Fartbox333
Member
Considering buying one of their build kits. 30x42. Anyone have any info? I'm in Massachusetts. Thanks.
Versatube. Any pros and cons?
- Thread starter Fartbox333
- Start date
readhead
Well-known member
Been a dealer and installer for a couple of years and am very satisfied. I've been selling and erecting red iron buildings for fifteen years and was looking for an affordable alternative for small buildings and carports. Very easy to install for diy'ers but pay attention to concrete details.
555
Well-known member
One of my friends purchased a frame kit and has been very happy with it. His is 30 x 40 on a concrete slab.
I bought their horse shed last Jan, in the middle of winter 
I built it up by myself with only a trusty Craftsman corded drill, granted it took me 3 months of weekend hours including the ground prep, concrete pillars (PITA), all the sheet metals. The instructions were precise and thorough. The most impressive part was that it came in 3 long crates with hundreds of parts, and they did not miss a single piece, including the special parts they fab'ed for me to meet the local (Colorado Jefferson County) building codes. I was nervous with our county's strict snow load and wind speed criteria, and the inspector was impressed how thorough and well-built the Versatube shed was. I agree!
What really impressed me was that the each parts had been cut and formed so precisely that I didn't even have to bang anything with my hammer. Just drop and drill (all self tapping screws).
One of the pain was to dig eighteen 3' deep holes due to the local freeze line requirement. Luckily Jan was nice enough (very unusual last year) to use water to aid my digging. But this process took 3 weeks.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/138122916@N07/32640723115/in/album-72157679720169936/" title="20170129_181258929_iOS"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/584/32640723115_710ed0d37d_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="20170129_181258929_iOS"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/138122916@N07/32487575412/in/album-72157679720169936/" title="20170130_212125668_iOS"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/718/32487575412_06ee66863e_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="20170130_212125668_iOS"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The frames went up like building a Lego house. It was that well made.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/138122916@N07/32703011066/in/album-72157679925138196/" title="20170205_232008071_iOS"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/745/32703011066_f2763bba42_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="20170205_232008071_iOS"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Surely I had to cut some sheet metals, but I managed to do all with a pair of (good) tin snips. Sure, my hands were sore after all that cutting but it was still manageable. Much thicker than what you would buy at home depot, and VersaTube sent 3 different sizes of sheet metals to minimize the cutting and wasted tin. My horse still managed to made dents in it afterward but would not have been any issue if it was just a garage.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/138122916@N07/33080647675/in/album-72157678302088892/" title="20170220_170706515_iOS"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3740/33080647675_39346cdeda_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="20170220_170706515_iOS"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I bought some extra tins to do some other stuff like the windows and other things. And to repair where our horses would destroy, it's just a matter of time.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/138122916@N07/37419210755/in/dateposted-public/" title="window"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4468/37419210755_7899a43edf_o.png" width="411" height="612" alt="window"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Overall I'm very satisfied with VersaTube's willingness to work with the local codes, their product quality that includes perfectly formed tubes and precise cuts so I didn't have to do ANY alterations. The sales rep (Mike Bond) helped me throughout the building process. I will buy shed/garage from them again should I need one, no doubt.
The true testament - I always thought our horses just liked stand outside in their runs when they lived in a near by barn before we built the shed, rain or shine. They stay inside the shed at night every day. It has withstand 75 mph wind storm no problem.
I built it up by myself with only a trusty Craftsman corded drill, granted it took me 3 months of weekend hours including the ground prep, concrete pillars (PITA), all the sheet metals. The instructions were precise and thorough. The most impressive part was that it came in 3 long crates with hundreds of parts, and they did not miss a single piece, including the special parts they fab'ed for me to meet the local (Colorado Jefferson County) building codes. I was nervous with our county's strict snow load and wind speed criteria, and the inspector was impressed how thorough and well-built the Versatube shed was. I agree!
What really impressed me was that the each parts had been cut and formed so precisely that I didn't even have to bang anything with my hammer. Just drop and drill (all self tapping screws).
One of the pain was to dig eighteen 3' deep holes due to the local freeze line requirement. Luckily Jan was nice enough (very unusual last year) to use water to aid my digging. But this process took 3 weeks.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/138122916@N07/32640723115/in/album-72157679720169936/" title="20170129_181258929_iOS"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/584/32640723115_710ed0d37d_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="20170129_181258929_iOS"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/138122916@N07/32487575412/in/album-72157679720169936/" title="20170130_212125668_iOS"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/718/32487575412_06ee66863e_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="20170130_212125668_iOS"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The frames went up like building a Lego house. It was that well made.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/138122916@N07/32703011066/in/album-72157679925138196/" title="20170205_232008071_iOS"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/745/32703011066_f2763bba42_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="20170205_232008071_iOS"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Surely I had to cut some sheet metals, but I managed to do all with a pair of (good) tin snips. Sure, my hands were sore after all that cutting but it was still manageable. Much thicker than what you would buy at home depot, and VersaTube sent 3 different sizes of sheet metals to minimize the cutting and wasted tin. My horse still managed to made dents in it afterward but would not have been any issue if it was just a garage.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/138122916@N07/33080647675/in/album-72157678302088892/" title="20170220_170706515_iOS"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3740/33080647675_39346cdeda_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="20170220_170706515_iOS"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I bought some extra tins to do some other stuff like the windows and other things. And to repair where our horses would destroy, it's just a matter of time.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/138122916@N07/37419210755/in/dateposted-public/" title="window"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4468/37419210755_7899a43edf_o.png" width="411" height="612" alt="window"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Overall I'm very satisfied with VersaTube's willingness to work with the local codes, their product quality that includes perfectly formed tubes and precise cuts so I didn't have to do ANY alterations. The sales rep (Mike Bond) helped me throughout the building process. I will buy shed/garage from them again should I need one, no doubt.
The true testament - I always thought our horses just liked stand outside in their runs when they lived in a near by barn before we built the shed, rain or shine. They stay inside the shed at night every day. It has withstand 75 mph wind storm no problem.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
You should have bought a nibbler.
readhead
Well-known member
A nibbler is not well suited for this kind of work. We tried it when we first started erecting buildings and found that it didn't like all the corners of the ribs. Plus cleaning up all the little nibbles was a major pain. I paid a vet bill one time because a dog got a nibble stuck in her paw. We use snips and for most cuts a grinder with a cut off wheel.
OP
Fartbox333
Member
Thanks for the replies. Looks easy enough to construct but always good to hear first hand info not from the dealer.
My 2 cents, while following the instruction to the teeth will get you there fastest and all:
I used a reflective bubble wrap type heat insulation across the bottom of the roof. I knew from the past experience the tin roof gets hot in the summer. This made the summer heat rather manageable. It had softened the rain drop sound as well. Our code didn't prohibit it, but check the building code.
If you have animals in there (doesn't sound like it), then I would be sure to ground everywhere. Electric installation in an all metal building tends to give animals uneasy feeling (they can feel it if you don't ground it good).
Use chalk line to tap screws where you can't see the frame (back). I figured out how to feel the frame (sound) afterward but had to fill in some unnecessary holes due to missing the backing frame.
Also I'm going to add gutters as it's like a waterfall from the overhang in the front, and on the back.
Have fun, I sure did.
I used a reflective bubble wrap type heat insulation across the bottom of the roof. I knew from the past experience the tin roof gets hot in the summer. This made the summer heat rather manageable. It had softened the rain drop sound as well. Our code didn't prohibit it, but check the building code.
If you have animals in there (doesn't sound like it), then I would be sure to ground everywhere. Electric installation in an all metal building tends to give animals uneasy feeling (they can feel it if you don't ground it good).
Use chalk line to tap screws where you can't see the frame (back). I figured out how to feel the frame (sound) afterward but had to fill in some unnecessary holes due to missing the backing frame.
Also I'm going to add gutters as it's like a waterfall from the overhang in the front, and on the back.
Have fun, I sure did.
I'm going to bump this thread back to the top....
I'm considering one of these kits (30'x30'x10') for a garage. I understand that this is a total DIY kit, which I am completely fine with.
Specking that kit with two 12'x8' garage door openings, one 36" door opening, and two window openings puts me right at $14500. That is a decent price for a 900sqft building.
I've got to check with my city code, but I think I would do concrete piers and then have the rest of the floor be pavement. This would save some considerable money on a concrete pad.
As far as electrical, I would have it wired by a professional.
For insulation, batts or spray foam? Would have to price both out. OSB as needed on the walls.
Anything I'm missing?
Goal is to be able to park two vehicles out of the weather, light vehicle maintenance, and some storage space.
Does anyone have any pros or cons to add about these kits?
I'm considering one of these kits (30'x30'x10') for a garage. I understand that this is a total DIY kit, which I am completely fine with.
Specking that kit with two 12'x8' garage door openings, one 36" door opening, and two window openings puts me right at $14500. That is a decent price for a 900sqft building.
I've got to check with my city code, but I think I would do concrete piers and then have the rest of the floor be pavement. This would save some considerable money on a concrete pad.
As far as electrical, I would have it wired by a professional.
For insulation, batts or spray foam? Would have to price both out. OSB as needed on the walls.
Anything I'm missing?
Goal is to be able to park two vehicles out of the weather, light vehicle maintenance, and some storage space.
Does anyone have any pros or cons to add about these kits?
wes3337684
Member
- Joined
- Oct 14, 2012
- Messages
- 5
I looked at those but found Carolina Carports and had them build a 30x40x12 with 2 10x10 garage door openings and 2 window openings and a 36 man door. For $16,800 completely installed vertical roof also. Put in my own garage door because I wanted insulated overhead doors and put in my own double pane windows. Would have been $2000 less before the supply chain marked up prices.
readhead
Well-known member
Even though Versatube is a tube steel building it is several levels above a Carolina Carports or similar buildings.
VT uses larger material and is engineered specifically for your use if required. They will also provide an engineered foundation plan if required.
I’ve reworked several of the cheap carport buildings mostly just finishing closure and sealing details. The reason the buildings are so inexpensive is that the installers do only enough to put up the building and give the appearance that it is finished.
VT is more expensive but you get what you pay for. They aren’t selling you cheap walk doors and roll up doors. They are not in that business. You have the opportunity to purchase the doors and windows that you choose.
I don’t ever recommend spray foam in a metal building. You can use 3” rigid foam for a lot less. Go with 4’ frame spacing and the insulation just needs 2” ripped off and it is a press fit.
I think you will be pleased with the finished results.
PM me if you like and I can give you more details.
VT uses larger material and is engineered specifically for your use if required. They will also provide an engineered foundation plan if required.
I’ve reworked several of the cheap carport buildings mostly just finishing closure and sealing details. The reason the buildings are so inexpensive is that the installers do only enough to put up the building and give the appearance that it is finished.
VT is more expensive but you get what you pay for. They aren’t selling you cheap walk doors and roll up doors. They are not in that business. You have the opportunity to purchase the doors and windows that you choose.
I don’t ever recommend spray foam in a metal building. You can use 3” rigid foam for a lot less. Go with 4’ frame spacing and the insulation just needs 2” ripped off and it is a press fit.
I think you will be pleased with the finished results.
PM me if you like and I can give you more details.
jonathco
Well-known member
I've been reading up on VersaTube and there appears to be some complaints with their ability to hold snow weight, here in the North. Does anybody have insight into this?
readhead
Well-known member
Very often people order the stock kits listed on the website. They never actually talk to a sales person to verify the snow load for their location.
When I talk to a customer as a dealer that is one of the first questions I ask.
There is a place on the website that indicates that the customer is responsible for verifying codes and loads but of course no one reads that stuff.
I have done VT buildings up to a 90# roof load. So it can be done.
When I talk to a customer as a dealer that is one of the first questions I ask.
There is a place on the website that indicates that the customer is responsible for verifying codes and loads but of course no one reads that stuff.
I have done VT buildings up to a 90# roof load. So it can be done.
chipjumper
Well-known member
For whoever is considering any carport vendor outside of Versatube, do a cursory BBB search. There are about 20 major names out there who sell and install carports under various and similar names. You’ll quickly see a huge price differences between the top vendors and the scammers. I wrote out a downpayment check to a Carolina-based vendor for a 24x35 garage and inserted it into an envelope when the “is this really too good to be true” thought passed in my mind. I googled their name “Tri-state Carports bbb reviews” (which has several alias names) and I discovered they have a 1.4/5 rating with BBB. Countless reports of them collecting cash but not delivering OR having the buildings erected 6mos to over a year later.
I ended up going with Midwest Steel Carports; $16,952.80 (24x40 was same price as 35’ long) versus $9,123.64 from Tri-state. They installed it in one day zero problems. Excellent constant communication from their Texas HQ with updates and gathering site info from me. Crew out of Fort Atkinson, WI was excellent and professional. Prices have gone up at least 25% more but I’ll be using them again.
I ended up going with Midwest Steel Carports; $16,952.80 (24x40 was same price as 35’ long) versus $9,123.64 from Tri-state. They installed it in one day zero problems. Excellent constant communication from their Texas HQ with updates and gathering site info from me. Crew out of Fort Atkinson, WI was excellent and professional. Prices have gone up at least 25% more but I’ll be using them again.
chipjumper
Well-known member
I’m in central WI and my vendor did approximately 37” spacing with the 2.25” 12 gauge tubes. My building is 24x40. I see/read about guys who hang sh*t on the walls of these steel carport garages. I question if that is safe practice as these buildings are designed to hold themselves up; not to store racks, kayaks, and tools from the metal structure. I suppose one could build a 2x4 style interior wall to reduce stress on the walls but that would probably indicate that they would have stick-built in the first place.