Metal building thoughts

[toybreaker]

So happy to find this forum! Love the community feel so far. that being said I have the idea that I want to build a 20x30 shop in the back corner of our first home we just signed for. Always wanted that place I can be loud, drink a few beers with friends while working on projects, fixing bikes, or brewing beer

My first thoughts were a metal building that I could insulate, some minor framing inside, probably 2 9' garage doors and a single regular door.

In looking through and searching the forums I see pretty much exclusively stick garages and shops. Curious why that is, should I reconsider? My first goal here was to get feedback on companies as I need to decide on the shop basics before I can layout the rest of the blank back yard plans.
No real budget yet but I'm thinking in the 20k range.

Looking forward to sharing the progress, whatever direction it goes and learning learning learning.

 

[readhead]

I'm in the metal building business. For a building that size I would recommend stick framing. A good framing crew would have it up in a day. Concrete will be less expensive and less dirt work.

 

[G8rDuc]

I've got a 30x30 metal building. Love it. About to put a 10x30 loft in it. Putting walls up right now and I have no complaints.


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[NUTTSGT]

I'm in the metal building business. For a building that size I would recommend stick framing. A good framing crew would have it up in a day. Concrete will be less expensive and less dirt work.

Good information from somebody in the business.

It seems that some members have found that once you start finishing out a pole building or metal building inside, the cheapness wears away quickly and the costs start adding up.

Before you get too carried away with your planning, contact your AHJ and see what the setbacks are.

 

[readhead]

I jumped the gun with my answer. These days a metal building can mean different things. Are we talking pre-engineered "red iron " building or light guage carport style building? Both will get the job done. The carport style building will require the same foundation as stick building but you will probably end up framing walls anyway for electrical and insulation.

 

[LXCam]

Ya what Eric said. I'm not sure what part of San Diego you're in but you better go have a conversation with the city or county what's allowed. Some of them can be picky. Hell victorville now requires a outbuilding must now match the finish of the house structure. So 98% of the guys up there are limited to a stucco finish and conventional roofing material which more or less means stick built.

 

[readhead]

Nutt is exactly right. Cheap going in but then reality sets in when it is time to finish. For the money in my area comparing steel vs stick framing with equal finish inside and out the numbers cross at about 1,600 sq ft. Below wood is less and above steel is less. Pole buildings are more expensive in every case. I think that has to do with where we are. There are no builders or suppliers anywhere near us.

20x30 is a small building in my business. For steel it requires the same mobilization as a 100x200 as far as equipment and man power. Four guys can stick frame and set the trusses and sheet the roof in a day.

 

[G8rDuc]

For me, in north Florida, it was cheaper to have a metal building thrown together and for me to stud the interior and put walls up. Your mileage may vary.


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[readhead]

G8rDuc, what kind of building? Rediron or carport? Big difference.

 

[toybreaker]

As you would expect my "great idea" has morphed several times already. The original idea was carport style then quickly realized that wasnt going to cut it mainly due to not wanting a cheap look or flimsy building. The latest has been a rediron designto get that solid structure. My wandering thoughts have been around how to wire the thing properly.

after a couple of these replies and research here on the site I feel like I'm now headed down the stick design.

NUTTSGT - what is AHJ? I assume the city for permits and such? We have no HOA here and from what I can tell from the neighborhood the city may not be too strict or all this stuff is illegal.....wouldn't be shocked.

never research city codes...can normal, pretty technical person grasp it?

 

[readhead]

What part of San Diego are you in. I was a GC in SD for quite awhile. I may have some insights about zoning requirements.

 

[LXCam]

Authority Having Jurisdiction. Are you in a city or the county. Go to thier building department and ask or surf thier website.

 

[toybreaker]

Vista

I checked out there site, found some good info. Seems it is possible, just have to go through the gauntlet to see if they will issue a permit.

side not - I also want to build a back wall on the property to match the neighbors, 3 foot cinder block with 6 feet wood or white vinyl on top. Needs a permit and I'm sure the neighbor didn't get one, don't wanna get him busted and be the ahole new neighbor

 

[readhead]

Can't help with Vista. Call the local building department and quiz them on the basics. They will talk about setbacks and percentage of coverage. Don't worry about the neighbors. Take care of your stuff and do it right. If the inspector sees something that isn't right with the neighbor he/she will go talk to them.

 

[LXCam]

Most jurisdictions in Cali don't require a permit for fencing unless some aspect of it is for retention. I've also never seen allowances for the heights exceeding 5 or 6ft for residential. Once again just go done to the city and ask. They'll either gladly explain it to you or hand you a pamphlet and go back to eating thier donuts. Just whatever you do don't say, "well my neighbor did this". Lol

 

[G8rDuc]

G8rDuc, what kind of building? Rediron or carport? Big difference.

Car port style. 5 foot spacing, 12' walls, etc.

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[stage20]

Car port style. 5 foot spacing, 12' walls, etc.

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if you go the carport route, 12gauge framing is a must.

 

[readhead]

Carport is a good, less expensive way to go. As long as the builder can provide engineering for the building you should be good to go.

A couple of things to note about the building pictured. The slab was poured larger than the building. This will be a problem with leaks in the future. Five foot spacing is to far for 29 ga. sheeting. I hope they upgraded to 24 ga sheets.

I recently brought on a line of carport buildings to provide a more affordable building choice. It was more difficult than I ever thought it should be. That industry is rife with problems and complaints. Anyone that is considering that kind of building please do your homework.

Good looking building by the way. Should be very useful.

 

[brownbagg]

here the one i got

www.acemetalbuildings.com

it was under $5000 for the building ten years ago a 24x30

 

[G8rDuc]

Carport is a good, less expensive way to go. As long as the builder can provide engineering for the building you should be good to go.

A couple of things to note about the building pictured. The slab was poured larger than the building. This will be a problem with leaks in the future. Five foot spacing is to far for 29 ga. sheeting. I hope they upgraded to 24 ga sheets.

I recently brought on a line of carport buildings to provide a more affordable building choice. It was more difficult than I ever thought it should be. That industry is rife with problems and complaints. Anyone that is considering that kind of building please do your homework.

Good looking building by the way. Should be very useful.

Slab was a 1/2 basketball court built by the previous owner. And not square but I've taken care of any water leakage issues.

24 gauge, 12 gauge tubes, 140 wind proof and 10 year warranty.


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[LXCam]

OP, here's some lite reading for you.

http://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter14/Ch14Art02Division03.pdf

But make sure you understand the disclaimer. These are minimum criteria within the County or San Diego. Your City may have more stringent restrictions.

 

[readhead]

Good job. You did your homework.

 

[NUTTSGT]

NUTTSGT - what is AHJ? I assume the city for permits and such? We have no HOA here and from what I can tell from the neighborhood the city may not be too strict or all this stuff is illegal.....wouldn't be shocked.

never research city codes...can normal, pretty technical person grasp it?

Like LXCam mentioned Authority Having Jurisdiction... it can be a multitude of agencies or just one. It could be a HOA, a building dept, code official, fire dept or just about any other government agency that can make decisions in your area. It might be one of them or a combination of two or more.

Since every area is different, no two places will have the same rules. That's why most members will ask you to update your profile to assist in answering any questions you might have and refer you to the AHJ for final say on how something is "supposed" to be done.

 

[G8rDuc]

Good job. You did your homework.

Anytime you spend that kind of money, you should do your homework


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[Cyberbear]

Being located in Kalifornia, you may want to keep in mind the seismic and wind factors in relation to your construction methods. The building code is the minimum requirements, so don't skimp. Steel v. wood is a personal choice. When I wanted to build my 2400 sq/ft shop, using steel was too complicated and there were no experienced erectors in my area, so I opted for stick built. No problems since 1995.

 

[Whiskeymike]

I have a 30x40 metal shop and am very happy with it. If it's allowed in your area, I would check out some contractors and buildings and see what you think before deciding metal or stick.

 

[btdobie]

I don't want to show any disrespect to metal buildings because they are good buildings, but here are a few weakness to consider. I haven't owned one, but I have researched them thoroughly as I was considering one a while ago.

1. Harder to hang things on the wall. You won't have a stud every 16" that you can put a screw or nail in.
2. Harder if not impossible to build yourself (if that's the route you prefer)
3. Can be more expensive to finish depending on what kind of interior finishing you want to do.
4. Harder to modify. Any additions or modifications to the building later will require more money and expertise than a stick built.
5. Less customizable. Most metal buildings are pre-engineered and prefabricated. If you want anything but a rectangle box with window and door holes, you'll have a hard time and/or spend a lot.

Again. There are advantages as well, but I want to address OP's question about why people tend to prefer stick built.

 

[blazsawgras]

Car port style. 5 foot spacing, 12' walls, etc.

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I have a building of this type no complaints with durability, just wish I had built it bigger, mine is 24x26.

 

[G8rDuc]

I don't want to show any disrespect to metal buildings because they are good buildings, but here are a few weakness to consider. I haven't owned one, but I have researched them thoroughly as I was considering one a while ago.



1. Harder to hang things on the wall. You won't have a stud every 16" that you can put a screw or nail in.

2. Harder if not impossible to build yourself (if that's the route you prefer)

3. Can be more expensive to finish depending on what kind of interior finishing you want to do.

4. Harder to modify. Any additions or modifications to the building later will require more money and expertise than a stick built.

5. Less customizable. Most metal buildings are pre-engineered and prefabricated. If you want anything but a rectangle box with window and door holes, you'll have a hard time and/or spend a lot.



Again. There are advantages as well, but I want to address OP's question about why people tend to prefer stick built.

My studs are 16" OC, no problems hanging anything.
I haven't seen many people on this forum build their own garage, regardless of type.
More expensive to finish but the initial cost is a lot less. All balances out.


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[readhead]

Btdobie, you are comparing apples to oranges. Most of your observations are inaccurate. There are no studs so you can't compare. A metal building can be erected by a homeowner. A metal building can be designed to look like anything. Modifying a metal building is not difficult for someone who knows the process. If the building is designed properly no additional framing is required for interior finish.

I still think that for this size building that stick framing will be the most economical way to go.

 

[G8rDuc]

+1


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[sberry]

I got to agree with the sentiment from readhead. At this size the stick is simply as cheap and maybe a lot easier. Wood can be competitive out to 80 ft and set trusses on a couple dozen 80ft pole barns. I might consider that if I wanted a ceiling. There may be a slight reduction in fire ins for steel fiberglass insulation and sheet liner.

 

[My Old Tools]

Red iron buildings are fully customizable in my area. Sketch out what you want and they build it. They are hell for strong, you can hang an overhead hoist and lift significant loads. You can put a large loft in easily. They are generally clear span with no trusses to limit use of the overhead space.

 

[jgorm]

I started with a 30K budget for a 25x33x19, but I'm over $50K now. I'm in poway.

 

[brownbagg]

I don't want to show any disrespect to metal buildings because they are good buildings, but here are a few weakness to consider. I haven't owned one, but I have researched them thoroughly as I was considering one a while ago.

1. Harder to hang things on the wall. You won't have a stud every 16" that you can put a screw or nail in. not if you put plywood on the inside

2. Harder if not impossible to build yourself (if that's the route you prefer) I did mine no problem by myself

3. Can be more expensive to finish depending on what kind of interior finishing you want to do. really cheaper
4. Harder to modify. Any additions or modifications to the building later will require more money and expertise than a stick built. not really
5. Less customizable. Most metal buildings are pre-engineered and prefabricated. If you want anything but a rectangle box with window and door holes, you'll have a hard time and/or spend a lot.
there will build what ever you want
Again. There are advantages as well, but I want to address OP's question about why people tend to prefer stick built. and mine was cheaper than stick build

....

 

[AshRo1]

I just got one from a dealer of car port style buildings called Carport Central. They got it built from Carolina Carports in NC. Pretty nice structure with 12 GA and 26 GA for framing. They give a 5-20 year warranty on the parts. Cost me under $4.5k. The only pain was the little elevation at the end of the pad which the crew said they cannot fix. I did that myself in under 1 hour. Alas!

Still, great workmanship and it seems like this car port style metal building will last for some good number of years. Let us see how it takes some of the stormy weather in BR.