Metal Buildings

Once you decide that an American-made VersaTube building is the one for you, we understand how anxious you are to jump into the build! After all, the assembly process sounds pretty simple. Which is true! However, there are a couple of other steps to plan for before you can assemble your VersaTube. Before you call your friends and tell them which days to clear their schedule, let us fill you in on the commonly-asked questions we receive about the timeline to finish your new building. 

Standard Models vs Custom Build

One of the great things about choosing a VersaTube for your garage, workshop, or barn is that you can customize it to fit your needs. Maybe one of our standard models fits your needs, but if not, you can design your own structure to your specifications! Obviously, a customized building is going to take longer to ship, as one of our design specialists will finalize your plans before your structure is built to specifications. 

So how long can you expect to wait before your building ships? It fluctuates but, in general, standard frame ships about 1-2 weeks faster than a custom model. Generally, the frame for most of our standard models ship within 14 days and the frame for custom models ship within 21 days.

Prepare the Site

A new carport might go on an existing driveway; an RV cover might only need a gravel foundation; while a garage, workshop, or barn will probably be built on a concrete foundation. Depending on your budget and the VersaTube building you’ve selected, there’s a lot of variance in what it takes to prepare the site. For a concrete foundation, you can expect:

• First, check for and obtain permits if needed

• Once you’ve chosen the site, the land may need cleared

• Next up is leveling the site

• Pour the concrete foundation and let it cure. Concrete reaches 50% of its strength within 7 days, and it is typically okay to build on your concrete slab once it has reached that point. It will continue curing for 1 to 2 months total, assuming the weather stays at least 50℉

Plan for finishings

Are you running electrical or plumbing? Installing windows, doors, or siding? How about drywalling the interior? You can finish the interior at any point after your build, but the others will need to be planned for in advance. Before you start building your frame, have the electrical and plumbing completed. Make sure you order windows, doors, and siding right away so it will arrive by the time your VersaTube frame and sheet metal does.

Delays can happen

Plunging winter temps, snow, or spring thunderstorms can all bring your timeline to a halt, so it’s always a good idea to build in a little extra time. Also, if you’re hiring a contractor, electrician, or plumber, you might run into a delay here or there. Sometimes deliveries, parts, and subcontractors don’t arrive when expected, which has a trickle-down effect on your overall timeline. 

With good planning and a cooperative mother nature, you may be able to have your site completely prepared and ready to go by the time your VersaTube arrives! For more information about the process, check out our learning center. We’ve got tutorials for beginning builders, experienced DIYers, and those hiring contractors to complete the job.