How Much Does a Metal Prefab Garage Cost?
Last Updated: June 01, 2023
Fact Checked By: Ryan Maguire
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Quick Summary: Steel Garage Prices #
A rigid frame metal garage will cost around $10 to $25 per square foot, while a simpler Quonset hut will cost $7 to $15 per square foot.
When it comes to housing cars, trucks, RVs, ATVs, and other vehicles, steel garages offer unmatched protection at reasonable prices. Due to advancements in manufacturing, it is now possible to purchase a steel garage for around the same price as a garage made from traditional building materials.
And when ease of construction, durability, and overall functionality are considered, wood simply cannot stand up to strong, lightweight metal garages.
This buying guide offers details on why you should choose metal for your next garage/workshop, explains what to consider before making a purchase, and provides straightforward steel building pricing information.
Benefits of Steel Garages #
Compared to wooden garages, steel garage buildings offers the following advantages:
- Cost-effectiveness: Steel building technology is based on the premise of using prefabricated components that are made in a factory and only need to be assembled. By purchasing a pre-fabricated garage you can save up to 60% on materials and labor compare to traditional construction. Plus, those with sufficient skills can purchase steel garage kits and provide the necessary labor, thereby saving even more money.
Other steel garage savings include lower heating and cooling costs and less-costly insurance premiums.
- Shorter construction, longer life: Although a pre-fabricated metal garage can be built in a fraction of the time of a wooden garage, it is not uncommon for steel garages to come with a warranty of around 25 years. That's because metal stands up better to the elements than wood, even in extreme events such as earthquakes and hurricanes.
Metal carports are also less susceptible to damaging molds, mildews, and pests. Over the lifetime of a steel garage, the only maintenance it will likely require is cleaning, which can easily be done with a garden hose or pressure washer.
Wide range of attractive finishes: If you're concerned that steel carports all look like unsightly metal boxes, then think again. Modern manufacturing allows metal garages to be finished in a multitude of colors, textures, and styles, so you won't have to sacrifice aesthetics for functionality.
Easier on the earth: Because steel is the most recycled material on the planet, there's a good chance that the steel garage you buy is made from reused metal.
Things to Keep in Mind before Buying a Steel Garage #
There are a number of things you should consider when building a metal garage, including:
- Speak with you local permitting agency to determine what types of steel garage plans you will need to submit. Typically, a site plan, engineered building plans, and concrete/foundation plans are needed.
- When shopping for steel garages from multiple suppliers, be sure to inquire about whether they offer all of the types of building plans you'll need (some won't supply concrete plans).
- Obtain and submit the building plans in order to obtain the necessary building permits.
Steel Garage Average Costs - Samples #
Steel garage prices are influenced by a number of factors, including local material and labor costs, in addition to individual supplier costs. As a result, the following metal garage prices are only meant to serve as a general overview.
Two basic styles of metal garages, rigid frame and Quonset hut, are available. A rigid frame steel garage might cost around $10 to $25 per square foot, while a simpler Quonset hut might cost $7 to $15 per square foot.
When purchasing metal garage kits, it's possible to order the kit and assemble it yourself, or have the manufacturer complete the installation. For the following steel garage kit sizes you can expect to pay approximately:
$5,000 to $6,000 for a 25x39x13 carport kit
$9,000 to $10,000 for a 24x36 2-car garage kit with shop area
$19,000 to $20,000 for a 35x75 garage and workshop kit
$28,000 to $30,000 for a 50x100 garage and workshop kit
To help gauge the cost of your own metal garage, consider what other buyers nationwide paid:
Around $15 square feet. for a 24x40 RV/pickup garage, including concrete, labor, and materials.
Approximately $14 per square foot for a 14 foot tall car storage shop, including insulation, labor, and materials.
Roughly $25 per square foot for a 40x60 workshop (foundation, materials, insulation, installation).
About $13 per square foot for a 1,580 square foot garage big enough for an RV and 2 cars.
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