You could be looking at investing in a garage to add space for storage or because you’re tired of getting drenched on the way to your car. You may be looking to add value to your property, create a design studio, or build a workshop. But not all garages are created equal.
Buying a metal garage not only adds value to your property, but they are also a cost-effective way to buy a garage because the prices of metal garages are significantly lower than traditional wood constructions. Metal garages also have longer lifespans and can decrease your insurance premium.
What are the benefits of a metal garage? What a great question! Keep reading to find out why you should purchase a metal garage, the value a garage can add to your home, the lifespans of metal garages, and what to know before you build your next garage.
Why You Should Buy a Metal Garage
More often than not, when a garage’s image comes to mind, people tend to think of a traditional wood garage over a metal garage. Did you know that a metal garage can add a customization level that most wooden garages are unable to provide?
Check out some of the ways a metal garage can benefit you below:
| The Whys | The Hows |
| Value | – Generally less expensive and sturdier than a traditional wooden garage- Due to their versatility, metal garages can blend well with your home- Act as an upgrade when trying to sell your home |
| Adaptability | -You can find metal garages in different shapes, sizes, and colors- If you plan to upsize your metal garage, you can easily add on later |
| Safety | – Reduced risk of cracking, rotting, and insect infestations- Weather-resistant treatments allow for longer lifespan of paint and metal |
| Convenience | – Requires less maintenance – Designed to be weather resistant- Easy to clean- Designers created installation kits with DIY in mind- |
| Protection | Metal garages protect your vehicle whether it’s rain, ice, or snow(Remember the days of scraping ice off your windshield? Say goodbye to scraping ice with that old credit card!) |
| Cost-effectiveness | It simply makes more financial sense to go with a metal garage due to the low cost of the material, the reduced time commitment of construction and installation, and the fact that maintenance issues are much less than with other materials. |
| Durability | Metal buildings are typically built to the highest standards, with internal bracing and certifications rated for 35PSF-140MPH on concrete ensuring their stability and dependability in the face of high winds and snow. |
| Eco-friendly | Simply put, a metal garage is a more environmentally-friendly choice. Your metal garage would leave you with a clean conscience of being more eco-friendly because it takes only a short amount of time to build and does not require heavy equipment, unlike most other choices. |
Can a Metal Garage Add Value to Your Home?
With the above benefits of safety, convenience, and adaptability, a metal garage can be a great way to increase your home’s value. If you’re planning to create an investment property or wish to sell your home in the next few years, a metal garage may be the perfect push you need to increase your profits.
While the value of adding a garage relies on how much the buyer wants a garage, the majority of homebuyers making their wish list include having a garage as much of a priority as having a master bathroom.
Realtor Magazine shares that by adding a garage to your home, you’re potentially adding between $15,000 to $30,000 onto the home’s overall value. Not having a garage can also decrease the likelihood of selling your house quickly.
The Lifespan of a Metal Garage
Not only are metal garages low maintenance and extremely durable, but they also have an impressive lifespan compared to other traditional garages. While a conventional wooden garage starts to deteriorate over time due to weather, insects, and other conditions, a metal garage doesn’t have the same worries.
Depending on the quality of your metal, the warranty on your garage can last up to 20 years. While wooden structures have to worry about rotting, bug infestations, and moisture, you can prep against the one worry of having a metal garage— water — by using weather-resistant paint and other protective materials.
Here is a list of questions to consider before you purchase your new metal garage:
- What will you be using the garage for?
- How large will the garage be, and how soon will you need to upgrade your garage?
- Where will you be installing your metal garage?
- Is the location flat, or does it need to be prepared before installation?
- What is your budget?
- How urgently do you need your garage?
- Do you have an idea of precisely what you want? Color? Doors? Bows and trusses?
By understanding the above questions, you’ll better prepare yourself for the new project and have a grasp on how much your new garage will cost.
You will also want to keep in mind the type of warranty that your new metal garage has. Whether it’s a 10-year warranty or more, if anything happens within the warranty’s time frame, you can take advantage of fixing the rust, cracking, or chipping before it’s too late.
Below is a list of considerations when purchasing your metal building.
Once you choose a metal carport design that perfectly fits your needs, you will be eager to begin the installation process. Rushing through the project requirements will result in you missing some crucial steps and having to deal with long-term issues. With this checklist, you will stay on track and complete each move in the proper order as you plan for the installation of your metal building. It’s best to print it out and keep it handy.
- Request Your Permit. In certain parts of the country, installing a metal building would involve obtaining a building permit from the local building authority. Even though these structures are pre-engineered rather than constructed from the ground up, they must also meet all applicable building codes for protection and keeping up with local building code.
- Choose Your Base. Before you can start preparing the site for your new metal structure, you’ll need to figure out what kind of foundation you’ll need. You may need to clear vegetation and level the ground for simple open metal carports. When built on a concrete pad, metal buildings are the most secure and long-lasting. However, this increases the cost of installation and can necessitate the use of drawings or designs.
- Prepare the Ground. Before you can start preparing the site for your new metal structure, you’ll need to figure out what kind of foundation you’ll need. You may need to clear vegetation and level the ground for simple open metal carports. When built on a concrete pad, asphalt, or gravel metal buildings are the most secure and long-lasting. However, this increases the cost of installation and can necessitate the use of drawings or designs.
- (Optional) Pour the Pad. If you want your metal building to have a concrete base, now is the time to hire a concrete contractor to excavate and pour it. It will take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for the concrete to completely cure. Even if the concrete pad appears strong and dry to the touch, it’s best not to create or even walk on it until it cures. Curing is a chemical reaction that causes the concrete to become more durable.
- Schedule Delivery. Wait until your concrete pad is cured or the dirt floor is cleared and leveled before scheduling your metal building, delivery and installation. Installation usually depends on the installers being able to get to work right away rather than returning a week or two later. Also, keep in mind that installation may take longer depending on your part of the country, on local requirements and or inclement weather.
- Complete Installation. In most cases, what you have to do is sit back and watch while the metal structure is put together by the professionals. If you’ve wanted to go for a DIY kit instead, allow yourself a week or two to finish the project if you’re working alone and only have time to work on weekends and after work. Professional installation takes just a few hours on average, so it’s worth letting them do the work.
- Undergo Final Inspection. Before you can use the building in places where permits are needed, it must pass a final inspection. If there are any code violations, the inspector will point them out to you so you can correct them. You shouldn’t have any problems during the inspection if you pick a pre-engineered design that is already customized for your area’s requirements. be sure to discuss design and plan options with your dealer.
With this checklist in hand, you can start planning your metal building installation. Maintain contact with your carport or garage manufacturer during the process to ensure that they are able to arrive at the most opportune time. If you have any questions about the installation process, make sure you get answers before you begin so there are no unpleasant surprises later.
In Summary
The primary reasons to get a metal garage include increased value, your choice of color, shape, and size, increased safety, less maintenance, convenient DIY installation kits, and a longer lifespan. Metal garages sound like a fantastic investment!
