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Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Steel Garage

David Lieberman

Planning the Project from Start to Finish

Although building a garage is not usually a project for someone with no construction experience, the modern pre-engineered metal building garage kit is designed so simply that even a novice can do it. Pre-marked components, pre cut openings, pre- assembled roof trusses and metal fasteners have revolutionized garage building!

However, there is still a lot of planning and details to be worked out before you rush out, rent that cement mixer (for the foundation) and plunge right in.

Key areas to consider

Once you have a clear idea of what you want in a garage, the real planning begins. Check the local zoning office, as well as building code and permit requirements before beginning any building project. This used to require a phone call or trip downtown, but now can easily be done online for most areas in the country.

Zoning Approval

Zoning is the first step for anyone who wants to know if the proposed use of land is allowed, i.e. – is it legal to build a garage on your land?

Each city or town has its own zoning regulations, which govern the administration of the ordinance and specify the uses allowed and development standards for each zoning district.

The Zoning code is based on a basic set of parameters. There are rules that outline maximum or minimum requirements for things such as building width and height, location in relation to property lines, as well as requirements specific to particular building uses. As long as your proposed garage falls within these parameters, you are free to build according to your own tastes and needs – of course, with building permits.

If your plans do not fall within these parameters there are two choices- adjust your plans or apply for a variance. Getting a variance is a time consuming process, and there is no guarantee that it will be approved in the end.

If you are planning a metal garage project, talk to the Zoning office sooner rather than later. It’s definitely better to have all the information you need when you can still make changes to your plans.

Permits

Depending on your location and the type and use of your building, you will need various permits to make sure that the work is done in compliance with those ordinances. For projects using a contractor, the contractor is responsible for obtaining the necessary permits.

Different locales have various different ordinances to regulate construction, maintenance, and remodeling so that the buildings will be safe. It is likely that a city will have many more specifications and restrictions on building than a rural area.

Some types of permits you may need include:

Have your building supplier provide certified, stamped and engineered blueprints so that you can be sure your steel building is in compliance with code.

To obtain the building permit, you will also need to supply the following information:

Your permit(s) should be posted at the project site.

The last page of your permit has the building inspector`s name and phone number on it. Contact the inspector directly if you have questions about your project or to schedule an inspection. You will need the permit number and the address where the work is being done to schedule an inspection of the work.

If you are issued an inspection record card, post the card at the job site for the inspectors to make notes. Your approved site plan (if any) must be available at each inspection.

Sometimes a site plan, a zoning site review, and an inspections plan review are required before a permit can be issued.

Site Plan

A site plan is a drawing of your property. It must show the property lines, any structures that currently exist on that land (house, garage, fence, etc) and where your planned garage is to be located. For this you need to locate the metal stakes that mark the corners of your lot. These are often buried a few inches underground and are set 1 foot in from the actual lines.

The dimensions of the site must be accurate. If you can`t find these property line markers yourself, you will have to hire a licensed surveyor to locate them in order to draw up the site plan.

A site plan should include:

Site plan review

A site plan review determines compliance with local ordinances and applicable state building and mechanical codes. Once your site plan is approved, the next step is to apply for permits.

Inspections

Inspections are required by most state laws and frequently by city/town ordinance for any work requiring a permit. Inspections make sure that your project meets safety requirements, complies with state law and city codes, and follows the approved plan.

Before you call for an inspection appointment, make sure that the project is ready. If you are using a contractor, the contractor will schedule the inspection. If you are not using a contractor, you or a person older than 18 must be at the property during the inspection.

There is no fee for the first inspection; it is covered by the permit fee. However, if the job is not completed at the time of the inspection or if multiple inspections are needed for the same job, there may be an additional fee.

More than one inspection may be performed during construction if:

If you have a building permit, the inspector will date and initial the final inspection item on the permit. For other permits, the inspector will leave a copy of the inspection report.

If the work is not complete, if there are code violations, or if the inspector did not have access to the property to do the inspection, the work will not be approved. You will need to correct the problem and schedule another inspection. In that case, a re-inspection fee may be charged.

Subcontractors

Chances are however that you will subcontract out some of the work. For instance, the erection of the building might be something you are willing to tackle yourself, but you might prefer to hire out pouring the foundation.

Get quotes from at least 3 people for each subcontracting task. Check out the BBB (Better Business Bureau) for complaints against any potential subcontractors. Look for highly experienced companies that have been around a while. In general, the fewer references and thus shorter time in business the more risk there is for less than high quality workmanship. It’s important to communicate your plan, expectations for timing, and expected payment clearly.

Erecting a Steel Garage

It’s important for a do-it-your-selfer to develop safe work habits and stick to them when erecting a steel garage.

Before Your Garage is Delivered

Before your metal garage arrives, the foundation should be ready, to avoid delay in assembly. Most metal building manufacturers recommend that the foundation be designed by an experienced professional foundation engineer. This will insure proper design, make the actual erection of the building go a lot smoother and reduce costs.

If you decide to pour the foundation yourself, research it thoroughly first. Proven construction techniques and adherence to OSHA and other local codes are highly recommended.

The importance of accurate foundation construction and anchor bolt settings cannot be overemphasized! Foundation errors and improper location of anchor bolts are the most frequent and troublesome errors made in metal building construction. The foundation must be square, level, and the anchor bolts must be in the locations as specified in the Anchor Bolt drawing provided by your steel building manufacturer.

In no case should building erection be started on “green” concrete. Anchor bolts may pull loose, concrete spall (chip out along edges) may occur and equipment may crash or crack slab. Normal Portland cement should cure in at least seven days and high-early-strength concrete in at least three days. Special circumstances may require even longer curing periods!

Another thing that must be handled before the delivery of your steel building is access to the site. Obviously, the vehicle transporting your building must be able to access the site from the adjacent highway or road. This access must be prepared in advance of the truck arriving!

Any obstructions or anything in the way needs to be removed. Check the planned building site to make sure there is enough space to physically perform the tasks required to erect the building. The proximity of adjacent buildings and other obstructions can severely hinder the construction process.

The availability of any required utilities must also be considered in advance. Take note of any overhead power lines, and notify your utility company if necessary.

Some tips for easiest and fastest assembly

A lot of time and trouble can be saved if your building site is organized with a pre-arranged plan.

Here is a highly condensed version of the basic steps in erecting a steel building

All Metal Garage Kits are NOT Created Equal

Choose a steel building manufacturer with an AISC-MB certification. This assures that the company has faced thorough engineering and production audits by independent inspectors. The AISC-MB Certification is your guarantee that the manufacturer uses the optimal methods to provide high-quality, reliable buildings.

Ultimately, every customer wants the highest quality steel building at the lowest possible price. However, all pre-engineered, metal garage kits are not of the same quality.

Here are some features to look for:

Everything you ever wanted to know about components of a high quality steel garage

An Important Accesory – Cabinets

Every garage needs cabinets and your new steel garage is no exception. Now, there are aluminum storage cabinets available for metal garages just like the ones in your kitchen.

Other steel building accessories available are folding workstations, mobile garage tool boxes, tool chests and drawer storage cabinets as well as garage workbench mats.