Top 7 Mistakes People Make When Buying A Metal Garage (And How To Avoid Them)

If your house is full of clutter, do you want to keep it out of sight? Is your driveway packed with cars, making it hard to get out of your home without dodging them? If so, are you in need of a new parking garage? But, not so fast! It is important to “PLAN” your garage space for parking and basic storage needs.

Many people make common mistakes when installing a new garage that lead to extra costs, flimsy materials, and a space that doesn’t fit their needs. So, by learning from others’ experience, you can make a smart and stress-free choice and get a garage of your dreams.

7 Costly Pitfalls And How To Avoid Them When Buying A Metal Garage

Here, we will discuss some common and avoidable mistakes that home, farm, or business owners can avoid when installing a new metal 2-car garage on their lot. Let’s begin with the number 1 problem that most homeowners struggle with.

Mistake No. 1: Choosing The Wrong Garage Size

Some people buy a garage without thinking about how much space they will need first. Thus, they end up with too small or too big a space that doesn’t work for them. Moreover, doing renovations like expansion will add to the cost sooner or later.

Consequence: About 98% of suburb homes have garages, but still, in most neighborhoods, cars are parked in driveways. And, once you open the garage door, the space looks like an episode of “Garage Squad” with tools, boxes, and random stuff lying around.

✅ Solution: Make a list of what you want to store in the garage, such as no. of cars, their size, bikes, basic storage items, and workshop space (if needed). Ensure to have extra space for future needs. A popular garage size is 24 x 22 ft.

Mistake No. 2: Ignoring Local Building Codes, Zoning Laws, And Permits

Some people forget to check the city’s laws (residential/ commercial construction codes, zoning laws, and setbacks) before putting up a garage. It is important to know if you need a permit for a metal building installation.

Consequence: You may end up paying fines, and worst, you may be asked to remove the entire structure, which can lead to unnecessary delays and may stretch your budget.

✅ Solution: Ask your city/ county about rules related to garage size, placement, and permits before buying raw materials and preparing the site. Make sure to include the cost of permits (for construction, HVAC system, fencing, electrical, and plumbing).

Mistake No. 3: Giving Priority To Steel Garage’s Cost Over Quality

Some people only look for a lower cost when buying a metal structure to cut corners in the initial stage. But cheap materials can wear out too soon, leading to expensive repairs and even replacements.

Consequence: Weak materials can rust, bend, and break easily, while a poorly build structure won’t last long and might need to be fixed later. These hidden costs can add up over time.

✅ Solution: You must look for a high-quality steel frame and metal panels when installing a new vertical roof carport on your lot. You can compare quotes from various dealers and read customer reviews before making a decision.

Mistake No. 4: Neglecting Site Preparation For Metal Building Construction

Before you begin installation, ensure that to have a properly leveled site. If this isn’t done, it can cause trouble later on.

Consequence: Not preparing the construction site can lead to a garage that doesn’t sit evenly. This can make the garage door hard to open. Moreover, water can pool over uneven terrain, which can cause damage. The poorer the planning, the harder it will be to install.

✅ Solution: Make sure the surface is leveled after removing any trees, rocks, and debris that could obstruct the installation, and choose a strong, durable foundation, such as a concrete slab. If you are installing a large metal structure, be sure to hire a soil inspector for grading and testing. This will help you know how much load soil can bear and what type of base will be best for it.

Mistake No. 5: Overlooking The Foundation And Anchoring Of Metal Garage

A garage must have a solid foundation to stand firm and stable in the harshest weather conditions. If you skip this part, the garage may tilt or fall apart due to foundation shifting. Some common metal building foundation options include asphalt, dirt and gravel, and concrete slab and pier.

Consequence: The garage building may shift with time, water absorption, and become unstable. If you live in areas prone to storms or strong winds, the structure may get damaged, leading to expensive repairs. Not using a proper anchor can cause structural failure due to high-speed winds or seismic activity.

✅ Solution: Opt for a base that can bear the load of the entire garage building. Of all options, concrete slabs with a thickness between 4 and 8 inches are the most durable choices. Before installing a new steel prefab garage, be sure to use the correct anchor bolts, depending on the foundation type.

Tip: If you want to use a steel garage as a workshop or for regular cleaning and repairs of vehicles, ensure to seal the concrete before pouring the slab to avoid stains.

Mistake No. 6: Ignoring Customization, Insulation, And Ventilation Needs

Many buyer tends to overlook the importance of a comfortable indoor environment all year round. A garage can become too hot in summer and freeze during winter. Moreover, a structure with no custom features may look out of place on your property.

Consequence: Extreme heat can turn your metal garage into an oven in summer and a freezer during winter. Not having ventilation and insulation can trap humidity and moisture inside, leading to rust, mold, and corrosion. It can even damage temperature-sensitive items.

That’s not it! Without insulation and a fresh airflow, your garage HVAC system will have to do more work, increasing your energy bills. And, a poorly design garage will bring down the overall look of your property.

✅ Solution: You can opt for insulation and a radiant barrier to regular indoor temperature. Currently, we offer single bubble, double bubble, and woven R17 insulation with our steel garages and buildings.

Also, don’t forget about the customization to match a new carport with your home. After all, the ROI of a custom metal carport that blends seamlessly with your existing property is higher than a prefab one. You can opt for exterior wall & roof colors, roll-up, frame out, and walk-in doors and windows, depending on your needs.

Mistake No. 7: Poor Maintenance Planning For Your Metal Parking Garage

Some people may think a metal building won’t need maintenance. That is partly true, but without regular cleaning and check-ups, it can wear down over time.

Consequence: Rust and corrosion may start to show up in joints, around screws and fasteners, and roof may develop leakages. Avoiding cleaning can lead to clutter build-up, which can attract pests like insects and rodents. The overall look may be tarnished by dirt.

✅ Solution: Metal parking spaces don’t need regular deep cleaning. You can use warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush to clean up. If you notice any sign of wear or rust, fix it promptly to avoid costly repairs later on.

A metal structure doesn’t need yearly coating or repainting. All you have to do is keep up with a regular cleaning and monitoring schedule to ensure the garage lasts long.

Tip: Not Understanding The Warranty And After-Sales Support

Many buyers don’t read the full details on what’s covered and what’s not in the manufacturer’s warranty, including after-sales support. This can lead to surprised repair costs and may struggle to keep up with garage post-installation problems.

To avoid warranty-related errors, it is crucial to understand what is covered, the duration of coverage, and if there are any T&C on it. We suggest choosing a reliable manufacturer who provides certified steel building that lasts long with minimal care.

So, before making your final decision, keep these tips in mind and approach the process with confidence!

Get Your Perfect Metal Garage? Here’s Where To Start!

Buying a new garage for parking, storage, workshop, or business is a great investment, but avoiding these 7 common mistakes is the key to its long-term durability and structural strength. So, it is important to choose raw materials from a reliable manufacturer (with certification if local codes require for) while keeping in mind any future upgrades. To know more about sizing, design, and customization options, you can call us at (336)-729-2405 today!