Got a free 36x48 building, looking for help

[fred d]

My wife's uncle bought a 36x48 metal building many years go. Had the building delivered at his property south of Austin.
He dug a footing for concrete. He was not going to pour a complete floor. His wife had some health issues and the project got back burnered.

His daughter had kids a few years back. He and his wife wanted to be near the grandkids so they moved to the north side of Austin

Fast forward to march of this year.
I had a friend looking for a building for his farm property. I emailed her uncle to see if he still had the building.
He told me yes and he would make me a deal I couldn't refuse. I asked my wife what that might mean, she said he will probably give it to you.
I emailed him and asked him how much, $5k. great deal because a new building that size would be about $11k-$14k. was bigger than my friend could use, so he found something smaller.

I asked him was it in good shape, how high was the peak. How high were the walls, how many walk thru doors, how many roll up doors how many windows.
He couldn't remember all the details, but he knew there were no windows 1-36" door and 1-roll up door.
I asked if there was any rust/Rust thru on the steel. He said he hadn't looked at it in a long time and would go check it out next week.

That was in late March, I haven't heard from him since. Life's been crazy (and expensive) so I really wasn't in the position to buy the building, let alone afford the concrete.
Had a family reunion for my wife's side a week ago. Her uncle asked me if I still wanted the building? I asked if he was ever able to go and check the condition. He told me No, but I could have it free, just come and get it.

So I am planning on going out there to check it out! Hopefully soon so I will have an idea of what I will be dealing with.
Would like to get an idea on what a slab will cost to have done. If my calculations are correct (and I have no idea if I'm correct) I should be around 26-27 yards of concrete. So my gues is $3500 in concrete-rebar-wood for forms. Guessing another $3000-$3500 in labor.
Does this sound correct?
Any suggestions or advice would be welcomed

 

[nehog]

If the building has been sitting out, exposed to the elements, it is likely to be in poor condition. Water will seep between panels as they are stacked, and probably cause rust, as will the red-iron which is primed but not intended to be exposed long term.

Were this me, I'd carefully inspect it to make sure it is usable...

 

[brewchief]

A friend of mine bought a 50x100 that had been sitting outside in Michigan for at least 5 years. No issues other then the top sheet of side and roof steel had some stains.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[lessersivad]

For a 6 inch slab and no footings, 36 x 48 x .5 = 864. 864 cubic feet.

864 ÷ 27 = 32. 32 cubic yards.

If it was me, (which it's not), I'd get the building regardless of some rust. As long as the main framing pieces are still solid.

Even then, if there are some pieces that are questionable you could 'modify' the structure to be a bit smaller.

Worse case (as I see it anyway) is that you end up with scrap metal which can be turned into cash towards the building of a shop.

Just my 2¢.

 

[fred d]

Probably gonna cost me $200-$400 in fuel to get it home (not complaining) because it is 200 miles from where I live, and I'm not sure how many trips it will take. But expecting 3-4

If I can get out to take a look at it before Labor Day, we will be heading there on Labor day weekend and I will be making the trip anyway. Also we go there every year for Thanksgiving also.
So......Once in Sept (still very hot) once in Oct. and once in Nov. might make it.
I have never seen the size of a building like this when material is dropped off.

Austin is rather dry for the most part (compared to Houston) so I expect rust to be less.
I am concerened about rattle snakes and scorpions though.

 

[fred d]

For a 6 inch slab and no footings, 36 x 48 x .5 = 864. 864 cubic feet.

864 ÷ 27 = 32. 32 cubic yards.

If it was me, (which it's not), I'd get the building regardless of some rust. As long as the main framing pieces are still solid.

Even then, if there are some pieces that are questionable you could 'modify' the structure to be a bit smaller.

Worse case (as I see it anyway) is that you end up with scrap metal which can be turned into cash towards the building of a shop.

Just my 2¢.

I was thinking 12"x12" on the footings
Then 4" on the rest of the slab ......Apparently I was thinking wrong.
Does there need to be any support beams in the middle ( probably a question best suited for a local contractor)

 

[readhead]

If the building is to be permitted there is no way you will be able to provide engineering to get a foundation plan or a permit.

If no permit is required then making sure everything is there could be a problem. Hopefully the warehouse box is intact and the hardware and plans will be inside. If the plans are there they are probably out of date and don't conform to current codes.

Check the sheeting for white rust. An engineered foundation plan is a must for a metal building. There are a lot of reactions involved and guessing at a foundation can be a disaster. Best of luck.

 

[Norcal]

Perhaps the uncle still has the paperwork/plans for the building, if they have been lost or discarded then the services of a engineer are needed, even if no permits are required.

Are you in the City of Houston or in unincorporated Harris County? Houston, requires permits if my memory serves me while Harris County, does not.

 

[lessersivad]

I was thinking 12"x12" on the footings
Then 4" on the rest of the slab ......Apparently I was thinking wrong.
Does there need to be any support beams in the middle ( probably a question best suited for a local contractor)

I don't think you were thinking wrong. I was simply pointing out the calculation for concrete.

Cubic feet divided by 27 gives you the cubic yards.

I have no idea as to what sort of pillars or footing may be needed in your area, or if a permit is required.

Like i said in my previous post. The worse case is you end up with a pile of scrap metal.

 

[Playwme]

Am I reading right, this was a brand new kit never erected?

You ****. Rent yourself a nice big flatbed and go get that sucker. You'd be surprised at how tightly a full metal building can be packed. There may be a bit of weight though. Maybe call up a building supplier to find out the packed weight of a kit.

 

[fred d]

Am I reading right, this was a brand new kit never erected?

You ****. Rent yourself a nice big flatbed and go get that sucker. You'd be surprised at how tightly a full metal building can be packed. There may be a bit of weight though. Maybe call up a building supplier to find out the packed weight of a kit.

Yes brand new building that was never even unpackaged
I have a 16ft 12k car hauler that should do the trick.
Not sure about the material of the frame, guess I am not really sure about most of it.

 

[fred d]

Also another question.

With one side being 36' and the other side being 48'

Is it most likely the large door/doors is on the 36' side or the 48' side?

Could be on either?

Trying to figure out how it will need to layout on my property

 

[matt_i]

There is an original design to the building with various 'bays' in it, denoted by the red steel members. One of which is most likely cross-braced with "X" shaped steel cables and turnbuckles. Likely the garage is not in the sidewall of this bay.

I think others have said it but I will underscore that the paperwork that came with the building upon initial order & delivery is very valuable.

 

[sublimate]

Could be on either.

Keep in mind that you can shorten it easily by leaving out a section (but you can't really make it more narrow) if it's larger than you need.
So something like 36' x 40' (assuming 8' sections) should work too (and save you concrete).
That also gives you extra in case some of the metal is rusted (top of the pile, or bottom if not kept off the ground).

 

[fred d]

There is an original design to the building with various 'bays' in it, denoted by the red steel members. One of which is most likely cross-braced with "X" shaped steel cables and turnbuckles. Likely the garage is not in the sidewall of this bay.

I think others have said it but I will underscore that the paperwork that came with the building upon initial order & delivery is very valuable.

Just knowing the background, I am hopeful, but seriously doubt it will have any paperwork.
I am hoping for at least some type of markings of the manufacturer and will contact them

 

[readhead]

The building components will have piece marks only. Without the plans those marks will be useless. The right size bolts have to be in the right places. I erect metal buildings all the time and could probably figure it out but a layman will be completely lost. At 40' it is probably only two bays. Resizing sounds easy but all the reactions will be compromised.

Sometimes free can become very expensive.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Just go get it, Ask if they have the plans. Hopefully the company whom he bought if from is still in business. I am not sure but I have seen extra copies put in the box of parts also.
The way I look at it them most you can loose is a couple hundred dollars in gas and some time. As said before you can always scrap it for scrap value. Good luck and keep us posted with updates and pictures.

 

[mellamoesrico]

If permitting is not required, and you can't get hold of the original drawings, you could try contacting a professional steel building erector (one who doesn't sell their own kits). Normally in this circumstance, they will be very tight-lipped dispensing advice to anyone who is not a paying customer. But you are their target audience for TV commercials. Unless you have some buddies with experience in heavy construction and free time, plus access to rental forklift-type equipment, then erecting it yourself is a really unsafe job anyway.

If you hire a professional to do the erection, they might be able to include the "engineering" necessary to maintain their normal standards. Even if that's not possible, they have probably been asked this same question before. They should have more insight into practical solutions than anyone else who is not in the industry. But they are not in business to give out free advice, so they must have some profit motive to overcome their natural reluctance to take on any risk or liability.

 

[readhead]

Does the building have to be permitted? If you don't have the plans you will not get a permit. One of the most important items on the plans is the code year. Even if you have the plans the code year may be out of date.

As far as picking this up with your trailer, you are looking at about twenty thousand pounds. You will need a forklift at both locations to load and unload.

 

[BRIANBB]

Or you could pass it on for 5K and have cash in your pocket. The kids college fund could use it.
Great score. Wish I could find something like that. I needs a good car shed out at the ranch!