls, but 12 wide by 10 tall would definitely work.

Best of luck. Keep asking questions here. I've learned so much and saved so much money it's unbelievable.

Cory