Your Guide to Prefabricated Garage Kits
If you need additional storage space on your property for your vehicles or items such as lawn equipment or workshop tools, you could certainly benefit from constructing a garage. However, building a garage from scratch can be expensive, and not all homeowners have the budget. Fortunately, a more affordable alternative is available in the form of a prefabricated garage.
A prefab garage is manufactured off-site instead of being built on your property. The components are then transported to your location, where they can be easily assembled. The following is a guide to prefab garages to help determine if they are the best option for you.
How Can I Save Money on a Prefab Garage?
Choosing metal instead of wood or concrete will go a long way toward cutting costs. Metal garages are much easier to produce. Using prefabricated metal components will make it easier to install, whereas wood and concrete garages typically need professional contractors to build on-site, which takes much longer.
Additionally, the smaller your garage is, the less expensive it will be. Reducing the number of features within the garage, such as additional doors and windows, will help keep costs down as well. You must also ensure your land is prepared. If it is sloping, it will require grading to make it suitable to lay down a foundation.
Which is the Best Material for Prefab Garage Kits?
Metal tends to be the best choice, as it’s extremely durable and resistant to damage. It’s also more affordable and will take less time to install than structures made with traditional materials. The different design options when it comes to style make it easier to build a garage that will compliment your home’s existing look.
What Is the Useful Life of a Prefab Garage?
Prefab steel garages will last a long time, with many lasting for several decades. At Future Buildings, we manufacture all of our prefab garages out of Galvalume Plus™ Steel, which is backed by our 40-year rust perforation warranty. Galvalume Plus™ Steel is up to six times thicker than traditional steel and seven times more rust-resistant than galvanized steel.
Types of Prefab Garage Kits You Can Choose From
The following are the primary types of prefab garage kits that are available:
- Modular garages: Modular garages are prefabricated garages that are built in sections off-site, which makes them even easier to assemble when shipped to your property.
- Single car garage kits: A single car garage kit is built to store one car. If you only have one vehicle and that’s all you need it for, a single-car garage will suit you just fine.
- Double-wide garage kits: If you need a garage to house two vehicles, or you want a garage that’s big enough to store a car and provide space for a workshop, then a double-wide garage kit is a smart option.
- Three-car garage kits: Three-car garage kits are great for homeowners who have several vehicles but also want space for a workshop or storage for lawn equipment, seasonal items, and tools.
Which Prefab Garage Design Is Best?
The following are a few of the different prefab garage designs that are available. The best design is the one that suits your tastes and needs:
- A style: The A style is a traditional garage design. It consists of straight sides and a peaked roof.
- X style: The X style has the appearance of a farm building. It has sloped walls and provides more interior space.
- S style: The S style is a combination of the A style and Q style garage, with straight sides and a rounded top.
- Q style: The Q style is the traditional Quonset hut. It is a fully arched structure with no straight sides.
- E style: The E style is designed with straight walls to match existing buildings on the property. They are both strong and compact.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Prefab Garage Kit
A Solid Foundation
It’s important to note that, like any type of structure, the foundation is critical to its safety and ability to last for years to come. You’ll likely need a concrete foundation, especially if you plan to house one or more vehicles in your garage.
Planning and Permits
Before you begin construction, check with your local planning office to see if you require a permit. Though some structures may not, it is best to find out before starting.
Financing and Payments
The cost of your prefab building will vary depending on your requirements, accessories, size, and more. If you find that the structure you want is outside of your budget, consider making some adjustments. For example, you could shorten the structure to save on initial costs. If needed, you can easily expand the length of your garage in the future when finances are more readily available.
Originally published at https://www.futurebuildings.com on June 20, 2022.
