Question:
Any thoughts on what to choose in building a garage?
I get both sides..
1. Build a garage from a kit, it's cheaper, it's the same as building from scratch.."
2. Don't buy a kit, they are of lesser value, cheaper wood, weaker trusses, just buy
the parts and build it yourself from scratch. You might pay more but in the end it'll
be worth it.
Can anyone in the group help me please?
Answer:
I helped a friend with a "kit", and so I'll agree with the statement that it's the same
as building from scratch. The kit consisted of the framing (2x4's, headers, trusses),
the sheating (chipboard), a cheap door, window, garage door, shingles, and some nails and
H-clips. Also came with a parts list, but no decent instructions - I especially liked
the part where they whited out the original stud count and updated it from 16" o/c to 24"
o/c framing. Basically all of the stuff was off the warehouse floor, there was nothing
precut or made so that it was easier to assemble than if you went to the store yourself.
I was also VERY cautious on the roof because I felt that the sheathing was undersized to
be on 24" centers, I made sure that I walked on trusses, otherwise I thought that I would
fall through the roof.
Seems like the 'kit' would just meet building codes, and no more. All that you are
getting is most of the core components, without having to figure out the amount of stuff
that you need for them, and don't have to order the trusses. You still have ALL the work
to do same as with scratch. Don't forget that you are also responsible for all of the
finishing - it won't be included in the kit (siding, etc).
So I'd advise on the from scratch method, just a little more work to do upfront to figure
out how much of the basic stuff that you need, and then spend the time ordering it -
other than that it's the same, but you will end up with a better quality structure in the
end, and more proud of it as well.
