garage metal buildings

Garage Metal Buildings: Advantages and Cost

Garage metal buildings, as the name suggests, are basically garages primarily made of steel. These structures are far sturdier than concrete structures, keeping your vehicles safe and secure even during strong typhoons and heavy snow. They come in various shapes, sizes, and configurations, depending on your needs and, of course, your budget. 

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Nowadays, steel buildings are the most preferred type of garage because of the many advantages of having one. In this article, we will expound on the pros of steel garages. At the same time, we will discuss the cost of constructing a garage metal building and the things you need for such a project.

Custom Metal Garage Buildings

One of the biggest advantages of steel buildings is that they are incredibly customizable. You can get one that perfectly matches your house, whether it’s colonial or contemporary. Your individual needs will dictate the design and layout of your metal garage building, which you can tailor to suit your specific wants. This makes steel garages all the more attractive because you will be able to fully maximize the space.

Custom metal garages are made with different types of steel material, including galvanized mild steel sheets and hot-rolled Z sections. These materials are durable enough to protect your cars from common garage damages like corrosion, termites, rusting, rotting, moisture damage, peeling paint, or even pest infestation.

Metal buildings can also be painted using special paints so it’ll be fun to pick the color that matches your house.

Custom Metal Carports are another option, which is not as tall as garages but offers more space for vehicles. They come in different sizes and may have one or more doors depending on how you want them set up. You can choose between the vertical roof and single-pitched roof styles to best complement the design of your house.

garage metal buildings

Garage Dimensions and Floor Plans

Although there are no standard garage dimensions, most garages start at about 20 feet wide by 30 feet long or even larger for a two-car garage. The height varies from one manufacturer to another but is generally around 13 feet high. However, it can be as high as 14 or 15 feet to accommodate high vehicles.

A standard steel garage can be built in a few weeks, which is much faster than other materials like wood, stone, and bricks. The prefabricated panels mean you’ll have everything in place in just a short period of time, so you can easily adapt your house if you choose to move to another location.

Metal buildings require fewer building materials than other types of construction, which means lower costs overall. This type of structure is also easier to transport because the panels are lighter than most solid structures like concrete and wood. In addition, a conventional steel garage can be designed to fit your budget since you will only need a few basic components

Steel garage buildings are also durable and sturdy. They are made of high-quality steel, making them resistant to corrosion. And while they can’t guarantee protection against strong winds or other natural calamities, steel garages are far sturdier than any conventional garage made of wood or concrete. Moreover, steel buildings last longer than wooden buildings because rust doesn’t affect the metal.

Cheap Garage Metal Buildings

One of the reasons why steel garage buildings are so popular is their affordability. They are three to five times cheaper than concrete garages, which means you can save more in the long run. As mentioned earlier, wood rusts easily and requires replacement after just a few years of exposure to rain and snow. On the other hand, steel garage buildings are tough and long-lasting. Furthermore, steel garages offer more space at a lower cost per square foot than concrete structures.

Steel garage kits are much cheaper than prefabricated steel buildings because you are just buying the panels. These kits are easy enough to assemble, so even if you have no experience in building or carpentry, you can still do it yourself! How does that sound? Moreover, metal garages have much lower startup costs than any conventional garage-type construction.

If you still think building a garage made of steel is too expensive, keep in mind that this material will protect your car from the elements and other hazards for many years to come. A typical steel building can last as long as fifty years or more. This means you don’t have to worry about repairs and replacements –the money you’re because you don’t have to spend on maintenance and repairs.

If you choose to build a steel building with the cheapest materials, it’ll only last for a few years before you need to replace everything. New concrete or wooden garage starts off at about $30 per square foot and goes up from there depending on what features you want. But if money is not an issue, these steel building materials offer a more luxurious look.

The best thing about steel garage buildings is that they are easy to design and adapt. If you want to move the structure to another location, just disassemble it, pack all the panels in trucks and take them with you to your new house! This means you can have a garage wherever you settle.

Convenient Garage Buildings

Steel metal garages are very convenient to use. You can put in shelves or cabinets on all three of its walls to accommodate your gardening tools, ladders, rakes, shovels, and other tools. Or you can have some built-in cabinets installed on one of the walls if you don’t need them to be accessible.

The best thing about a steel building is that they do not require any foundation like concrete garages because it’s lighter due to their metal composition. You will only need to assemble the steel pieces on your chosen site and cover them with waterproof panels. If you don’t want to do it yourself, there are professional construction companies that can do the job for you—and at an affordable price too.

Prefab Metal Buildings

Garage metal buildings are usually prefabricated. This means that they are already made in a shop, usually far from where you live. You just have to assemble them at their destination, which is another advantage of steel garages over concrete ones because the latter requires foundation work. A prefab garage can be assembled within two days or less.

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Advantages of Having Garage Metal Buildings

Below are the benefits of having your own garage metal building:

Durability

One of the best characteristics of steel is its durability. In fact, it is likely most famous for this quality. Steel can withstand various pressures, temperatures, and weather conditions. With a few treatments, it can also resist corrosion and rust. For a garage, these capabilities are essential to protect your car regardless of the outdoor circumstances. Whether it is a disastrous rainstorm coming or about to snow heavily, you can be confident that your vehicle will not suffer severe damages.

Ease of construction

Steel structures are easier to put together than structures made of traditional materials such as brick. They do not require as many resources, including labor, money, and time. More interestingly, there are now a lot of steel building kits for those who want a do-it-yourself (DIY) steel structure. In such a case, you might not even need to hire labor workers to erect your garage metal building.

 Relative affordability

Generally, steel is far more economical than conventional materials like concrete and wood. Why? Assembling a steel structure like a garage metal building requires far less effort. You can even buy a basic steel building kit and do it yourself if you only need a small structure. Without labor costs, it is definitely a practical material to use especially if you are on a budget.

Versatility

Steel is a versatile material, so the customization options for garage metal buildings are endless. It can come in different colors, shapes, and sizes, depending on your needs. On top of that, it is also an environment-friendly material. Unlike most materials, it does not yield byproducts. Even when replacing garage metal buildings, you do not have to worry about your carbon footprint. Steel can be recycled, and replacements do not produce unwanted construction waste.

Protection of Your Vehicle

Many people think that the main purpose of having a garage is to protect their vehicles against bad weather conditions, or even burglars. Metal garages do just that and more, providing protection not only for your cars, but also for your other valuables such as motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and other tools. They even ensure the safety of your loved ones as burglars can turn violent during a break-in.

garage metal buildings

Prefab Metal Garage Options

Prefab metal garages are usually made of steel sheets, which are cut and bent into the desired shape for a sturdier structure. In most cases, they come as kits but can be customized with various options to meet your specifications.

In addition, prefab metal garages are becoming wildly popular these days because they can be customized to meet different needs. In fact, you can create your own configuration if you have basic construction skills and some knowledge about the materials needed for building a garage.

Supplies Needed For Your Project

Before we show you how to construct a steel garage, here are the items you need to have on hand.

  • Building plans for your structure
  • A permit from your local municipality
  • All materials needed for your structure
  • Construction tools such as saws, screws, bolts, etc.

Above all else, safety should be your top priority during any construction project. It is much better to be safe than sorry, so make sure you review the safety precautions that are required for building prefab metal garages.

Metal Building Construction Process

Once you have all the supplies that are needed for your project, let’s start with the actual construction.

Step 1: Excavation and Foundation

Excavate your garage site down to 12 inches (30 cm) deep. This will be the foundation of your garage, so you have to do it right before proceeding with the next steps.

Step 2: Add support beams for stability

To ensure the stability of your prefab metal garage, add two support beams on each side (8-foot length or 2.4 m). Coupling them together at the bottom and top will give the structure the needed stability while allowing you to add insulation on top.

Step 3: Install siding and frame your garage door opening

Install corrugated steel siding and frame the garage door opening. Next, secure a metal stud at the center of the garage door’s rough opening before framing it with plywood.

Step 4: Install insulation

Install 3-inch (7.6 cm) thick fiberglass insulation panels on the interior of your prefab metal garage. Secure them to the walls before finishing them with plywood sheathing.

Step 5: Add door supports and attach floor panels

Assemble two 30-inch (76 cm) high steel door supports. Secure them to the walls before installing the prefabricated floor panels to create a smooth surface for your garage.

Step 6: Install roof trusses

Install 8-foot long (2.4 m) Truss H8 metal trusses at each end of your prefab metal garage before securing their joints with bolts.

Step 7: Gable ends and roof installation

Install gable ends using corrugated steel panels. Once installed, secure them to the rest of your prefab metal garage with bolts. Afterward, install 1/4-inch (6 mm) OSB sheathing at the top part of your walls before finishing it off with shingles.

Finally, your prefab metal garage is ready for use!

Garages are not only beneficial because of the protection they offer against bad weather conditions or burglars. They can also be customized to meet different needs and desired configurations. For example, you can create a storage area on one part of your garage while adding a meeting room on the other side.

Prefab metal garages are a popular choice because they have higher resale value compared to traditional metal sheds and garages. In addition, they can be installed almost anywhere without requiring too much effort for assembly and installation, such as in your backyard or on the site of your future home.

garage metal buildings

Prefab Metal Garage Plans

A prefab metal garage plan is the very first step you have to take before getting started with your own construction project. Some of these plans are available online, while others need to be purchased from businesses that offer them. The best garage plans usually include detailed instructions regarding materials needed for construction, tools required to get the job done, and the steps necessary for completion.

How Much Do Garage Metal Buildings Cost?

Although steel buildings are versatile and durable, they tend to be more expensive than conventional structures like concrete garages. However, their quality is unsurpassed by any material, so it is worth the price.

If you are on a budget, then steel garages might not fit in your plan. Meanwhile, if you want good quality for the best value of your money, then there is no question about it—garage metal buildings are perfect for you!

The cost of garage metal building installation can differ depending on where you live and the size of the structure. Generally, a small to medium-sized garage metal building can cost anywhere from $8,000 to as much as $20,000.

If your preference is a large steel garage, then plan on spending at least $30,000 or more. This price range might sound steep for what appears to be simple structures, but steel buildings are not only for storage. They are also great places to house your vehicles, protect them from bad weather conditions, and keep them safe from burglars.

Factors Affecting Metal Building Prices

Steel garage construction projects do not come at fixed prices. The cost of garage metal buildings varies. Many factors come into play, including the following:

Configuration and style

Metal garages may come in different configurations and styles, depending on how many cars you intend to house and what other facilities you want to include. They can be as simple or as complex as you need them to be. The more complex the structure, the more expensive the cost of the building is. So make sure that you know what you need your garage to be and carefully assess the cost-efficiency.

The most common style for garage metal buildings are:

  • A-Frame Style
  • Vertical Style
  • Regular Style

Contractor/professional fees

If you are only building a small steel structure, you usually no longer need to hire a contractor or labor worker. You can manage by yourself, especially if you have some basic knowledge and experience. However, if it is a large garage, you have to hire people and pay for labor.

Size of Metal Garages

Size is one of the most crucial factors that affect the construction costs of garage metal buildings. Generally, the average cost of building steel structures is around $16 to $20 per square foot. In most cases (if not all), the bigger the structure, the lower the cost per square foot is. However, if the structure requires a lot of customization, the price per square foot can be as expensive as it can get.

The most common garage sizes are as follows:

  • 20 x 30
  • 30 x 30
  • 30 x 40
  • 20 x 40

 Location

Most people are not aware that location also plays a vital role in determining the cost of constructing garage metal buildings. In fact, the cost of any construction project depends heavily on its site. Different areas have different local codes and regulations that you need to meet. Similarly, different areas have different building and material requirements, depending on the usual weather conditions.

 Price fluctuation

The important thing you need to know about steel is that its prices fluctuate in the market. The prices are subject to change worldwide, depending on several factors such as availability, viability, among others. While its value has plummeted significantly over the years, there is no way of telling how its price will move in the years to come.

At a glance, it is impossible to come up with accurate estimates for constructing your garage metal building. You cannot merely base it on current market prices or past experiences. There are many factors to consider, the most important ones being those we have discussed above. You need to carefully and mindfully consider all these factors when estimating the cost of building a steel garage.

Additional steel buildings facilities

Most of the time, garages have their own storage facilities. Having a storage facility in your garage is practical and convenient, but it can also affect the cost of constructing your steel garage. If you are on a tight budget, you might not want to add one. However, if you do not mind spending a little more, it is highly recommended to have this additional feature. It is practical, especially for storing tools and equipment.

Some of the most common features you can add to your garage metal building are as follows:

  • Skylights
  • Automatic garage door opener
  • Insulation
  • Wainscoting
  • Cupolas
  • Lean-on

The use of garage metal buildings in residential areas has become prominent for a reason. There are many advantages when it comes to steel structures, mainly their durability, ease of construction, relative affordability, and versatility. When constructing a garage metal building, whether by yourself or with a contractor’s help, keep in mind that there is no fixed cost. Various factors affect the construction cost. It is always on a case-to-case basis, so ensure that you take all factors into consideration.

Getting a permit

Another factor that can affect the cost of constructing your steel garage is getting a permit. There are municipalities that require permits for building structures, including garages. There are some who are more lenient than others with this policy. To make it worst, there are certain municipalities that do not have clear policies on obtaining the permit or they give vague answers when asked about this requirement.

To avoid untoward delays, it is best to check with your local government office about its policy on obtaining a permit. If you need one, this will affect the cost of construction because paying for a contractor and getting a permit can be costly.

Type of steel used

There is more than one type of steel that is suitable for your garage metal building. However, it is primarily divided into two: hot and cold rolled steel.

Cold Rolled Steel:  this is the more common type of steel used for this purpose, but they can be a little more expensive than the other kind. When you want to save money on any construction project, choosing cheaper options such as cold-rolled steel will help you.

Hot Rolled Steel:  this is more durable compared to cold rolled steel. However, if you want something that is easy in your pocket, go for the latter one.

People often think that the price per square foot of steel garages is more or less the same. However, this is not always the case. There are different factors that affect the price per square foot of your steel garage. These include features you want to add, brand names, and local market factors.

When it comes to pricing factors for your metal building, you should also include your contractor’s fees in addition to the actual cost of the materials. While it is impossible to pinpoint a specific price per square foot, you can still get an idea of how much it will be by doing your own research and getting quotes from several contractors.

 

garage metal buildings

Metal Garage Roof Styles

There are different roof styles for metal garages. The most popular are as follows:

1. Sloped-style garage roofs

It is a common, traditional style of roofing for steel garages. It does not only create an attractive appearance but also has a practical purpose as well. In fact, sloping the roof can save space inside the building. You have to be careful in determining how much slope you need for your garage roof. If the slope is too high, it can cause water to accumulate, reducing its practicality as a shelter for vehicles and equipment.

2. Ridge-style garage roofs

It is another popular style of building steel garages. It provides better protection from rain and snow than sloped garage roofs. To make it more efficient, you can incorporate roof vents. Ridge garage roofs are more expensive to construct due to the additional features and materials needed. However, this is a good investment if you want better protection from the environment outside.

3. Flat roof-style steel garages

This is one of the least popular styles for building steel garages. It does not have a steep slope, and it is made with the same materials as the walls. It has no specific ventilation system and is not suitable for garages where you store your bikes, cars, or other equipment that needs protection from the environment.

4. Other styles to consider

There are other garage roof styles outside those three we mentioned above. The two common ones are gable roofs and mansard roofs. They are not commonly used for steel garages but they can make the construction look attractive. However, it is important to check with your local building code if you want to incorporate one of these two types in your project.

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