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Canopies Garage
Kits
Vehicle
Covers
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Of course, one option is to go the construction route and either expand what you have, or build a new one with one of the available home garage building kits This kind of construction can take weeks of planning and physical labor.
If you think you might want some construction help, you can provide a project description to a local or online contractor service, which will then send you bids from contractors in your area who are willing to assist with your garage project.
As an alternative, prefabricated garage kits provide a wide range of less complicated storage solutions, from portable car canopies to prefab steel garages. And depending on the option, the start-to-finish project can be reduced from weeks to a few days, or even hours.
To help you sort
through the options, I've organized the options into three general categories
'Traditional'
Garage Kits
Traditional in that they are considered "permanent", these structures are available in pre-cut metal or wood. A concrete slab foundation is usually not required, but is still a good idea.
Also called
'prefab garage kits', they contain almost everything you need, including plans,
framing system, hardware, roofing, walls, doors, and sometimes even a window.
Some pieces may still require sizing and cutting, but the overall installation
is much easier than a custom structure.
The
most popular models in this group are the detached, all-steel
garage kits
(type "steel garage" in the onsite search box). They use heavy-duty
galvanized steel framing, roof, and walls. And the "slip-fit" connections
are a big help in the assembly process.
Although manufactured to allow do-it-yourself construction, the whole project can still take a few days depending on the size of the building and number of helpers. And don't forget to check local building codes for specific requirements.
Portable
Garage In A Kit
Fully enclosed on all four sides, portable garages come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit almost any vehicle, from the little snowmobile or ATV, all the way up to the large 40' RV shelters. They consist of galvanized steel framing, with a simple locking mechanism that allows fast on-site assembly. Special anchors can secure the frame to different surfaces including dirt, gravel, asphalt, or concrete.
A UV-resistant, reinforced polyethylene fabric wraps the metal garage and provides excellent protection. The covering may be either a uni-body construction, or have separate side and rear panels. It may be open at one end, or use a zippered or roll-up front enclosure.
They are less expensive, less hassle to put up, and can easily be moved or taken with you. But the benefits don't stop there. Take a minute to review these other important advantages of the portable garage.
Car Canopies
Although often found in the "garage kit" category, the portable car canopy is closer to the traditional carport. Like the carport, and unlike the portable garage, car canopies use a steel frame, and most are open on all four sides. Although this provides less weather protection, they do fit into smaller spaces than the enclosed version. Some, however, offer a compromise by bringing side walls all the way to the ground - only front and back are open.
The differences between the old carport and a car canopy are more important. Car canopies are stand-alone, which means they can be placed almost anywhere there is room. And they are more portable. So if you need to move, disassembly is just as easy.
The
newer models have a good deal of variety in shape and design. As on the portable
garage, the canopy material is made of heavy-duty poly canvas that is designed
to last for many years. The roof will be peaked or rounded, and the top may have
a valance or even a panel that drops part-way down the sides. Lengths from 10'
for average cars, to over 40' for RVs and trailers
The car canopy is the easiest to erect, and the least expensive of all the options. As a bonus, many are attractive enough to do double-duty as a shelter for outdoor parties and other events. So for those seeking a protective shelter at minimal cost, the canopy garage kits are definitely worth a look.
| Recommended
Garage Kits & Canopies |
In terms of style and variety, CarPortsUSA has one of the best collections of steel frame garage kits - a total of 20 different garage and canopy designs. Their best prices, with lots of choices, are on 10x20 carport canopies for standard size cars and trucks. But you'll also like their styles for larger trucks, SUVs, and RVs.
The selection is smaller, but Global Industrial has the lowest prices for garage kits
of anyone we've seen. And with heavier steel frames and canvas than many others, the quality is topnotch. If you can find what you need here, this is the place to save money.
Northern Tool has a complete inventory of garage kits and car canopy
sizes, as well as such accessories as replacement canopies, anchors, and tarp repair kits. They also have the largest selection of RV shelters.
For More Information:
Canopy Carport - The least expensive of all 'garage kits', with new styles and sizes.
Instant Garage - Easy to assemble, but just how durable are they ?
Prefab Garage Kits - Thinking about building a 'permanent' prefab garage ?
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