Pre fab Metal buildings?
 

Does anyone on here have experience buying a prefab metal garage or shop?

Specifically has anyone bought one on the West coast?

What size structure did you buy? Who did you buy from? Why them?

Any regrets?

You and I have already been discussing my "shed" --- but as usual -- I like to post for everyone else that is maybe just reading.


The one thing I would have done differently on my project is that I'd have asked for a credit for the roofing... and instead of the metal roof -- gone with plywood sheeting and roofing to match my house (which I have now done).

My plan is also to strip the metal siding at some point and replace it with sheeting and siding to match the house. I'm just too lazy to make a call to the contractor and have the disruption in the driveway.

I will also share --- that in a "shop" like this --- having metal support structure has been very handy. I like stuff that is made of STEEL -- is bolted or welded rather than nailed together. I have used the steel beams to lift a bunch of stuff with chain hoists etc -- things I would not have done if it was a wood framed building.


The downside --- it's METAL.... and in the Pacific NorthWET.... I'm already seeing signs of corrosion at the bottom edges of the siding. It might take years before I have a real issue (it's already been 8) but stuff like that bothers me. Of course, in the NW -- wood has it's issues too!


These building are made for Billy Joe Bob and his cousin to install out in the middle of BFE.... My retired builder buddy and I put this together from ground up in about 2 weeks working at "Greg's pace". In other words -- we enjoyed the time. I rented a forklift that could be extended -- and it was really really useful for arranging the piles of stuff - as well as lifting the supports for installation.

I'm interested in this as well. I think eventually, this will be the route I go simply for cost and ease of assembly. At least, those are my thoughts but I have no experience.

In my metal building, which is spray foam insulated, i have to run a de-humidifier constantly to keep the moisture out of the air.

It did the same before I had it spray foamed. I live in the wet pacific NW tho....SoCal may be different.

Another reason I keep my shop heated 24/7....


WE also took extra care to block moisture from wicking via the cement floor... But it's keeping the heat in there that I think helps the most with ambient humidity.

Not to take away from the OP, but any idea on a good electric heater for a shop? 600 sq ft shop

Hi all,

First, I have no input on the West Coast deal but...

I bought a hybrid building. Wood post, grits, purlins but steel trusses. My 40x64 has three steel trusses. The bays are all 16' spans, less posts less money. Plus I get clear space to the purlins except every 16' where there is a steel truss. I have 10' eaves but I can put a lift in with no problem!

Anyway, I bought from 64 metals. They were bought by Morton right after I signed the purchase order.

I spent about $13200 on the kit (40'x64'x10'4" building, 2 - 10'x9' OHD and 1 - 8'x7' OHD) All told right now we are at about $28000 with floor and basic electrical. We built the entire building save the concrete and installing hte OHDs so if you are having someone build it figure more $$$.

These are Northeast Ohio prices so adjust for Cali $$$ as needed.

I can post pics if you like.

Hope this helps.

Chris

Fire up a bunch of 8' H.O. fluorescent lights and leave them on 24/7 that's what I did 8 years ago.... they're only turned off in the heat of summer. No other heat in a 30X48X14eve - 21' to pitch in ceiling.

But my shop is super insulated and that's the key. I've got 6" high density bats in the walls and ceiling -- and 5/8th's plywood on the walls....

Here is the one that I purchased for a 30x30 brick building,http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...6428_200316428 It is 220 volt, I live in wyoming so the temps are quite often 20 at night average, that is before we get the cold weather, If you have a good insulated building and just run it on the weekends I would say it will cost you 100 bucks a month just for power, I tried to keep it above 30 and then had wood stove and It was running up to 200.00 a month, I think the little omish box heaters are pretty good and run off of 110 volt. I would probably look at one of them for the size building you have. good luck

The power meter is separate from the house on my shed ---- and yes ---- it runs $250 plus a month to leave those lights on. But we don't get as cold as Wyoming.... and once everything gets up to temp --- it stays up to temp rather than trying to bring a bunch of cold stuff up to comfortable temps...