(update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

[MrBill]

Re: (update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

Which ever way you go...make sure there are no support structures (lally columns, etc.). My first garage had a lally column in the middle, and no matter what it always got in the way. I got smart the second time around and used a steel I-beam down the center, spanning 30 feet.<br /><br />Re the wood vs. steel...you don't mention if is attached to another structure or needs to architecturally conform to any standard, etc. Much will depend on your climate and foundation requirements. Wood may require a heftier foundation with full footings to distribute weight. Steel has fewer bearing points and may allow a monolithic slab with fortified points on bearing center...for example.

 

[one more cast]

Re: (update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

Most of the garages around here are built on floating slabs. I have owned 3 stick built and one pole frame garage. My cousin put up a steel 30 X 30 about 5 years ago and poured the floor two years ago. I live in the boonies (spelled REDNECK) so whatever I choose will look better then many around here. This will be a free standing garage about fifty feet from my house. If I go steel I will get colors to match my house and I think it will look fine. I am a ways off the road so if others don't like it they don't have to look at it.

 

[one more cast]

Re: (update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

Me again, I have the option of getting the 24x30 above mentioned garage for the price of moving it about 150 yards to my new house,and installing a utility shed in its place. Would anyone care to wager a guesstimate as to the cost of a new garage this size vs a 10x12 shed,a 24x30 slab with a course and a half of blocks and moving the garage 150 yards? or to simplfy...Would it be worth it?

 

[boatneck]

Re: (update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

OMC,<br />About 5 years ago when I lived in VA, I had a 24x32 steel pole barn put in by National Barn co. Took 2 days with their crew of 4 and it had windows, sliding 10x12 door, and skylights. Poured a slab afterward and was good to go. They require site to be level, but will build even if it isn't--you just have to figure out how to close up gaps in siding. Barn cost about $8K then, plus $3K for slab. You can find their website and they will talk to you about whatever you need.<br /><br />Your idea to move a garage 150 yards sounds like a good deal. You just have to find someone who knows what they're doing. Had a neighbor get a free two-story 2500 sq ft house by having it moved about the same distance. He dug a hole for the basement, put in cross beams and had the whole house moved over the basement. I remember it costing about $10K, but that was in rural VA. Don't know about upstate NY.