Metal buildings - educate me.

[va aviator]

My wife and I bought our first home about 6 months ago, and I've been without a workshop ever since (however I've had enough work to do on the house to keep me occupied)

My original plan was to build a 10x15 workshop with electric (10x15 = no building permit HAHA screw you county gov) but once I started looking at it I think I MAY be able to cram a 1.5 car sized garage in the back. Of course I say "cram" because I have easements, buried utilities, and all sorts of other **** in my way. Until I do some further research I'm not 100 sure this will happen, but I can dream, right?

Anyhow, I started thinking about metal buildings. The only metal buildings I'm familiar with are either commercial/industrial sized or the small el cheapo $700 ones that look like the car ports that gas stations sell with some sheet metal screwed to the side. Can someone point me to some good info? I know nothing...

And of course, there is the cost. Not too worried about the slab; i'll take care of that. Every metal building i've seen has had the electric run in conduit, how much does this add to the tab?

And looks - my house has wood siding, neighbor to one side has MDF, other side vinyl. If I stay here long enough, i'm going vinyl as well. Is metal going to stick out like a sore thumb?


Thanks!

 

[brownbagg]

acemetalbuildings.com

 

[cajunfirehawk]

acemetalbuildings.com

that url is no good?
Maybe you meant http://acemetalbuilding.com?

 

[Kevin54]

Why not get a permit, see how big you can build, and go from there. You're only talking a little bit more of money for something you need vs. just trying to squeeze something in under the wire. And if you're going to pour a slab, just stick build on top of it.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Anyhow, I started thinking about metal buildings. The only metal buildings I'm familiar with are either commercial/industrial sized or the small el cheapo $700 ones that look like the car ports that gas stations sell with some sheet metal screwed to the side.

You basically answered the question. There are traditional steel "red iron" buildings built with heavy (welded up by the manufacturer) steel frames and trusses, and using formed steel C channel, Z purlins and girts and various stamped steel clips and angles and such. These come in several different qualities that are difficult to discern the differences, but they are there.

The other end of the spectrum is the expansion of the steel carport type structure, as in THIS thread.

Only other option is what a neighbor of mine calls a "half a culvert" and is the corrugated steel buildings with no structure inside, the steel is the structure. Great buildings but not much to look at and more difficult to insulate and attach things inside to.

Charles

 

[Nighttrain]

http://www.muellerinc.com/building/utility.php

Where are you located? This company offers a really nice DIY shed kit that is much better and stronger than most others. You will at least be able to compare material and cost.

Good Luck

 

[va aviator]

Why not get a permit, see how big you can build, and go from there. You're only talking a little bit more of money for something you need vs. just trying to squeeze something in under the wire. And if you're going to pour a slab, just stick build on top of it.

Problem is that it is going to have to be squeezed. I have plenty of room, just not buildable room. However, I could very easily put a 10x15 workshop in the back yard without permits. Anything bigger would have to be in the rear/side yard since my lot is trapezoidal. And there is a drainage easement, my sewer lateral, and my underground power line to avoid. From some rough measurements, I *think* I can build at least a "one car" sized garage. I need to have the area surveyed first, then look into setbacks, and if it's not a big deal, proceed. If it's going to be a PITA, i'm saying screw it and building my little permit free workshop.

Still wondering about the aesthetics of metal buildings...

 

[va aviator]

You basically answered the question. There are traditional steel "red iron" buildings built with heavy (welded up by the manufacturer) steel frames and trusses, and using formed steel C channel, Z purlins and girts and various stamped steel clips and angles and such. These come in several different qualities that are difficult to discern the differences, but they are there.

The other end of the spectrum is the expansion of the steel carport type structure, as in THIS thread.

Only other option is what a neighbor of mine calls a "half a culvert" and is the corrugated steel buildings with no structure inside, the steel is the structure. Great buildings but not much to look at and more difficult to insulate and attach things inside to.

Charles

Do you know if it is possible to wire the smaller buildings (at least code wise.) Without framing to attach conduit and boxes to, not sure how that would work...