Garage Buying Advice

[Semper Fidelis]

Quick introduction: Retired Marine, Husband, Father of Five Kids.

I have been trying to do my own research for the past week and would like any advice the forum can offer.

1. I'm planning on tearing down an old shed that's falling apart and want to replace it with something big enough for my two Kubotas (1 tractor and 1 zero turn). I'll probably want to use it for other projects in the future. The garage will be about 150 feet from the house.

2. I'm planning on putting in a concrete pad.

3. I had been looking at Elephant Barns based on price but then some of the reviews weren't so good.

4. I found this site: https://www.alansfactoryoutlet.com/contact-us

They have a good reputation and have a choice between what seem to be well built Amish wood kits and steel kits.

I'm leaning toward a 30'x28' enclosed garage with two 8x10 garage doors a couple of windows and a side door. I've priced it all out at about $10K. With a concrete pad that will keep the total cost at about $15-$17K.

I asked a friend about what he had done and he went with custom construction but it looks like that's about twice as much to do something like that.

As much as I like the idea of a custom built building I just can't afford it.

My basic questions are these:

1. Are these steel buildings durable?
2. Anybody have any experience wiring them for electrical?
3. Anything I should be concerned about moving forward with a steel building like this?

I've looked at some other steel building made by Armstrong or General steel but their prices are pretty high and don't include install.

Sorry if I'm rambling but any thoughts are welcome.

 

[d300]

Welcome to the forum!

...not too sure about a 'factory outlet' for steel buildings.....
Are you unable to erect a building yourself? If you are only storing equipment then something basic may save you some money but total cost at $17k may be tough. Concrete gets expensive and can be anywhere between $5 and $10/sf and foundation prep adds to it.
Take a look at http://www.steelmasterusa.com/ for steel arch buildings. They are easy to erect and can be had in multiple variations.

 

[Walter_TA]

I used Simpson steel building. They are good people. They only sell kits, not to hard to erect. I build a 30 x 40 x12. It was built for a lift. How tall do you need? Dirt work and concrete will add up.

 

[Falcon67]

You don't list a location, but for some comparison here is a company with a good rep in these parts - some prices on their standard layouts.

http://www.muellerinc.com/steel-buildings/building-types/standard-series

 

[Semper Fidelis]

You don't list a location, but for some comparison here is a company with a good rep in these parts - some prices on their standard layouts.

http://www.muellerinc.com/steel-buildings/building-types/standard-series

I'm in Northern VA.

 

[Semper Fidelis]

Welcome to the forum!

...not too sure about a 'factory outlet' for steel buildings.....
Are you unable to erect a building yourself? If you are only storing equipment then something basic may save you some money but total cost at $17k may be tough. Concrete gets expensive and can be anywhere between $5 and $10/sf and foundation prep adds to it.
Take a look at http://www.steelmasterusa.com/ for steel arch buildings. They are easy to erect and can be had in multiple variations.

I should have noted that they sell the Carolina Carprts brand and do the install work.

I've got a concrete guy who's quoted approximately $7/square foot. The ground is already level in the area. I'm figuring concrete pad will cost between $6K-$7K.

I don't know that I'm averse to putting the building in myself. What's hard to gauge from these companies is their prices without calling a ton of them. It's nice when people make it easy to figure out their options online so you can see what you're going to get.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Welcome both new members.
Most kits are easy for a couple of men to install

 

[TractorJeff]

Make the doors 10 x 10.
Someday your buddy will back his lifted truck in there in the dark and rip his clearance lights off!

 

[stevengarage]

I know a guy in my area that bought a building similar to the Carolina Carport building and he put it together himself and told me he really wish he had let the company put it up. I have the same type of building myself and had it over 20 years now it has served me well, I just wish I had got a larger one. I have a 24x26 , I should have got at least 30x30. I would be glad to send pictures if you like

 

[Streetglide11]

I got a 3 sided metal car port from Alan about 10 years ago and I would not buy one again I had his crew put it up. The building is very cheaply made everyside on it is wavey as hell the color faded very quick. It's served its purpose but I wouldn't buy one again or want my garage made from the cheap 2x2 metal piping that he uses.

 

[Agotham]

I used absolute steel great to deal with did everything myself except concrete all the plans are included stamped by engineer for your state

 

[gnpenning]

How do you plan to finish the inside? Or do you?

Do you plan on insulating the building?

If you just plan on using it for storage no worries. Depending on what your long term plans are you might want to think about the type of building you go with. Much of the up front savings with those types of buildings is eaten up when it comes time to finish the inside. Plus the problems when attaching wood to the steel frame. Everything is doable just more hassle and expense.

When your buddy gave you his costs was that with the same finish level as your looking at. Compare apples to apples.

Years ago I did a couple steel buildings for myself. Both were very cheap to put up but a hassle to finish the insides compared to other types of construction.

 

[dmcintosh]

Have you considered a pole building? I had my 24x30 with concrete put for about $14k. That was about 2 years ago.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Have you contacted any local to you to build such a shop ? Try visiting the local lumber yard/big box store and see if they recommend anybody.