Prefab Metal garages

Hello all, this is my first post here on the forum.

I have a question about prefab garages. Does anyone here have any experience with them? I am specifically looking at these http://www.alansfactoryoutlet.com/metal-garage-prices

The price for a 22x26 delivered and installed is only $5,000 (not including concrete/finishing). How sturdy are these things?

I want a garage that is capable of accepting a lift, but of course I want to do it on the cheap. This looks like a good option. I have not done too much research on different companies and such, this is just one that I found. If you have experience with these or "know a guy who knows a guy", share your thoughts.

I have a carport that's basically these garages without walls. Works great. There are probably a half dozen in my neighborhood that made it through the last two hurricanes. Keep in mind these will never be 'nice' like a stick build garage. They'll always be a tin can of a building unless you basically build a whole extra building inside to hold walls and shelves and what not. They're fantastic for what they are, but I think they make better car ports than buildings.

Also interested in these. And quonset huts.

I am a little uneasy with "buildings" manufactured by people that don't even know basic construction terminology.

What the heck is a "vertical roof"?

Why would they include the overhang dimensions in the "size" of the building? (a 22x26 building is measured eave- eave. The floor is 21x25).

They are shade structures. Not much more.

Don't get me wrong- they serve a purpose. In fact, I've been considering buying one for a couple months.

Where are you located? Codes will determine your costs. I would not want one in a northern climate (heat, snow load, etc)

Don't kid yourself on the price. That is JUST A SHELL. It needs a slab to keep it in place, and that means it has to meet the building code. Assuming you are in a region that requires footings about 24" deep, you will use 23 yards of concrete to pour that slab. That's $2800 in concrete. Plus labor, formwork, vapor barrier, site grading, etc. Slab will cost $5000- 10,000 depending on where you are. Add electric, or whatever else.

But, like mazdeuce says, they serve a purpose.

30 day "craftsmanship warranty on the metal building"??

That's not a warranty. It's a "we'll try to get it off the truck without busting it up too bad".

Standard warranties in construction (for actual buildings) is 1 year.

get some sea crates, a plasma cutter and mig welder and get to making a much stronger setup on your own

BTW- the reason they do not allow the building to be picked up, is that they don't have a place of business.

They are an internet business, not a manufacturer. They drop ship product.

You will never find them if you need parts, repairs, or service.

If you are going to buy one of these, I would look for a local retailer who maintains a building and an inventory. At least they will care about your business.

Why does the width stop @ 24'? That would be annoying.

I have a ~29' square garage, and that extra few feet of width is totally berkeleying worth it. I would have a hard time getting a garage built and not getting the extra few feet.

Good point SVrex. Would you send five large to a place that doesn't have a street address listed on their web page?

I put one this one:

It is very tough. Future Steel.

In reply to Dr. Hess:

I don't think that is what they are selling on that website.