Connecticut Prefab Garages

The buildings are also used as commercial properties, including cafes and gyms. They have gained popularity in recent years, with many being converted to commercial use. They are located in urban areas as well as rural farming communities.

Prefab garages were also converted to residential use and sold as stand-alone homes. Some of these had more than one level with a living space and were converted into multi-family housing.

Prefab Metal Building/Garage FAQs

Where can I find a prefabricated metal building/garage?

Numerous companies sell Connecticut prefab garages. Most car garage builders have a website, and you should be able to find one from there, or by searching “prefab metal buildings”.

In addition, some commercial door dealers also sell them, mainly if they service the construction market. As with all construction projects, you need to check references and get at least three bids before purchasing.

Are Connecticut prefab garages fireproof?

The short answer is no – but it’s complicated. Some use flammable insulation in the walls and ceilings (usually foam boards made of combustible material). In general, flammables burn faster than concrete. Some of the “higher-end” ones use non-combustible insulation, and some of the metal will char before reaching critical temperature. Most of them *should* be able to withstand a small fire, such as one started by a dropped cigarette, but I wouldn’t count on it for anything more than that.

How strong are Connecticut prefab garages?

These buildings were designed to be lightweight and easily transported. Most of them do an adequate job at that function, but not much else – there’s no such thing as a reinforced steel garage door frame, for example. They tend to flex quite a bit. The sheathing is typically 1/8-1/4″ thick and will dent if you walk on it or push on it too hard.

Some building specialists use thicker sheeting, but the primary purpose of the sheeting is to keep things like rain and snow from getting into the building (which is critical). Even though these buildings may look rigid compared to a stick-built structure, they’re still exerting tremendous amounts of force against each other in high winds, and you have to design for that.

How thick is the metal used for Connecticut prefab garages?

Most of them are between 16 and 20 gauge (thousandths of an inch). The thicker the metal used in construction, generally speaking, the stronger and longer-lasting it will be – heavier gauge steel isn’t always better though.

Prefab fabrication quality varies widely – some places actually have pretty high standards, and they can really build some strong stuff – other places slap something together as fast as possible.

The weakest point on most of these buildings is the corner gussets, which are usually 2-3 pieces of metal connected with bolts. One manufacturer even put a vast oval in the bottom of their doors – they really didn’t care too much about quality control when they made that one.

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Are they insulated?

Some installers use foam board insulation to save money. It’s cheaper than fiberglass, but it burns fast and has a tendency to explode/burn-in unpredictable directions when subjected to heat (which is pretty much anytime you have an open flame). Some use spray foam, although we’d caution against this because its flames spread through gas at significantly greater distances than regular “flames” would do. If it catches fire, there’s no way to get out because your garage doors and windows are sealed shut.

Are they waterproof?

They keep the rain off pretty well, but they aren’t watertight – which means any moisture that gets into the building tends to build upon the floor. Most of them have one coat of paint, if that, so it will rust out eventually if not taken care of.

What size do I need for my steel structure?

In general, 24’x24′ provides enough space to fit a vehicle as well as tools/equipment. If your vehicle(s) are really long, then you might consider going up to 36’x36′. There’s no point in getting anything smaller than that, and you might run into trouble if your vehicle is long and this building is small. The interior height of these buildings ranges from 6’6″ to 7’4″. If you’re going to install a loft, it’s usually 10-12″ below the roof’s peak – but if not, expect about 8′ inside height.

How much does it cost?

Going cheap, around $7500 for everything, including delivery and installation (if you can find someone) to go up yourself. Going “high end”, $10,000+ for a good quality building with a strong frame, doors that close well without leaking, a waterproof sheathing layer – basically everything mentioned above.

Can they withstand a storm and other harsh weather conditions?

Yes, but not all of them – only those with a strong frame and roof with a thick enough sheathing layer. Generally speaking, though, you should plan for it to be there when the storm passes, even if it is destroyed in the process. Also, think about your location – hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes will generally destroy anything that’s built into or on the ground (except concrete). On tip/stilts is probably best because it can still work as a garage even if some of the legs get blown off by high winds.

How long will it last?

It should last as long as you maintain it – i.e. keep the rust off and paint every few years. If properly maintained, most of them last upwards of 50 years. If you leave your tools inside unprotected, then expect everything to end up looking like crap after about ten years. These buildings are usually treated with one coat of paint which is easily scratched away if you’re not careful. Some building kits use galvanized steel instead, where you can get upwards of 30-40 years before any maintenance is needed (galvanized steel will last almost indefinitely in a marine environment).

Do I need a permit?

It depends on where you live. In the US, any building over 120 square feet in size will probably require a building permit (in some places, you can DIY this for about $200). If your state doesn’t require permits, then it’s best to contact your county and ask them. Most likely, though, yes – especially if it’s an elevated building because that potentially requires supporting piers driven into the ground, which will definitely require a permit.

You’ll also need to get one if you’re in an area that experiences lots of high wind and/or heavy snow (many cities consider 27″ or more of snow during one storm as “high winds”).  If not, then it might be worth getting one anyway as a safety precaution.

You can still do most of the work yourself and have an official sign-off for your own peace of mind, which you can use to protect yourself from liability in case someone gets hurt inside your building (like if it collapses on them during a storm).

Why is the floor higher than the walls?

Because this prevents ground moisture from reaching everything inside by wicking it towards anything that’s lower (like patio blocks). Also, it is usually cheaper and easier to build one foundation with adjustable feet instead of two separate ones for both sides of the wall. Ideally, items like shelves would be built flush against the walls, but there will probably be play between 12″ and 16″ inches or so unless you want to invest in metal beams.

What are the types of metal garages in CT?

The convenience of a metal garage lets it take the spot of Connecticut’s favorite parking and storage space. If your car needs shelter and your house has no parking garage, a full garage is a perfect solution. You can choose from various types of car garages depending on the construction goal. A Connecticut garage may be a sturdy metal shelter you can rely on and fix to your house. Or it could be a prefabricated building like the other types of garages Connecticut has available, like an overhead or roll-up garage door.

How is metal garage building construction done?

The metal garage building construction is easy to start. You need to set the collected fence posts in concrete and connect them by using tried frames. Then you need to apply the door and window frames, prepare your roof trusses and imagine metallic sheets for it. Make sure that everything is working well before pouring the concrete slab around the structure. After placing all required doors, you can cover your new shelter with metallic sheets or just paint its walls. It depends only on your taste and budget what option will be better for you.

What are the pros of metal garages? 

There are plenty of reasons why people love their metal garages, including:

• They are stronger than conventional garages.
• They don’t require too much effort to build.
• They are built on a smaller plot of land.
• They don’t require a foundation because they can be placed directly on the ground.
• They look attractive and stylish.

What are the cons of metal garages? 

Metal garage has some downsides too:

• They need special tools to work.
• It’s not easy to access the interior even if there is an opening for it (in case you want to install any shelves, move machines or store things).
• It takes much more time than building a conventional one.

A metal garage is tough and durable. It can stand against hurricanes and other natural disasters, so it fits even for areas with harsh weather elements.  It’s also resistant to rust and can store valuable things because it has an insulation effect.

How much is metal garage building construction?

It depends on many factors, including the size of your future shelter, its design, access points (doors), and so on, but builders usually charge per square foot. This means that even though building a huge structure takes more time and effort, it’s also expensive. So if you want to save money, you should count your budget carefully and determine how much the contractor will charge for his services.

How long does it take to build a metal garage?

You must be patient because even though building a metal garage takes much less time than constructing a conventional one, it still requires at least 4-5 weeks. It doesn’t matter whether you can do everything by yourself or will hire some workers – it takes almost as much time as spending on building a concrete structure where only one person works on it. There are plenty of things to do in both cases, starting from the foundation to insulation and other finishing touches.

How do I pick a proper location for my steel building?

Another thing you must be careful about is your metal garage construction site. It needs to be flat, large enough to make a shelter bigger than 1,8 x 7 m. Garages larger than that require special permission from the city council because they take away space from the road or pedestrians walking by.

You also need to check it for a water drainage system as if there is no river next to your future shelter, it will require a solid groundwater drain which can be very expensive. If there is one thing you don’t have – concrete slabs or gravel – ask for an estimate before going on with the project so you won’t spend money this way.

If you plan to build a metal garage by yourself, the location must be very dry and free from humidity, so it doesn’t rust or corrode. You can also install double doors for easier access to your shelter.

What are best-selling metal garages?

There are plenty of models available for sale, but they all depend on your personal preferences. If you want something very big or small, with many windows or doors or special features like insulation mats, etc., make sure they are included in the price. Some companies offer complete kits that can be even cheaper than ready products, but you must install them yourself, which takes much more time. The most common types of metal used today are recycled iron and aluminum. Used iron is recycled from existing structures like bridges, which makes construction much cheaper. Also, recycled metal doesn’t rust as much as a new one, and it’s environmentally friendly.

Aluminum is also a great product because it doesn’t rust and has a high density – just 10% of its weight – making it perfect for large structures or dozens of windows. It can be easily found in different colors, so you can choose the proper shade to match your house’s style.

Another option is stainless steel garages. Usually, they are made from iron, but stainless elements make them sturdier and weatherproof without requiring too much maintenance work. Besides being strong, these garages have low heat conductivity so that you won’t have problems with ventilation, especially during a hot summer day.

Moreover, there are various styles of vault buildings available. Some have a predefined roof structure, others – the walls and floors. This means that they are easier to build because you just have to follow instructions from drawings or even photos instead of making all calculations on your own. And it’s always good that manufacturers create detailed manuals for their products, so there’s no chance you’ll get confused during installation.

What are the different roof styles for metal garages?

Metal garages are very popular because there are various types of roofs you can choose from. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages which should be taken into consideration before buying one.

The roof is an essential part of any type of shelter (not only vaults) because it makes your storage secure during both hot summer days and cold winter nights. First, let’s see what types there are:

Steel garage roof styles

As you could assume by their name, these roofs have a specific structure with rafters on each side, forming a triangle on top. It takes some time to assemble this type of roof which often comes in separate parts, but on the other hand, it’s very sturdy, so it won’t collapse under strong wind or snowfall.

Storage Options: You can store almost anything inside this type of vault metal garage since it has two floors. However, if you plan to keep your car inside, you need to check measurements first because most models support only mid-size vehicles like sedans or coupes. Also, if you move around a lot, consider getting something lightweight because these shelters aren’t as transportable as those with a single floor.

Split roofs

Split roofs are very popular because they’re affordable and easy to install. Everything can be done by yourself without calling any professionals who charge lots of money just for the labor itself! Roofing asphalt shingles seem like a great choice since they perfectly cover ridge but don’t take any chances with heavy rain! In case rivers start overflowing their banks, your safe will likely get submerged underwater which means all your property inside will be destroyed. On the other hand, if you choose a pro-grade steel roof, you’ll have an advantage against weather conditions because it has 8-gauge steel sheets riveted to each other for maximum strength.

Another great thing about split roofs is that they’re easy to clean – all you need is to climb up the ladder and wipe out dust and dirt with a water hose. Of course, for heavy cleaning jobs using shovels or hoes will be required, but it’s much easier than trying to scrape off dirt from an entire surface at once. Also, some manufacturers offer specific accessories for this type of metal shelter – usually, it’s a telescopic brush that you use for rust removal.

Although split roofs might seem like a good choice because of their affordable price, you should consider that they start showing signs of wear and tear after several years, primarily if you use them frequently or store heavy things inside. If you take proper care about your metal shelter – make sure there’s no debris on top and replace shingles when necessary – this type can be perfectly maintained even during extended periods.

Steel garage roof styles

If you don’t need too much storage space but still want a strong and durable vault, a gable roof is perfect for you! It offers plenty of room inside, so it’s great for those who have lots of stuff they want to keep outside their houses.

Storage Options: If your storage capacity is limited, you can easily mount a metal garage on top of existing structures like sheds. If you want it to be taller – just pile up bricks or other heavy objects for additional height.

Because its roof has two sides inclined towards the ground, this type offers better protection than split models because rain and snow won’t cause any leaks inside. However, if you live in areas where winters tend to be really cold, so you need something stronger, consider getting something with steel sheets at least 7-gauge.

Regular roof-style

If you don’t have much space around but still want a strong structure (which also looks nice), a regular roof style might be the best option for you! It offers plenty of storage space (up to 400 square feet) and can be used for all kinds of activities like workshops, garages or even home extensions.

Architectural Designs: This design comes in many different styles – simple post-and-beam structure covered with asphalt shingles, contemporary style with large windows on the front side or custom made shelters that look more like a regular house. Also, to make the roof stronger, you can use steel headers since they provide better support than regular rafters.

Storage Options: To keep your things safe from rain and snow, you have two options – either choose metal garage models with factory-applied vinyl coating or buy an additional tarp just in case. However, if you want something that will last long without any upgrades, then keep in mind that you need to choose at least 6-gauge sheets because anything lighter will likely get damaged during winter.

While this type might look outdated, it’s still very popular because of its durability and stylish design! When choosing this shelter, make sure you include steel beams in your calculations – usually, they’re sold separately, which means you have to think about additional costs for the custom-made structure.

Cities in Connecticut

Gadsden, Oxford, Ozark, Pelham, Huntsville, Alabaster, Auburn, Cullman, Mountain Brook, Athens, Birmingham, Phenix City, Troy, Talladega, Bessemer, Opelika, Center Point, Mobile, Selma, Fort Payne, Florence, Hueytown, Daphne, Northport, Eufaula, Alexander City, Scottsboro, Dothan, Prichard, Anniston, Trussville, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, Smiths, Montgomery, Prattville, Hoover, Madison, Albertville,Decatur, Enterprise, Tuscaloosa, Jasper, Tillmans Corner

State Resources

Connecticut State Website

County List In Connecticut