Newbie from Florida - Looking for Some Advice From The Professionals!

[catldavis]

Hello all,

Great forum and awesome resource. I need some advice from you seasoned professionals.

I'm looking to build a detached garage/shop. I need some help in deciding the direction I should take, conventionally framed or a metal garage kit. A little ground work, I'm in Florida and my county requires 129 mph plans. There's an exemption in the building code that allows an owner to build a detached building without the plans being stamped by an engineer, but the garage must meet the wind load rating. Using a variety of resources, I designed a set of plans and had the local plans examiner review them and he said they should be fine. With the help of a lot of family (most of whom are no longer available) I contracted the building of my home. I know the basics of building, but in no way should I be considered a builder.

So my question is, does anyone have any advice as to what direction I should take? I'm looking for a building in the 24' X 30' X 9' range.

I found a metal garage kit that size on Craigslist that comes with engineered plans for $5K. That price includes (3) 8' X 8' roll up doors (two in the front along with one in the back) along with a side entrance door.

The best I can figure on a conventionally framed unit I would have slightly less than that in it, but it would be close.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[DC73]

Check to see if there are any deed restrictions on your property. I was considering a metal building but my deed restrictions required all outbuildings to be constructed the same as the house so I had no choice but to go with wood framed and brick. I think it looks better to have it match the house.

Consider a ceiling at least 10' high - higher if you think you might ever install a vehicle lift.

DC

 

[MushCreek]

I agree that metal buildings are generally ugly, at least in a residential area, but FL has serious termite problems. At our old house in St Pete, a piece of wood on the ground would have termites within weeks. If I were building in FL, I would consider going a few courses of block to get the framing well away from the ground, and then go wood. They make attractive block that look somewhat like stone. Of course, all of this adds to the cost and work. Steel avoids all of this, of course. If you go wood, have the ground treated and keep the building under a termite contract.

 

[catldavis]

Thanks for the replies guys!

There are no deed restrictions in my neighborhood. It's a rural area with lots that are 2.5 acres+. In fact, most of my neighbors have metal buildings but they are tucked behind their homes and in the trees.

There's an old saying that says there are two types of homes in Florida: those that have termites and those that will.

 

[JCQuick]

Woa as a fellow Floridian welcome to the site. not sure what county your in but " Non stamped plans" that would scare me. I did the home owner self contractor way and so far its been good. BTW I'm on the orange, lake and Seminole county lines

I found a place that did my plans for a very good price