Im starting the dream

[sharpshooter]

Ok fellas I am looking into finally getting my garage built. Im not sure which way to go with it, I like the Idea of going with wood ( if I need to hang anything I just get a nail and start hammering) but metal looks nice too. So my question is, is there any obvious reasons for choosing one over the other. I am wanting to build something in the area of a 30x40. I have gotten quotes for roughly 12 to 14k, granted this is all online quotes and Im not real sure if thats including the slab or not (probably not), and if that is close to an accurate price how far do you guys think 20k would get me, electric,water, etc etc......

 

[DynoDave]

Tell us what part of the country you are in, sharpshooter. That has a huge impact on how far $20k will take you. Are you doing any of the work yourself, or having the building built for you?

 

[chaingang]

I have been exactly where you are recently. If you are getting quotes on-line for metal that is about the same prices I was given within two months ago. That is for the exact same size building with 12 ft eve height, a 2/12 pitch and 2 10x10 roll up doors with the 2nd best insulation package. Yes this is only a building price. My slab quote with anchors preset was 6K. The best erection price I got was $2.25 per square foot and this was from a friend of a friend. Keep in mind you still have grading, electrical etc.... The best turnkey price I got from a contractor that specializes in steel was $26,500. this still did not include any interior, electrical etc.... I decided to go with a stick built building. I will be able to do all the work except slab and block perimeter. This will save allot of money and I plan on putting that into more equipment and tools. I should be able to get into a 34x32 with a second story 24x32 for about $20,000 including everything. I am in the process of getting my permits now. By the way these prices are in middle Ga, I don't know if it compares to you or not.

 

[vinculum]

Whatever you plan on spending, leave room for spending MORE! The unexpected always rears its ugly head...

 

[thecarfarmer]

Whatever you do, don't worry about the garage being too big.

It won't be.

-bill

 

[sharpshooter]

Whoops, I guess I could have mentioned that I lived in TN. If I went with the metal builing that would pretty much cut me out of having a hand in on it, If I went with the wood I could take care of alot of the stuff myself.

 

[SCOOTER]

Whatever you plan on spending, leave room for spending MORE! The unexpected always rears its ugly head...

Tell me about it ..........

 

[W-Cummins]

If I went with the metal builing that would pretty much cut me out of having a hand in on it,

I don't see why, can you drive a screw with a screw gun? Tighten a bolt with a wrench? Cut a piece of sheet steal with a pair of tin snips? It's not hard to put up a metal building _IF_ you don't go too big. It also sure makes it go faster if you have some extra hands helping, but that's the same way with any construction. Your going to have to deal with the slab/foundation either way.

William...