Planning FL Garage Build - would love some insight

[alxmlr789]

Hi guys, I am a long time wrencher and have been doing DIY Automotive work for 15+ years. My wife and I just closed on a house in Orlando with 1.3 acres, so I finally have the space to build my separate garage. The house has a 22x24 attached garage, which is nice for household use and parking my wifes/company car. The detached will be used for the race car, trailer and a section for lawn equipment/home projects.

With that being said, I am looking at a 2+ bay garage, I have about a 28'w x30d'x12h' idea in my head with the space and budget in mind for the project. One bay will have the lift/shop area, the second bay will house my trailer. I don't believe there is such a thing as too much garage space, but i don't want to go overkill. I would ultimately love to have some space fora bonus room or apartment on a second floor. But with the lift ceiling height and budget at the moment may not allow for that.

As much as I want a stick built garage for the ease of insulation, drywall, handing shelves, racks etc... it's extremely difficult to not consider one of these metal garages built on site considering the price. Does anyone have feedback on these metal buildings in FL? I am reading about condensation build up if they are not insulated.

For those of you who have done a 2 bay with a lift, what is the minimum width you can go? I'm thinking between 24-28w is plenty. The width of the lift is around 10', however I want some breathing room to work on my truck.

Any insight on where to start, and planning would be great.

Thanks!

 

[ConCretin]

While contritely bowing to the 'bigger is better' gods, I think 28" wide is about right. My current shop is 28' wide and has one bay for a vehicle with an in-ground lift, which takes up a little less space but there is plenty of room around it. I have/had other garages that were 28' wide and I seem to stick with this dimension.

 

[antinym]

Hey there fellow Orlandoan,
I'm in the middle of my stick building build and you will save a bunch of money and headache with a metal building. I went with a 2 post lift, and I would have needed 12'2" ceilings, so you may want to go a bit higher than 12'. or maybe have a peak in your rafters.

28'w is good. You'll want at least 15' w for the lift and surrounding area. if you plan on shelving against the walls, you may want to add a bit. maybe out to 32'. Plan so you can expand when you want more room. Either lean-to sheds or additional floor space. Insulation will be a must, either stick or metal.

 

[ALinCarolina]

In Orlando, whatever you go with, I would insulate it and air condition it.

 

[floridafarmer]

Also just north of Orlando- can't comment on metal as my shop is wood with asphalt shingles but I strongly support a mini-split (or other ac).. not only for the comfort but keeps the humidity in check.

I'm always surprised how it keeps things pretty comfortable even with garage doors opening and closing and it doesn't seem to hit the power bill too hard.

Good luck.

 

[Falcon67]

If you add in the cost of foam sprayed directly on the metal to keep condensate off the back side of the steel, you may find that stick built is competitive in total price of the shell.

 

[sberry]

36 wide for 2 cars. I had a bud with 30 wide and there wasn't enough room along the sides to put anything, no boxes, benches, shelves.

 

[wstephens1249]

I am in the area as well, just north of Orlando. I actually just had a 30x35 Carolina carports garage just built less than 2 weeks ago. Nothing is set up yet but you can come by and check it out some time if you would like. PM if you want more information.

 

[cbacres]

I am in the area as well, just north of Orlando. I actually just had a 30x35 Carolina carports garage just built less than 2 weeks ago. Nothing is set up yet but you can come by and check it out some time if you would like. PM if you want more information.

Would you mind posting some pics? I'm considering a small building from them for storage.

Are you happy with it?
Thanks

 

[theoldwizard1]

As much as I want a stick built garage for the ease of insulation, drywall, handing shelves, racks etc... it's extremely difficult to not consider one of these metal garages built on site considering the price. Does anyone have feedback on these metal buildings in FL? I am reading about condensation build up if they are not insulated.

If you don't insulate, you can cook meat in it during the summer months !

Close cell spray foam is the way to go with a metal building. You need to check building codes because some spray foam burns very well. You want at least 4" in the ceiling/roof and 2" in the wall. *" and 4" would be much better. Sheet rock is usually a good enough covering. Talk to the metal building company about spray foam and the sheet rock.

 

[pgilmore7]

I’m in Tampa, I have a 30x60x14 metal building with just the ceiling insulated. I doesn’t even have to be hot outside for the building to heat up like a toaster. Mid day in the summer it feels like your working in an attic unless there is a breeze coming in the doors. My next investment will be spray foam.


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[alxmlr789]

I’m in Tampa, I have a 30x60x14 metal building with just the ceiling insulated. I doesn’t even have to be hot outside for the building to heat up like a toaster. Mid day in the summer it feels like your working in an attic unless there is a breeze coming in the doors. My next investment will be spray foam.


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Have you looked into pricing? I got a quote for 8,000 today and thought that was ultra high. But who knows...