FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Let us answer your questions.

General FAQs

Our most frequently asked questions and answers from the Motorhead Team.

HOW DO I OBTAIN A BUILDING PERMIT?

Building permit and land use requirements can vary significantly between different towns and cities. To ensure that you comply with all the necessary regulations, it's a good idea to contact your local building department or check their website for information on the specific requirements in your area. Our orders come with a set of Generic Building Plans, and we can provide additional documentation such as a COI or HIC license upon request. In many cases, you may be able to take advantage of e-permitting services that can streamline the process and save you time and hassle, but make sure to consult with your building department before starting your project to ensure you're on the right track.

WHAT INSTALLATION SURFACE CAN I BUILD ON?

Our structures are versatile and can be installed on a range of surfaces, including dirt, grass, gravel, rock pads, asphalt, or concrete. During the ordering process, your Metal Building Specialist will determine the appropriate anchorage for your chosen foundation type, and our installers will bring the necessary equipment for a secure installation. To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your structure, it's crucial that the installation surface is level. A variance of no more than 3 inches is acceptable, but anything beyond that may require a leveling fee as well as adjustments to the base rail. An uneven surface can compromise the moisture resistance at the base rail of your unit, so it's important to prepare your installation site properly and ensure a level surface for the best possible outcome.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE MY INSTALLATION SITE?

To ensure a successful installation, it's crucial that your site is properly prepared. The area where your structure will be installed should be level, square, and free of any debris or obstructions. It's also important to have at least 3 feet of additional space on each side of the building to allow for proper access. If our crew arrives at the site and finds that additional work is needed, such as digging, cutting leg posts, or removing trash and debris, you may incur additional labor fees. To avoid any surprises, we recommend ensuring that your installation site meets our guidelines before our crew arrives. This will help ensure a smooth and efficient installation process, and avoid any unnecessary delays or additional charges.

WHAT DIMENSIONS DO I NEED?

At Motorhead Metal Structures, our Metal Building Specialists are dedicated to helping you get the most out of your metal garage or carport. Whether you're looking for a functional storage space or a customized workspace, we're here to help you bring your vision to life. Our team of experts is available to guide you through the entire design process, from initial concept to final installation. We'll work closely with you to understand your unique needs and preferences and create a customized solution that meets your specific requirements. So, whether you have a clear idea of what you're looking for, or you're starting from scratch, we're here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin exploring the possibilities for your dream metal structure.

CAN I CUSTOMIZE MY STRUCTURE'S LAYOUT/ DESIGN?

Our team of specialists is dedicated to providing you with expert guidance and support throughout the entire process. We understand that every customer has unique needs and preferences, and we take the time to get to know you and understand your requirements. Whether you're looking for a functional storage space, a customized workspace, or something in between, we're here to help you make the right decision. With our extensive knowledge of the industry and our commitment to providing exceptional customer service, you can trust that you're in good hands. So if you're looking for a more customized solution at an affordable price, look no further than Motorhead Metal Structures.

WHAT IS THE LARGEST SIZE STRUCTURE YOU OFFER?

Our metal structures can be designed up to 40' wide and 100' long or even longer, and come in a variety of sizes and styles to ensure the overall stability, quality, and longevity of your investment. Depending on the size and style of your structure, there may be specific requirements to ensure that it meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. Our team of Metal Building Specialists has the expertise to help you define your needs and identify the specific requirements for your project. Whether you need a specific roof style, double legs for added support, or a lift for safe installation, we'll work closely with you to ensure that your structure meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. So if you're looking for a durable, reliable metal garage or carport, get in contact with our team to get rocking and rolling.

WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED SIZE FOR A SLAB?

When installing a metal garage or carport on a cement slab, it's important to make sure that the slab is at least 1 foot wider and 1 foot longer than the base rail of your structure. This will ensure a proper installation and provide a secure foundation for your unit. For example, a 30'W x 50'L structure will require a cement slab that is at least 31'W x 51'L. Having a slightly larger slab also helps prevent potential issues with installation, such as problems that may arise when slabs are not poured exactly square.

WHAT TYPE OF SUPPORT MECHANISMS DO YOU USE?

At Motorhead Metal Structures, we take great care to ensure that our structures are supported by mechanisms that resist both vertical and lateral loads and are designed to remain stable over time. For our units between 20'-24'W, we use welded trusses to provide maximum stability, while for our units between 12'-18'W, we use center U-channel braces. These supports are carefully chosen to ensure the longevity and structural integrity of your metal garage or carport and provide you with peace of mind knowing that your investment is secure.

HOW IS THE UNIT ANCHORED TO THE GROUND?

We utilize different types of anchors based on the installation surface to ensure the stability and durability of your metal carport or garage. For installations on ground, gravel, asphalt millings, and crushed rock, we use Rebar and Auger Anchors. To secure units to concrete slabs and foundations, we use Concrete Wedge Anchors. Finally, for anchoring units on paved asphalt surfaces, we use Rebar and Asphalt Anchors. Our team of installation experts will determine the appropriate type of anchor for your specific installation site to ensure a secure and reliable foundation for your structure.

HOW SOON CAN MY STRUCTURE CAN BE INSTALLED?

Our installation timeframe can be influenced by factors such as your location, time of year, and lead times from our suppliers. However, being affiliated with the only manufacturer based in New England allows us to offer shorter lead times than our competitors. Generally, installations for our metal garages and carports are scheduled within 1-3 weeks from the time we receive your order during the winter, 2-6 weeks during the spring, and 3-8 weeks during the summer and fall.

WHAT FINANCING OPTIONS DO I HAVE?

We are excited to provide financing options for our metal garages and carports through our partner Acorn, serving those located in Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire, and Maine. To begin your pre-qualification process with no impact on your credit score, simply reach out to us and we will guide you through the steps. For customers outside these states, we offer a Rent-to-Own program with flexible same-as-cash and early payoff options. Contact us today to learn more!

We look forward to expanding the coverage of our financing options to additional areas in 2023 and 2024. This will enable more customers to take advantage of our flexible financing plans, making it easier for them to invest in a high-quality metal garage or carport that meets their needs.

IS MY DOWN PAYMENT REFUNDABLE?

To ensure the timely delivery of your structure, we begin the manufacturing process as soon as we receive your order. Therefore, we require that down payments are non-refundable. Starting the manufacturing process right away allows us to keep our production schedule on track and ensure that we can fulfill your order within the promised timeframe. This means that your structure will be in production shortly after you place your order, and we won't be able to refund the deposit for any cancelation or change of the order once the process has begun. It's important to note that if you decide to downsize your unit at any point, the excess deposit paid will not be applied toward the remaining balance of the structure. We understand that obtaining a permit and completing a land survey can be daunting, so we recommend our customers check with their local building department to learn more about the specific requirements in their town before placing their order. By doing so, customers can ensure that they are fully informed and equipped to make the right decision regarding their metal carport or garage.

WHAT WARRANTIES COME WITH MY UNIT?

At our company, we take great pride in the quality of our metal buildings and want our customers to have peace of mind knowing that their investment is protected. As such, we offer a 90-Day Workmanship Warranty on all of our buildings, which covers any defects or issues that arise due to errors or issues during the manufacturing or installation process. In addition to the Workmanship Warranty, we also provide a 20-Year Rust-Through Warranty on the frame of our buildings. This warranty protects against any rust or corrosion that occurs on the structural frame of the building, ensuring that it will remain sturdy and reliable for many years to come. It is important to note that while our warranties offer comprehensive coverage, they do have certain limitations and exclusions. We encourage our customers to read through the terms and conditions of the warranty thoroughly and contact us with any questions or concerns they may have. We stand behind the quality of our products and are committed to ensuring our customers are satisfied with their purchases.

WILL GENERIC BUILDING PLANS WORK FOR ME?

A certified building is an engineered structure that meets specific wind and snow load ratings for your town or city. Our certified metal structures come with a free set of engineer-stamped Generic Building Plans, which will satisfy local ordinances for New England areas with wind speeds up to 115 MPH and/or snow loads up to 65 PSF. However, if your city or town requires higher ratings, you may need custom blueprints drafted to obtain your building permit. Our architects can draft these blueprints for a fee starting at $500. If applicable, this fee will be added to your balance. Please note that the lead time for custom blueprints can vary depending on the time of year and the availability of our structural engineers. We recommend checking with your local building department to determine the specific requirements for your area before placing your order.

WHAT DOES THE ORDERING PROCESS LOOK LIKE?

Our Metal Building Specialists are dedicated to helping you identify your needs and exploring your options to create the perfect solution that fits both your requirements and town ordinances. Once you've worked with our specialists to design your dream metal structure, we'll quickly process your order with just a few pieces of information from you. We'll generate an invoice for a deposit of up to 15% of the total order before tax and a document for you to sign your order form, both of which will be conveniently delivered straight to your email inbox. After you've signed and printed a copy of your order and receipt for the deposit, we'll send it off to our manufacturer for processing. Over the next few business days, our manufacturer will get in touch with you to help you prepare for installation and schedule a date that works for you. At Motorhead Metal Structures, we take pride in our commitment to quality customer service and providing you with a seamless experience. Let us help you create the metal carport or garage of your dreams today!

WHAT LABOR FEES MAY APPLY?

At Motorhead Metal Structures, we strive to provide our customers with transparent pricing so that you can make informed decisions about your metal carport or garage. Please be aware that the following factors may add labor fees that increase the cost of your structure:

Installation on an unlevel site Installation on a deck or dock
Installation on an elevated retaining wall
Delivery to areas that require special transport
Units installed over an existing structure or obstruction
Materials that have to be transported by foot over 50' to the installation site

Please note that these fees are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Our team will work with you to determine any additional costs associated with your specific project. Simply let us know in advance if any of the above may apply. and we will provide you with a detailed breakdown of all fees before proceeding. Thank you for considering Motorhead Metal Structures for your metal building needs.