LiveSimple wrote: Sat Aug 30, 2025 6:19 pm
Sandtrap wrote: Sat Jun 07, 2025 9:11 ama nice secure safe and “packrat and mice proof” building to put all your stuff to keep the weather from degrading your equipment investment.
a nice secure safe and “packrat and mice proof” building to put all your stuff to keep the weather from degrading your equipment investment.
@ Sandtrap, doing some research on what to construct for the equipments…
Appreciate your input…
Containers ?
Build metal shed ?
Barn shed ?
1
What is your budget….how much are you willing to, or can you, spend????
2
Big beware.
Steel and metal buildings are sold like great or cheap donuts but middle sales, slick at times..sales people who peddle thin metal and poorly engineered buildings that won’t past building code in many areas. A lot of DIY metal structures sold like “time shares”/hotcakes as well.
Blueprint designs included prestamped by a real licensed architect. Yea..? Then find out that the structure must be “stamped” by an architect or structural engineer in your state or area of build “only”.
Also, do excellent research and upgrade the mm thickness of the roof and walls depending on spans. Some are so thin that walking on the roof is hazardous because the metal is thin/flimsy and the “purlins” are too far apart. Also, some have no diagnonal or lateral bracing. Many do not pass snow loads on the roof or wind shear and buffet (not warren buffet) side loading.
3
If you live in an area with many barns and metal buildings and owners tell you they have never been permitted to (cowboy style, etc), then be careful for the “lemming effect” or “conformity bias”. Do things right. Get a permit and have it done by a professional licensed company that specializes in such things in your state, and is very busy and has a crew in lieu of an old pickup truck and a dog….(kidding).
4
Example: I waited 1 year, on the waiting list with deposits paid, for the best steel building contractor company in my state to put up the best steel (warehouse with huge double roll up doors) structure available. They took care of plans, permits, etc. Details were on the order of a “SpaceX” Falcon 9 engine. I was impressed.
5
Do everything at once, including a cement apron large enough for your projects.
6
Have a structural engineered cement slab and footings and grade beams, et al, beneath that great steel building.
windows, insulation, a must.
do not put in skylights as they compromise the roof integrity, leaks, corrosion, etc.
Lot’s of commercial lighting.
7
Shipping containers have a certain “look” and a lot of “issues” of thier own. Be sure that is what you want and brings out the beauty of your home and matches. (kidding). DW and I considered that option as well, then not.
8
Homestead/mini ranch storage is like a closet in a home, never big enough. Go as large as you can afford.
9
Deal with the contractors that “walk the talk” vs “sales person, rep”.
10
Do not park farm equipment, etc, outside where the packrats and mice will chew all of the engine and dash wiring (been there, lots), even overnight they will destroy things.
Be sure the doors close tightly as “flat mice” can get into anywhere.
Plan for everything you will need or own. A full size Caterpillar backhoe, attachments on a farm tractor, Full size 3/4 ton Dually pickup truck, atv/utv toys with tilt bed and hitch to help with chores (save your back!) etc.
j
