Things to Consider When Designing a Metal Garage from Scratch

Designing Your New Metal Garage

If you're new to the world of metal garages, you're probably in the dark about the design process and where to begin. After all, there are so many options and configurations available to you it can be a challenge to sort through the noise to find the right metal garage for sale to meet your needs.

But that all changes today! In this blog, we’ll explore some of the finer aspects of designing your metal garage from scratch, from how to choose the right size for your needs to critical considerations when building. Stick around for some clever insights into the world of custom metal garages.

Factors to Consider When Designing Your Metal Garage

Designing any structure is a big undertaking, even if they are prefabricated metal buildings. They require plenty of research, due diligence, and a keen eye to get the best results. But by making these efforts, you’ll undoubtedly end up with a structure that will serve you well for years to come. Let’s look deeper into some factors that you’ll want to keep in mind when designing custom metal garages:

1. Intended Use

Before you dive into the design process, it's essential to clearly define the primary purpose of your metal garage. Are you planning to use it for vehicle storage, as a workspace, or for multi-purpose storage? Determining the primary function will influence various design elements, such as size, layout, and the need for additional features like windows or insulation.

2. Budget

One of the most critical considerations when designing your metal garage is your budget. Research metal garage prices and steel garages available on the market to get an idea of the costs involved. Remember that your budget should encompass not only the construction expenses but also any site preparation, utilities, permits, and potential future maintenance costs.

3. Building Site

The location of your metal garage is another crucial factor. Consider factors like zoning regulations, local building codes, and any restrictions that may affect the size or design of your garage. Additionally, evaluate the topography and soil conditions to ensure a stable foundation.

4. Utilities

Think about your access to utilities like electricity, water, and gas. If you plan to use your metal garage as a workshop or require these services for any reason, ensure they are readily available or plan for the necessary infrastructure to be installed during construction.

5. Moisture Reduction and Insulation

Proper insulation and moisture reduction are essential to make your metal garage comfortable and energy-efficient. Insulation helps maintain a consistent temperature inside the garage, preventing extreme heat or cold. It also reduces energy costs and makes the space more comfortable if you plan to spend extended periods inside. Additionally, consider moisture-reducing measures, like proper ventilation and sealing gaps, to prevent condensation and rust formation.

6. Sound Reduction

If you'll be using your metal garage for noisy activities or plan to create a quiet space within it, sound reduction is crucial. You can install sound-absorbing materials, such as acoustic panels or foam insulation, to minimize noise pollution inside and outside the garage.

Choosing the Right Dimensions for Your Metal Building

Touching upon a previously mentioned topic, it can't be stated enough how important getting the right sized building is to your project. Not only will it help preserve your initial budget, it’ll ensure you get the building you need. Let’s look at some details surrounding building measurements:

1. Building Length

The length of your structure will play a significant role in the vehicles you can store and the overall level of functionality you can expect. In most cases, a smaller sedan will measure between 12' and 15' in length. As such, you'll want to plan accordingly if you plan to store multiple vehicles.

2. Building Width

Much like the length, your custom metal garage’s width will also be vital for providing the necessary interior space. You’ll want to consider how you intend to arrange your vehicles, equipment, and stored items for the best results.

3. Building Height

The height of your metal garage is another critical dimension to think about. The height should provide adequate clearance for your needs, whether you're storing tall equipment or planning to work on projects inside.

4. Door Height

The height of your door is especially critical if you plan to store large vehicles or equipment inside your metal garage. Luckily, metal buildings come with a wide variety of roll-up and automatic garage doors to choose from.

Additional Things to Consider When Planning Custom Metal Garages

Now that we've gone through some of the overarching aspects of designing your building, let's focus on some of the more detailed things you'll want to consider to get the most out of your building:

1. Wind Resistance

One of the most crucial factors to consider when designing your metal garage is its ability to withstand high winds. Wind resistance is not just about protecting your investment; it's also about ensuring the safety of your property and anyone inside the garage. Depending on your location, you may be at risk of strong winds, hurricanes, or other severe weather events.

2. Ventilation

Proper ventilation is often an overlooked aspect of metal garage design, yet it plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy environment inside your garage. Good ventilation helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to rust and other issues that could affect the durability of your metal garage.

Consider options like ridge vents, roof vents, or side vents to promote airflow and prevent condensation. These additions can enhance the comfort and longevity of your garage while helping to protect any valuable items or vehicles stored inside.

3. Sustainability

In today's environmentally conscious world, sustainability is an important consideration in any construction project. Luckily, steel garages carry a much smaller carbon footprint than wooden alternatives, and they’re 100% recyclable, allowing you to reuse the material again and again with no degradation in quality.

4. Future Expansions

Your needs may change over time, so it's wise to plan for potential future expansions when designing your metal garage. Think about how your garage might evolve to accommodate additional vehicles, equipment, or storage space.

Probuilt Steel Buildings is Your Destination for All Things Steel Buildings

Whether you’re looking for smaller DIY metal garage kits or larger commercial structures, Probuilt Steel Buildings has your back with a wide lineup of structures to suit any need, application, or aesthetic. Our buildings are incredibly strong and more than ready to handle your toughest challenges.

These structures are backed by industry-leading warranties, fully certified to take on any environment, and engineered to last for years with minimal maintenance needs.

So, what are you waiting for? Call Probuilt today at (877) 754-1818 and let our team of building experts help you find the right structure for your needs. Because, when it’s built right, you know it’s Probuilt.