Metal Garage Buying Guide

Proper planning and sizing are a crucial part of making sure a building is properly suited for your property. Let’s take a look at what you’ll want to keep in mind when planning yours:

• The Overall Cost

  Larger garages will naturally cost more due to increased material and construction expenses, so plan according to your budget.

• The Price of Your Foundation

  The larger the garage, the larger the foundation you'll need, which can significantly affect the total cost of your project.

Planning Your Custom Garage

Now, let’s explore how to properly plan for your building:

1. Measure Your Vehicles

   Measure the length, width, and height of all vehicles you plan to store.

2. Calculate Your Garage Width, Length, and Height

   Use your vehicle measurements to determine the ideal garage dimensions for your needs. Factor in additional height for overhead doors or storage space.

3. Measure Your Property Boundaries

   Measure the available space on your property. Keep setbacks and utility locations in mind so that your structure sits comfortably on your property.

Once you have an idea of the type of custom metal garage you need, it’s time to start making it a reality. Here’s the process:

1. Use Our 3D Metal Garage Builder

Our 3D builder allows you to visualize and edit your metal garage in real time.

2. Choose Your Building’s Size and Style

Pick from an extensive range of sizes and styles to find the ideal one for your property, needs, and budget.

3. Choose the Roofing Type

Select from regular, boxed eave, or vertical roof types, each offering different levels of durability and aesthetic appeal. Choose the right roofing system for your region, climate, and style. Options include regular, boxed eave, or vertical roof types.

4. Choose the Paneling and Framing Thickness

Upgrade your structure with thicker paneling and framing to improve your garage’s strength, especially in areas with harsh weather conditions.

5. Pick Your Foundation Type

Decide between soil, asphalt, or concrete foundations based on your budget and project needs.

6. Add Doors and Windows

Customize your garage with a variety of door and window options to improve access, ventilation, and natural light.

7. Choose Colors

Select colors for your roof, trim, and walls to match your home or make a statement with a contrasting look.

8. Finalize Design

Review your design for accuracy, make any final adjustments, and submit it for pricing.

Let’s break down the process of ordering your structure. Here’s what you need to know:

In most localities, if you plan to build, you’re going to need a building permit. This permit is a standardized process that guarantees your structure is built properly, coded, and safe to inhabit.

But how does this process work? Who is in charge of permitting? If this is your first building project, you may not know how to get started or who to contact. To help, we’ve put together some great information that can help point you in the right direction:

First off, the official title for your local building official may vary depending on your region. You may see them referred to as:

• Zoning Department
• Land Use and Development Office
• Building and Planning Division
• Building Inspector

Contact Your Local Building Authority

Reach out to your local building office to learn about the specific permit requirements for your area.

Provide Required Documentation

Submit building plans, site layouts, and other necessary documents as requested by the permitting office.

This includes:

• Your Address
• Building Specs and Engineering Drawings
• Approximate Location of Intended Structure on Property

Questions to Ask

Here are some handy things to ask your building official regarding your building permit:

1. Is my property in your jurisdiction?
2. How far does the carport need to be from the front, back, and sides of the property?
3. How far away does the carport need to be from the house?
4. Can I put it in front of my house?
5. How far does the carport need to be from the well and septic areas?
6. Is there a height limit?
7. Are there any color or style restrictions for detached carports?
8. What permits and inspections are required to install a carport?
9. What department is responsible for issuing permits?

Proper site preparation is one of the best ways to guarantee a smooth installation experience. Let’s break down how you can make sure your site is ready for the big day:

1. Choose a Level Spot Near Utility Access

   Select a level location that’s easily accessible to utilities such as electricity or water if needed.

2. Check for Vegetation and Overhead Power Lines

   Clear the site of vegetation and make certain there are no overhead obstructions like tree branches or power lines.

3. Mark Corners and Check Setbacks

   Mark the corners of your planned garage and confirm it meets all required setbacks from property lines and structures.

4. Check for Underground Wires

   Contact local utilities to check for underground cables or pipes before digging to avoid any hazards.

Choosing the right foundation is a big part of what will give your building its superior strength. But which type is best for you? Let’s break down the different options:

Soil Foundations

Soil is suitable for temporary or lighter structures. It’s a cost-effective choice but offers minimal strength.

Asphalt Foundations

Asphalt provides a more stable foundation than soil and is ideal for areas where concrete may be too costly. This option is great for driveway-based metal garages.

Concrete Foundations

Concrete is the most durable and stable option, perfect for heavy loads and long-term installations.

For concrete foundations, it's always better to opt for professional foundation experts to handle this part of your project.

But here's what you'll want to know:

• Your foundation will need to match your building’s dimensions, with 3-4 inches of additional space for additional support.
• A metal garage foundation will need to be at least 4 inches thick or thicker for heavy-duty applications.
• Build your slab sloped away from the center to prevent water pooling and promote better drainage.
• You can expect a concrete slab to cost approximately $4-$8 per square foot

We offer flexible financing options through lenders like GreenSky Financing that make your metal garage purchase more affordable, enjoyable, and rewarding. Contact our team to learn more about available options and find a plan that suits your budget.

We also offer rent-to-own packages for select buildings for those who want to forego traditional financing options. Our RTO plans feature no hard credit checks, quick approvals, and no penalties for early payoff.

Did you know delivery and installation is included with every purchase? Our team will work with you to schedule a convenient time and make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. We’ll carefully package your building up and deliver it to your site. Our crews will handle the rest. All you have to do is sit back and watch your new building come to life.