Crimson Red Sports

After my successful wall, I am considering building a garage.

I inherited a ton of tools, I mean stuff I don't know what it is, I am equipped to pull engines, weld, paint vehicles with air brushes, literally you name it.  My dads first job was changing tires the hard way when he was 12 and was a mechanic his whole life, so you can imagine.  So I need somewhere to put this stuff.

I am thinking cinder block because it is pretty cheap and can double as a storm shelter since I do not have basement. 

One thing, is that I have no idea how to build a roof. 

Discuss.

Plan to do it alone??  If you've never built a roof, etc you'd best get help.  A friend of mine just had a metal building put up (instead of block).  It's quick and easy, plus the beams serve well for pulling that engine. ;D  Not much for tornadoes, though.

You'll be well served with a concrete floor too, regardless of the walls.  Also, put in electricity and overhead (fluorescent) lighting.

Yeah, I have book.  It says pour the floor with rebar around the edges.  I do everything alone.   :'(

I'll need to research this roof thing.

If you build your roof, build it on a 6/12 for good fall. I can tell you how to build it but I can't help other than supervise. It's not that hard general, I did mine and the roof by myself. I had help putting the shingles on top. One thing for sure: Don't build it to small because what you think is good, it is always just a bit to small. If you find the size you want add 10FT. to it each way. Good luck my friend. RTR!

Ok, so maybe not cinder block, but I definetly need another building...

Discuss.

I have a 24 x 36 and a 12 x 24 metal building.  This is the way to go for many reasons. 

A friend of mine heard about some metal buildings being taken down because a new road was going through.  He and I visited the site.  There were 4 buildings, all about 30X40 in size.  My friend bought one, had it moved to his farm (30 miles away), paid for a slab poured, and had the guys who took it down put it back up (walls, insulation, a.c., etc).  Total cost $14,000.

Check to see if there are any such opportunities around B'ham.  I didn't know how simple it was to take down and rebuild one of those.  His is great.

Approximately what did you pay?  If you dont mind my asking.

The 24 x 36 was about 10 years ago, I think it was around $7500 materials only.   The 12 x 24 was about 5 years ago, it was just a few hundred dollors for materials.  The most expensive thing in construction now is the slab.   Sorry I couldn't be more helpful but the cost of building materials are much higher now.     

Cool thanks, why is the slab so expensive? 

BTW, if someone else is putting up the metal building for you, either have them also do the slab or be sure (absolutely certain) to get the exact specs for the slab.  The building must match the slab, and a ~2" step-down on the perimeter of the slab matches the metal bottom edge (to keep out vermin, water, etc).

  Concrete is $110 to $120 a yard and the slab should be at least 4" thick.  Have a broom finish put on it or when it gets wet you will bust you tail.

Actually, it depends on what you plan for it.  My friend wanted his for a work shop.  It has a smooth floor so he can wheel his work benches and lumber carts around.  It has heat and a.c., so never gets wet.  I don't think a broom finish would work well for his casters.  As is, he just wheels everything around simply.

I have a broom finish and have no problem with the small wheels, I keep my boat in my 24 x 36 and water drains out after i clean it up, thats how the floor gets wet.

I've seen commercials for non-slip floor plant.  Two birds- one stone*.

Metal Garage (http://cgi.ebay.com/Metal-Garage-/160510645044?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item255f2e1334)


Just an idea, you can compare cost.  Mine came from Dixie Supply in Mobile. 

We have a 10x14 Morgan building that was 2400 installed.  That have all sizes... Literally they showed us a school they made.  It was a "show special" at houston rodeo. 

We are happy with it.  No bugs or critters in there yet. 2 yrs later.  We have Texas size roaches in the garage that will start running in a plastic bag and the bag moves w them -  nasty.

(http://images.wikia.com/psychology/images/a/ab/House_mouse.jpg)
Those roaches look like this?

Here is a guy with cinder blocks for sale. Scroll down page halfway. Call him. SIAP

(Language Warning)
http://www.shaggybevo.com/board/showthread.php/55136-Post-a-pic-that-makes-you-lol/page17

(http://skoogs.files.wordpress.com/2007/04/roaches.jpg)

We don't have mice...the roaches ate them.

There is a reason my kids know the bug man by his first name.

Thanks. My bad.

(http://i29.tinypic.com/2d8ni95.jpg)

Similar to this but mine wear cowboys hats to blend in w/ the locals.

No worries.  Actually nice to have something to do.   :P  Very mature crowd here.

I agree SS, home projects can be enjoyful if you look at it from that standpoint.   ;)

Me and my dad built a 18' by 24' building for me about 5 years ago. Studded out, built the roof joists ourselves (6/12), then put metal on it. It is great. Put a walk-through door plus garage door in it. We saved money on concrete by having the slab poured, then we finished it out ourselves. It is not very hard to do - screed it off, float it out. I used a push broom to finish it - worked out great. Took most of the summer to build it, but totally worth the wait.

If you don't want to or can't build the roof joists, you can buy them for the size building you need.

Ooohh.. I didnt think about that...

Thank you.