New garage - What's the best way to go?

**Molly** · 29th March 2009, 15:40

Been clearing some space for a new 6x7 garage. Before committing to a traditional Versatile or Skyline model I wanted to ask if anybody’s built one themselves, gone with a block-built one, or simply if there are any other suggestions out there? Versatile's looking around $16,000 all in.

Thanks in advance.

**munterk6** · 29th March 2009, 16:01

Have a look at this for a cheaper option...looks good. 10 x 10 and only $10.6K +gst.
heres the link...http://www.trademe.co.nz/Home-living...-210006429.htm

I had a Versatile 9 x 6 with sleepout with ensuite built 18mths ago, with plumbing, electrical, permit,drainlaying etc it was $31k. Still cheaper per sq mtr than building a house for instance.
Hate to think what the cost would be now for the same thing!

**munterk6** · 29th March 2009, 16:20

Hey ... have you considered s/hand? check this out.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Home-living...-210258641.htm

Certainly a lot cheaper than a new one!

**MSTRS:Me** · 29th March 2009, 16:25

Have you considered KiwiSpan or TotalSpan...all metal jobbies. Very cost effective.

**Molly** · 29th March 2009, 16:39

Cheers. That first one is framing only but that's a damn big garage! Will look into the steel framed ones for comparison thanks. Second-hand seems a difficult option because of our 'odd' site and the need to dismantle and transport it.

**Motu** · 29th March 2009, 16:40

We did the exercise a couple of years ago with a 6x12 with sleepout.We went with Versatile because they were the only ones to give a comprehensive quote,very detailed.Skyline came out,promised the earth and never even supplied a quote....pity because I wanted a skyline.I had plenty of people to do various stages of an own built job,but it was just too messy to go that route...I just wanted it up.

I was reasonably happy with Versatile....the various stages went to the time frames,but the delays between were huge.From stepping out the site to finished product was 10 months.Versatile are under new ownership - they rang and asked if there were any complaints,and said they would fix any.The only real problem is a shower floor draining the wrong way - plumbers have been,but it has never been fixed.

**Laava** · 29th March 2009, 17:09

Having just relocated an Ideal garage fro a client, I would stay away from them. My 2c

**JimO** · 29th March 2009, 17:32

i built a 8x6 block garage with a large wooden deck above it because we overlook the harbour for less than 8k............ http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x...7/DSCF1454.jpg

**hospitalfood** · 29th March 2009, 17:43

the reason to go block or timber + weatherboard would be to match your house ( i'm assuming there is one ). the other advantage with block over skyline etc is that you cannot go through the wall with a swiss army knife ( timber frame with weatherboard is not strong either ) which could be a concern if you have expensive bikes.

You could check prices with local builders. I know a local builder up my way who can match the prices of kit-set home company's per square meter of house. You may find you can get a block garage for a good price.

**Molly** · 29th March 2009, 19:43

Like the idea of a deck on top. This'll be the view:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/brianmolyneux/3049924752/

**JimO** · 29th March 2009, 20:13

this is my view, just happened to be a building on fire ..........http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x...7/DSC01031.jpg

**shafty** · 29th March 2009, 20:28

We just had a steel shed constructed to match our mono pitch house. The guy who built our house for us had just sold a Kiwi Spam franchise, so I got him to check out options and find the best value for money - he came up with Shed Boss as best value and spec.

I'm happy

Good luck!

ps pic is before PA door and alum windows fitted; we did that sepeartely to get a better quality - ie ordered the same as our house ones

**smoky** · 29th March 2009, 20:55

Originally Posted by Molly

....Will look into the steel framed ones for comparison thanks

I was part of the team that evaluated the total cost of storm or flood damage, when the big storm ripped threw Thames Coromandel year before last.
One thing stood out to us - Every second garage or building that had collapsed or blown over was a steel framed one - definitely put me off

**shafty** · 29th March 2009, 21:12

Originally Posted by smoky

I was part of the team that evaluated the total cost of storm or flood damage, when the big storm ripped threw Thames Coromandel year before last.
One thing stood out to us - Every second garage or building that had collapsed or blown over was a steel framed one - definitely put me off

Every SECOND one huh Smoky, so I guess every 1st one was timber?

**Winston001** · 29th March 2009, 21:24

Built a Skyline 12 x 7.2 ten years ago so my experience is out of date. However got a few general comments.

You can never have a too-big garage. You only build once. Adding on is a pain. Decide on what you really want given the space available, and get it.

Height. Most garages start at 2.1 stud - that's pretty low. Then the tilt-a-door (unless you get a roller) protrudes down 120mm into the opening, lowering it further. You won't get a caravan or some boats in. I specified a 2.4m and still can't get these things in because I hadn't allowed for the door.

Two doors are cheaper but one large door is useful. Sectionlift or roller for preference.

Specify extra spouting brackets - they use the minimum and spoutings sag - not a good look. Mine came off completely when it snowed.

Windows are good but a couple of panels of Clearlite on the roof is great too.

A gable soffit adds depth to the frontage rather than the blank flat look and is worth doing. Roof pitch at 15 degrees is minimal, your house is probably 25 degrees so something to think about.

Worth checking with a builder to see what he'd do but my builder always said he couldn't compete with factory mass-produced garages.

Finally, I prefer timber framing. It's environmentally sustainable, you can nail shelves to it, cut/chisel/bash it to fit stuff, it flexes but stays strong.