Prefab VS Portable Garages In Arkansas | Pros and Cons
“What are you talking about? Aren’t prefab and portable garages the exact same thing!”. When you have been in the business as long as we have, you become pretty familiar with hearing the above line from a potential buyer. So we are here to set the record straight, debunk some myths, and give you the pros and cons of the manufactured garage industry.
What is The Difference Between A Prefab Portable Garage And A Portable Garage?
A prefab portable garage is built on skids using runners and joists to complete the floor. The siding is generally made from metal, wood, or vinyl. The roof is typically completed from metal or asphalt shingles. Prefab portable garages are typically built by portable building creators like us here at Ozark Premier Buildings.
On the flip side, a portable garage is typically made from fabric or plastic for the siding and roof. Some of these come with sturdy metal poles that can be anchored into the ground. However, many of these structures are made of tube metal that is flimsy and can bent or damaged easily. In addition to that, these buildings do not have a flooring system, which means that the items stored within this building will not be off the ground unless the structure is built on some type of platform.
What Lasts Longer, A Prefab Portable Garage Or A Portable Garage?
A prefab portable garage will last quite longer than a portable garage. This is because the construction of a prefab portable garage is made to the requirements of commercial or residential standards. Your garage is created to easily store and secure everything that is important to you.
Conversely, a portable garage is built to be more of a weather shelter. This means that your car will be protected from rain, snow, and winds. However, the materials that are used to create this kind of garage are not created to meet commercial or residential standards. By default, your structure will not last as long as a portable garage, due to the materials being of inferior quality.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Prefab Portable Garage?
As a prefab portable building company, your needs come first. And with that idea comes the reality that our buildings are great for some people, and for others, we simply miss the mark of what they are looking for in a building. To help you determine if a prefab garage is the right decision for you, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of prefab garages.
Prefab Portable Garage Pros
Sizing Options
You need to store your car, lawnmower, family bikes, and the kid’s toys. All of those needs can be accomplished inside of a prefab garage. Your garage can be built out the way you need it to be. In fact, we could even section off your prefab portable garage to have its storage area away from the family car. Now, you do not have to worry about Timmy scratching the pegs of his bike along the van. (Don’t worry, hypothetical Timmy, we know you didn’t mean to scratch the van.)
Color and Design Options
One of the greatest things about prefab garages is that you can choose the colors and exterior design to meet your needs. So whether you live in an HOA with an approved color list or want to do something unique, we can accommodate your needs.
Location Options
Your prefab portable garage can be located almost anywhere you want it. So whether you want it right beside the house or out on the back 40, your garage can be where you need it most. Finally, you can keep your ATVs out of the main garage and enjoy them closer to the trails you’ve carved out in the woods.
Durability
Prefab portable garages are built to last. When we say that these are built to residential or commercial standards, we mean it. Studs are spaced at 16” on-center for wooden-sided buildings (residential standard) and 24” on-center for metal-sided buildings (commercial standard). We also offer a robust flooring system that is spaced at 12” on the center, giving you peace of mind that your items are up and safe from the ground and out of harm’s way.
Upgrades
Your prefab garage can be upgraded to fit your needs. Want to have an electrical run so that your garage can be well-lit? We can do that! Want to insulate your prefab garage so that your car can resist extreme heat and cool? We’ve done that before and are happy to do it for you as well! We can also stud out a storage room or add a work bench—the options are nearly endless.
Prefab Portable Garage Cons
Although we stand by our products, we know that a prefab portable garage will not fit everyone’s needs, or budget. We want to be transparent with you about that because nothing is worse than buying a product you don’t need. Let’s take a look at a few reasons why you might not want to buy a prefab garage.
Cost
The cost of a prefab portable garage is going to be significantly higher than that of a portable garage. However, we do offer several rent-to-own options that will make purchasing a prefab garage far more affordable. We understand that paying thousands of dollars instead of just a few hundred is sometimes hard to stomach.
Sizing Restrictions
We can build a prefab portable garage to nearly any size. However, we are limited on to how small we can build the structure. So if you want a garage to fit a vehicle, you would need to be prepared for an 8×12 structure at the very least. In most cases, this is not an issue, However, this is something that can be over looked.
Lead Time
Lead time means that we need some time to build your structure before you can have it delivered. So, if you need your garage TODAY, we are not going to be the right fit for you. We would advise you, though, that you get what you pay for, and with us, you will have a lifetime of success instead of a lifetime of headaches and regrets.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Portable Garage?
Now that we know the pros and cons of a prefab garage let’s look at the pros and cons of a portable garage. We know it sounds like the same thing, but remember, a, prefab garage is built with buildings standards in mind. A portable garage is created as more of a shield for the elements.
Portable Garage Pros
Cheap
The average portable garage costs only a few hundred dollars. This makes a portable garage one that nearly any budget can afford. However, cheap prices typically mean that it comes with cheap materials.
Ready Quickly
A portable garage is ready as quickly as you can build it, making it an excellent option for people who need a storage and shelter solution quickly. These portable garages can be easily built with a few buddies in the afternoon. (If you want them to stay your buddies after the project, we highly advise offering compensation in the form of drinks and meals.)
Easy To Find
Portable garages are extremely simple to find in today’s market. Many of the big box stores ( Walmart, Harbor Freight and the like) have them readily available for pickup. At the same time, you may want to have something like this delivered. The loading and unloading process for these structures and can be difficult to fit the typically vehicle or pick up truck depending on the sizing of the product.
Portable Garage Cons
No security
To help keep costs down, portable garages do not have a lot of security features. There are no locks to deter people from walking in and removing things. On the other hand, even if locks are present, the material could be cut through, rendering the lock useless.
Flimsy
Some portable garages are built pretty flimsy. The tube metal may not be a thick gauge and can be blown over easily. Additionally, because the metal tubing is what provides the rigidity to the structure, if the metal becomes dented or misshapen the portable garage may both function to the best of its ability and become damaged.
Tear Easily
Your portable garage can tear easily. Now we don’t mean that a gust of wind will tear the whole thing apart. However, if a box cutter or pointy object were to be put to the side and enough pressure was put on it a hole could easily be cut into the side of it.
Do I Need A Foundation For A Portable Or A Prefab Portable Garage?
Portable Garage
No, you do not need a foundation for a portable garage. However, you should have some type of anchoring system in place. Remember, these things are basically one huge kite that, if a gust of wind grabs hold of it, your portable garage can.
Prefab Portable Garage
A prefab portable garage does need some kind of foundation. In our service area, some people may say that you do not need to have a foundation. To be honest, we have seen some people get away with it, but it usually causes their buildings to wear out a bit faster. That is why we recommend a quality foundation for your prefab garage to be set.
Is Prefab Portable Or Portable Garage More Affordable?
Portable garages are more often times affordable than prefab garages, especially at the initial price. However, if you consider the longevity of the prefab garage, it will last longer. Not only that, but a portable garage can increase the value of your home when it comes time to sell it. This is where we think that a prefab garage is a bit better of an overall investment in comparison to the prefab portable garages.
Which Garage lasts longer, a Prefab Portable Garage or a Portable Garage?
Prefab Portable Garages will last longer than built it yourself portable garages. This is because they are constructed to either residential or commercial-like standards. None of our buildings are built using a vinyl tarp-like system, meaning that your prefab garage can withstand the demands and strain you put on it.
Which Is Easier To Move A Portable Or Prefab Portable Garage?
A prefab portable garage is physically easier to move but has a higher risk of breaking or being damaged during the moving process. A prefab portable garage, while more work to move, can still be moved relatively easily by using some PVC pipes as rollers and some 2x4s as a track to move it along. Or you can give us a call and we can help you figure out the best solution for moving your prefab.