I'm looking to build a 36x48x12 garage/shop. I've got several different builders telling me different things, stick built vs post/frame for example. Floating slab vs foundation. Steel vs vinyl siding, shingles vs steel. What recommendations for these options does anyone have and also what are the opinions of Morton, Wick, Cleary, Lester, DIY Pole Barns, etc. vs local contractor, local materials? any and all help and info is appreciated. Thank you!
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Hello from Eastern Iowa
- Thread starter krheine
- Start date
nadogail
Well-known member
Welcome to the forum from Southwestern California.
I have never had the pleasure or pain of building my own garage, they have come with the houses I have purchased.
I have never had the pleasure or pain of building my own garage, they have come with the houses I have purchased.
Rewind97
Well-known member
Welcome from Mississippi! Good luck on you project!!
Welcome to the GJ.
XJSuperman
Well-known member
Howdy from central Iowa. Morton is generally considered the best hands down. Im not sure I've heard of Lester, but there are plenty of Cleary and Wick buildings out there. It all depends on your budget and the features you want. For example, Morton has patents on post designs and roof coatings. If you aren't worried about those, then a different manufacturer would be fine for you.
Keep in mind, the derecho damage is probably still pushing schedules for installs back a bit. There were/are a lot of crews busy repairing structures out there.
Keep in mind, the derecho damage is probably still pushing schedules for installs back a bit. There were/are a lot of crews busy repairing structures out there.
Hello from DSM! What part of eastern Iowa? I grew up near Cedar Falls.
Generally speaking, a stick frame construction is going to be more expensive on the front end, but easier to finish and insulate. Pole barns are cheaper up front, but will cost more to finish and insulate. I don't know that anyone has a definitive answer as to what is the best value for the money because everyone's goals and needs are different.
If you have no plans to insulate and just want a big shop space where you can fire up a torpedo heater for a few hours here and there while you wrench, a pole barn is probably a better bet. If you want a nice finished shop with drywall and heat, stick frame is probably the better route. Lucky for you, your planned size lets you pick from either option.
Here is some additional reading you might find interesting.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/search.php?searchid=43535156
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/search.php?searchid=43535163
Generally speaking, a stick frame construction is going to be more expensive on the front end, but easier to finish and insulate. Pole barns are cheaper up front, but will cost more to finish and insulate. I don't know that anyone has a definitive answer as to what is the best value for the money because everyone's goals and needs are different.
If you have no plans to insulate and just want a big shop space where you can fire up a torpedo heater for a few hours here and there while you wrench, a pole barn is probably a better bet. If you want a nice finished shop with drywall and heat, stick frame is probably the better route. Lucky for you, your planned size lets you pick from either option.
Here is some additional reading you might find interesting.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/search.php?searchid=43535156
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/search.php?searchid=43535163
Welcome from Omaha! As mentioned, the desired interior finish level will greatly sway pricing. If you want it to be a highly finished interior a pole barn may not be the most effective solution but it can be accomplished.
If you are considering a pole barn and looking for standard features, a Morton "express" building might be an option. Its their most standard features and options, limited customization(for example no changing post spacing) offered at a competitive price and assembled quick.
And remember that building material prices are high now due to shortages in supply, so as that levels out prices should be coming back down...so some patience may be rewarded depending on how quickly you want to build.
Sent from The Garage Journal mobile app
If you are considering a pole barn and looking for standard features, a Morton "express" building might be an option. Its their most standard features and options, limited customization(for example no changing post spacing) offered at a competitive price and assembled quick.
And remember that building material prices are high now due to shortages in supply, so as that levels out prices should be coming back down...so some patience may be rewarded depending on how quickly you want to build.
Sent from The Garage Journal mobile app