Versatube Metal Garage Review In-Depth

Full In-Depth review of the Versatube Building Systems metal garage "kit".

[@hobbiehobbs]

While you have faced some criticism in the reviews, I applaud you for posting this video. You have provided extremely valuable information from a true DIY perspective that Versatube has marketed to. If I were Versatube, I would send my design engineer strait to you to address each issue and the lack of documented details in the drawing to insure even the most inexperienced person could competently install the product. In addition, the information you provided them should be compensated to you for your efforts. Again, thank you for posting and good luck on future projects.

[@russellsnow9340]

Ditto!!

[@bigonprivacy2708]

Agreed completely! Very valuable DIY information.

[@davidj1436]

I watched this out of curiosity. As someone with construction experience I don’t know if I would mess with the kit, but for an average DIY person it is probably better they buy a kit. First, of course you build the slab to building size. Unfortunately your building will always have some water infiltration now. Your walk and driveway would come up to the slab with an expansion joint, and be sloped for proper water drainage. Always snap a chalk line for your plates. A vast majority of your problems could have been prevented with standard building techniques. In the end you built a nice looking garage.

[@ccjohncc1]

It's an imperfect world. But you persevered and got it done. Looks damn good in my opinion. With proper minimal maintenance it should provide years of use. Good job!

[@DIYinCA]

Excellent review! Thank you for taking the time. You are correct when you say this not a kit. When I buy a "kit", I expect the panels to come pre-cut to size. Otherwise, I would cut and weld a few pieces of square tubing and build a much stronger frame, then go order the panels separately from my local home improvement center or metal supplier.

[@MrTespro]

You did a good job with this video. I have built two DIY houses, one of which is framed with heavy steel I-beams. I've learned a LOT! I also built a couple shed ends on a pole barn erected by a contractor. I'm considering using Versatube for the framing of a motorcycle/garden shed. Your problems convinced me that I should buy only the framing and solve all the other construction and supply issues myself.

[@twrecks4598]

I'm thinking the same: almost seems like it makes more sense to just buy the frame. I really dont like the super thin gage of sheetmetal they sell... I think i'd almost rather just source it locally and get something a little more robust?

[@phixit101]

Thanks for taking the time to share your DIY experience. We need more videos like this!

[@hanshaw1974]

I only ordered the frame before I watched your video. The things you are complaining about are just the normal issues any builder deals with. I ordered my siding from a local company and saved a ton of money over V tubes cost. If you do this your self, just order frame. I recommend the frame kit.

[@NYOB0001]

I had watched the versatube instruction videos before I found this. They covered some of the issues like how to cut the sheet metal easily. In addition they have many short videos on very specific topics. Lots of tips to avoid problems.

[@thetankslapper]

I bought one from VersaTube, and have another on a pallet I'm about to assemble. Did the first one with OSB then Tyvek then metsl roofing panels over that. Mine is 25 x 14 x 14, did all of it myself, with help from a teenage son. Made my own end walls and welded up my own fabricated swinging doors. Took a week to do. Totally water proof when you start at the bottom. I have no screw showing with these overlapping panels. Need to chalk along the base someday. The one I'm about to build is 12 ,x 11 x 36' for my 25' motorhome. This time on a slap instead of pavers. I also have a website and get very frustrated by customers who don't know what they're doing and critiquing my products. There should be a law against unqualified people offing up opinions when they don't know basic stuff. I don't work for Versa Tube, but my building has endured 60 MPH winds, and not bkinked And that's what they promised. Not the tiddlywinks things any do-it-yourselfer should be able to work out themselves. Bunch of crap. Dimpled base plate being a problem, , give me a break. I'm totally happy with these people, they know structural engineering based on math, not observation. They told me when I order that I could probably get a better deal locally on the metal, so I went that route. They made them the full 26 lengths I wanted, I got a sheer and custom cut my gable ends. Child's play. The garage this guy built looks fine, and does the job.. Enough said.

[@scottybabb6297]

I built a 20 x 20 Versatube building and I had never built anything like it before. It was easy and the finished product was strong and awesome. I couldn’t believe how everything fit together so easily.

[@YouGotServed835]

You should make your damage control/paid-for comment a little less obvious next time.

[@jamesschindler1890]

@@YouGotServed835 im fucking dead LMFAO

[@Loohan7]

His channel has 4 subscribers and no content at all.

[@ryanwolfe911]

Never in my life have I installed a steel building that was a drop together kit. The siding panels are ALWAYS cut to fit, no matter who you go with. You sided from the top down instead of bottom up and that's why you had problems. Out of all the steel building manufacturers out there, Versatube is one of the better ones. Oh and for the record, you should have put down some heavy outdoor caulk or construction adhesive under the bottom rails before bolt them down to the concrete, that alone will help with any water leaking in, or lay a course of block as a small foundation wall first. You'll have the added benefit of more height too.

[@jonsawyer1061]

@KelMaster Construction lol, live and learn. Shoulda had a BBQ and a few friends over with a little more experience to throw it up. Gotta learn to pack your own chute for a little slower/softer opening. Those quick neck snapping openings are no fun!

[@chrislane8603]

Also if the slab was bored to the proper dimensions according to the plans, he would not have to worry about water running in because the building would be at least 4 inches off the ground.

[@DocRevo]

Good review. I've built pole barns from scratch and was considering one of these kits for quick / easy RV carport because I thought it would be ready to screw together and fast to complete the project. After seeing this, I think I'll just order in the metal direct from the local hardware store supplier and stick-build a pole frame....looks like the cost is really a wash, too....

[@pgnedved]

A good reason to buy vertical sheeting for the walls. Looks like a fantastic kit and worked decades ago building and installing these with pipe and a muffler bender. Great video and now im about to purchase a 40x40 versatube

[@kevindouglas8768]

Great tip. In my case, I'm thinking of just buying their frame, and getting the metal somewhere else. If I put them on vertically, it may be easier and shed water better too.?.?

[@JesseSeg84]

You have water coming in because you did not pour a correct foundation. The flatwork (the sidewalk / patio) area you have around it is not dropped. doesn't matter what you build on it youll always have issues with drainage, rot and rust. We build home 8" minimum above ground level to give proper room for the final grade and drainage. I bet had you started the horizontal siding from the bottom going up you could have fixed the issue with the gap at the bottom. Also I hope the siding is overlapping the correct way to prevent rain and moisture from dripping in as well since you started from the top going down.

[@Sfk887]

Slab needs to drop, yep.. I dropped my moms when I had the concrete guy out there, but I didn't assemble. Use some heavy duty silicone to seal it.

[@Digital_Gangster]

I built a big one of these and I have a lot of the same complaints as you, plus I have a whole lot more of my own! Everyone always asks me about the building and the cost etc and I tell them to just spend the extra money and go with your typical I-beam building instead. One of the few things I did right was I went with 9' side walls so I did not have to cut any side panels at all.

[@rickwalling1148]

Have built a few of these kit garage/sheds. And always had a helper to assist or I assisted them. Overall the problems you encountered weren’t to bad. Doing angle cuts have simple secrets on cutting them. I’ve seen it done multiple times still I struggle with it overall you’ve done a great job and looks fantastic.

[@stockholmsyndrome3380]

It's not the kits fault. You put the panels up in total reverse order. Always start at the bottom and work up...just like roofing. That should just be automatic as it relates to the overlap/weatherization. And as far as warped frame components, that's not fair either. Your slab was obviously poured by some amateur weekend wonders. The slab or foundation of any build is the most important part of the job, because everything after that is going translate any defective work up into the structure. It's always good anchor down a treated plate, then a non treated kd plate, then your steel plate on that. Gives you a little more height and an opportunity to string and shim any high/low spots out of the structure. Not everyone is a builder, but it's not fair to slam a company that puts out a quality product. I've erected many of these lightweight structures. They're a snap and super versatile. I didn't realize if you actually have to pull out some basic tools it gets you a bad review. Guess everyone wants an app to do everything for them these days. But I personally would highly recommend these over those guys that come and throw them up in a day with $200 roll up storage unit door on them instead of actual overhead door...those things are junk. All 29/14 ga. Versa Tube has nice heavy 26/12 ga available for half the price of the the here today, gone tomorrow guys. Nice job for an amateur DIY guy, but don't blame your lack of knowledge and skill on the parts. That just makes you look bad.

[@ModMINI]

Couldn't agree more. I'll be using this video as a reference for a building I just bought. Looking forward to putting it up. Treated plate = do you mean a strip of pressure treated 2x4 lumber? What do you mean by kd plate? Untreated lumber?

[@Craigjordan121]

Thanks for taking the time to post this.

[@dennypugh7801]

I think most of these issues were dues to a lack of experience dealing with these panels and this type of construction. The slab should not have extended past the siding and preferably not past the framing to allow water to drip to the ground. Would probably help with the leaks if you installed some gutters and downspouts. Can get them locally from metal roof supplier and most likely match the color closely. The siding should have been started from the bottom. Also, these panels are really designed to be installed vertically, installing them horizontally causes some of the issues you are having. Suspect installers would have installed that last gable panel letting it run wild above the roof, then cut with power shears. Not sure what gauge panels you ordered but these "R" panels in 26 gauge are on true pre-engineered steel building all over the country and they are NEVER pre-cut to fit as far as I know.

[@ccjohncc1]

Exactly

[@desyquintero8451]

regardless, it is sold as a prebuilt aka kit, you would think they have made it idiot-proof. Also what about the weak supporting for the roof ? is that his "inexperience" as well ? They advertise it as anyone can do it and this is far from the case. After watching this review I will be breaking out my mig and tig and fabing my own. p.s. your reply sounds like you are working with versatube. You are slamming this guy for not having experience in sheet metal when he bought a kit as an " anyone can instal project".

[@chvytom]

@@desyquintero8451 even 200,000 sqaure foot metal buildings are "kits" they still require cut n fit and experience to make everything work together

[@matthewpeterson3329]

This particular kit is designed and sold with the intention of the siding being installed horizontally. I agree that it should be vertical, but Versatube sells it to be installed as shown here. There are other videos making the same complaints as the OP, and in those videos, the installation is being done by professionals contracted by Versatube... all with the same complaints by the installers and customers. I think it is important to note that this was a relatively inexpensive structure compared to bigger and better companies. So you get what you pay for. Good video with helpful information. I didn't see it as overly critical, and certainly not just bitching by some un-handy knucklehead who got in over his head. He seems to be well aware of how it ought to be, and how to accomplish the project better with a few improvements to the instructions.

[@neatpleats11]

I like what Chad's comments below say but I am very happy to have had you explain things in detail that you experienced. It will help me to see where your challenges were. Thanks

[@TRYtoHELPyou]

thanks for sharing your experience. the water ingress wont happen when you run the slab to the size of the building or you build a curb ... like in normal garage construction.

[@urbanmacdonald2591]

When you put the foundation slab down for this building you have to put an inch and a quarter notch in it that is at the base of the building so when you put your siding on the siding will break down over the top of the edge of the building down onto the concrete so when it does rain water cannot infiltrate into the building you must also make sure that that slab is perfectly flat also when you're putting the siding on these buildings I always order them so that the siding is vertical not horizontal it mitigates and almost eliminates any and all problems because you can adjust the panels separately the plum and straight as well as Square

[@jcdsog]

Great video! A very candid and unbiased review. It's ashamed that they basically just dump uncut material and then leave the homeowner to figure it out for themselves. You just saved me a huge headache bc now I won't be ordering from them! That's for sure!

[@wvutechra]

Thanks for your time in this review.

[@ASEKen]

your biggest problem and biggest complaint was you wanted the sheathing 90 degrees to how they were designed, it can be done like that but takes more work, you also can add more per-lings if you wanted

[@shelbyvbthesnake]

ASEKen purlins not per-lings lol

[@ed-xs3pu]

@@shelbyvbthesnake It's peng-lings not pin-wings

[@mjddavidson8243]

Never saw somebody run siding from the top down in my 30 years in business let alone running it horizontal like that

[@jonasthomander1230]

MJD I agree. I looked at every photo on the Versatube website and every single picture under the heading of "garages and buildings" shows vertical siding. However, if you look at this video starting at 5:12, the instruction manual shows horizontal siding. Weird....and ugly. But I also noted that Versatube buildings are typically frame only allowing the owner to determine what kind of siding they want to install.

[@jdiddy6901]

Not only do the instructions show the siding being ran horizontally, but it's specifically cut to length to be installed that way so you really can't blame him. Probably let's them sell it a few bucks cheaper.

[@JSAFIXIT]

@@jdiddy6901 Fewer pieces = fewer cuts = cheaper.

[@crazyoilfieldmechanic3195]

30 years in business and you have never seen a typical,for the last 15 years or so, carport with the metal running horizontal ? What business are you in ? My question is if the sides are horizontal and the frame corners are mandrel bent why would the kit contain L brackets for the roof sheets to run 90° from the sides? If the walls are run horizontal then the roof sheets should have run the same way and when you do that you start in the middle of the roof with the first sheet and work your way down the sides. Probably at least 50 companies selling carport and small garage kits that are assembled that way. None of them have any of the sheet metal for the ends cut to fit either.

[@baltsosser]

Now this is how you do a review. I am not a big fan of hiring someone to do work I am quite capable of doing myself. I appreciate you wanted to do this yourself, and were willing to put in the sweat equity yourself. I wish you would have found a better product to work with, but you seem to have done a good job anyway.

[@blkstang83]

Thank you, very informative and honest review. I was looking to have one of these done, I was talking to a rep about customizing the building. I was informed that I could get it done no problem, but after watching your review, I will stay away from these type of structures.

[@user-by6in3gd1x]

I just did a 18x20 Pinnacle Series carport. I am closing it in with T-111. My roof had 4 purlins on each slope that added support to the sheet metal. Overall very happy with the quality of the product.

[@justinbabula6730]

Not 1 person on youtube has every pulled a car into a 12x garage to show how much space there is I guess in about a month I will be the first person to ever do this

[@edseventyeight6749]

Thank you so much for this review. We were leaning towards a metal garage, but couldn't find enough customer feedback on any of the manufacturers. Because this company shows buildings with vertical siding we had them at the top of our list. You saved us from making a huge mistake. Sorry you had such a challenge with this kit but you did a great job resolving the issues. Well done!

[@chuckparson6712]

I noticed they sell just the frame without the siding, so that shows they are only concerned with the frame features, not the entire structure. Great video, the truth is the truth 👍👍

[@DerykePierce]

I bought the frame work of one of theses last year.My self i had no issues bought my own metal.due to the fact the metal comes in 36 inch width .I agree with you on the 2x4 on the roof i placed two rows my self 2 feet apart like you did.Yes i had to cut my metal.But for the price .If i wanted a custom garage i would had to pay at lease 3 times or more.Yes you would think a kit would fit all but this is how things are now days.But that was a good video

[@dlmalley8639]

Eagle Carports got a Big compliment on the quality with Strong frame and sidings was chosen , was setup Fast . 18ft by 31ft . $ 4,100 with permits.

[@lipripper3410]

You should have a sill plate seal, like a sealant or a like a roll of foam seal. But silicon caulking the inside and out. I’m about to have a 30x30 eve wall heights are 11ft and 13ft with 2 10x10 doors installed. I will be watching the builders very closely on what they are doing for sealing.

[@eedwin0663]

Thanks for a great review. I was considering these folks, but would have wanted a custom designed building (12x20x12 with a loft) which was going to cost a lot more. Now that I have seen how lacking the engineering of the entire building is, I think I will stick with a standard DIY wood framed building.

[@jamesphillips9516]

thanks for the review. I am considering a Versa tube building. If I push that button will take your awesome review and modify the concrete so the building sits higher, above grade, to keep the infiltration of water. And may just stick to the frame. I will look into other ways to wrap the Versatube frame. Your info is why I find youtube so useful, thank you

[@justindiaz3895]

Ive done Hundreds of these and i know almost all the tricks of the trade. First before standing up trusses/bows its easier to screw the panel on to the gable truss but you'll need to figure out where the side panels will match up, so pretty much push the gable panel up as much as you can and the bottom rib has to line up where the top side panel should approximately be

[@PeterAlfonso]

The only people who dislike this video are versa tube employees lol. Thank you for all the details, I will NOT be ordering from them.

[@hogsandsooners]

You can’t blame the company for a DIYer with no experience. This guy should have hired a competent installer.

[@jimmyhudzgarage]

Thank you for posting this information. I have been looking at their products and for the price you should not have to improvise so much. I may still buy the frame kit and just get my roofing and siding locally. I have experience building pole barns however and might go that route. Thanks again for your video.

[@jameshawkins809]

As a person who works in the trades as an electrician, this is to be expected. I haven’t been on one job site where shit went together smoothly like an actual LEGO Set. And just so you know, THIS WHOLE THING IS MEANT TO BE A DIY PROJECT. Next time just hire something.

[@robertlandis6252]

Ironworker here brother got that shit right leave it to the pros

[@jeffyhuey]

This, ladies and gentlemen, Is a perfect example of how hard it is to design something that is idiot proof. A very informative video.

[@marklinder3690]

The issue with your siding is that you didn't leave the 1.5" ledge on the foundation as the instructions state. I have a 30x30 building from them and have had zero issues with it.

[@changkng56]

Mark have you posted a video of your building, so we can see the issue you mentioned? Thank you.

[@tronarat]

Wow great review ,we had a carport installed on property we own and the guys who came had it done in 4 hours with no issue all panels were pre cut I now see they used a superior kit to versa tube

[@msyotaboy]

Which kit did they used?

[@timothylott4092]

Good Info to have!! Thank you and you made me Laugh. the 3 videos I watched before yours the slabs here the same size as the building

[@jaymondy]

They really should have an F-channel where the garage door is. Really you should not have just a flat slab, it should be elevated where the base meets the concrete.

[@mickeymaywald952]

I'm not sure where you are located as to what your building codes are for where you are but when i put into the VersaTube web site, the exact same information that you did, I get roof hat channel at 5' 7 3/16" on center. The 26 ga metal is supposed to give you the added strength to space the purlins out further. Using the 29 ga material, it shows the purlins would be 2' 9 5/8" apart. The metal places down here (I'm in Texas northwest of Houston) say that 26 ga RPN should have purlins no more than 5' on center. And based on a 12' building and a 3:12 pitch your roof panels would be just over 6' long so I agree that there should be at least 1 more row of purlins.

[@LFOD7491]

Thank you! Due to this and many other such reports, Versatube dealers have lost the sale of three buildings for our ranch, all of which are on the larger end of their structure sizes. There is no excuse for the kind of engineering screw-ups reported here. My contacts with their sales force played another role in our ultimate rejection of Versatube as a building method for smaller outbuildings. They truly seem less trustworthy than a tote-the-note used car dealer from East LA.

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

LFOD7491 which one did you find instead? I'm curious thank you

[@googlename8066]

Order the frame kit and supply your own siding/roof.

[@MR-xk7ku]

Yea all his problems would have been eliminated with some OSB. The punched holes aren't a problem in my book.

[@richardblanchard2743]

Looks like a nightmare to build. Thanks for sharing this information.

[@tdillon44]

Your video is much appreciated. I was about to order a building but not now. Will be much easier to build traditionally with wood.

[@MrBugman2525]

I am going with a hudock garage in uniontown pa

[@johnsullivan8712]

Thanks for this video. I am in the market for getting two metal buildings. I would probably use this frame for a really strong greenhouse (I think this would work great to get this frame only and then skin it using plastic from another source) so This video shows me I am on the right track with that idea. As for using this for a "shop" with locally bought metal skin I might rethink things. Thanks again.

[@trleith]

Thanks for the review. I was looking at Versatube, and now I don't think they can do what I want, and it's less a "kit" than I was expecting. Good job on it. My house and garage both have dirt right up against the foundation -- people do that all the time. There's a sidewalk right next to the house and garage, but it isn't part of the building pour. The slab you built is like a carport slab -- I think that's what you were thinking about more than a building foundation. Building foundations need what's called a stem wall to get the sill plate, in your case the base rail, up above the grade to keep water from running into your building. Then the siding can come down over the outside of the stem wall as close to the ground as you like and it will shed water outside the building. If you settled on a 4" stem wall, you'd tell Versatube you want a 7' 8" ceiling height and a 6' 8" door opening (say). The stem wall gets you to 8'. Of course there's no stem wall where the garage door goes. What keeps water out of the garage door is supposed to be a "driveway" sloped away from the door, and a gasket. It is really, really hard to keep water out permanently, over the whole life of the building. It's more important to have a way for water to get out -- for the building to dry, than it is to exclude every drop. You basically can't.

[@silentmarine4993]

Thanks for all the work. Won't be going this route.

[@Kevin.Nairn01]

A lot of your complaints are from your mistakes. I chose this company for they use 2x3 steel for the frame where all others use square aluminum. Maybe the changed their frame design but the roof structures are way different now. I highly recommend this company.

[@ronrommel8338]

Thank you very, very much for doing your thorough youtube video about your Versa Tube Garage Kit!! I did notice that you ran all of the side panels horizontal rather than vertical. Yet, it is very important what you revealed about the L brackets that support the trusses. The manufacture should not compromise the base frame integrity with poorly punched, rather than drilled holes for the base mounting to the foundation. Since, I'll need sufficient truss support for snow loading, I think I will look for a better built kit. Again, thanks so much! Ron

[@elizabethgallardo954]

Thank you for this review... it helps me make my decision.

[@scottwinkelmann1494]

OK... you convinced me I'm getting one !

[@cardendumas9927]

Thank you for the info, sorry for your issues I was wondering about their products

[@googlename8066]

Nice video. I wonder if you could mount the whole building on a flat 2x6 or even a 6x6 to keep the metal up and possibly keep it from rusting.

[@spod2011]

Dude........ You're a hard man to please. I dread the day you walk into my store.............

[@gunnerdaddy4400]

I wonder how many businesses in his town he's been trespassed out of? Gees!

[@MrDooder23]

You never build the foundation past the edges of the building, thats why it leaks

[@elvantucker8731]

MrDooder23 y would that make it leak

[@rocketsurgery8337]

Elvan Tucker, It gives rainwater a place to pool possibly causing the frame to rust out prematurely.

[@megaman4201]

That's right, I bought a brand new condo in Annapolis, Maryland when only the foundation had been poured and when they built the building, stick built no brick, it was offset a few inches from the edge of the foundation and we ALWAYS had water intrusion issues... very frustrating especially with a builder that seemed too stupid to understand LOL.

[@easterstedman236]

It's good to see the woodprix has new instructions to save my money and energy to build it.

[@waitersluvhjy66]

Thank you Easter!

[@callihanhopwood6255]

@@waitersluvhjy66 Perfect isn't it ? :)

[@HooDRidEWhiteY]

Woodprix is a scam

[@shantahsieh335]

These plans are perfect! Thanks Easter!

[@ingeniousmechanic]

How is everything holding up 5 years later? Thanks for taking time to do this informative video!

[@Rumple4skinny]

also, you should have snapped a chalk line on the patio in the dimensions of the building to keep it square without running string lines

[@mattmccoy6646]

Great review. I have been shopping around and wondering if I should get the frame only kit or the whole thing. This review answered my question... The "kit" including siding seems like a waste since I can go to the same supplier they will most likely use lol. Thanks!

[@Lowcountrytrucker]

Very informative video. Great job.

[@busterbuster8295]

Thank u for the detailed review. I wont b buying from this company bc its not a "kit" the panels arent pre cut + too many misc DIY cuts + bends + etc..the ad + company is SO MISLEADING. But youve done a great correction + supplemental job for all their mistakes + neglect. Kudos to yr deligence.

[@mrjgueret]

Thank you for this review. This is exactly how I kind of thought it was going to be. Absolute perfect garage for a hacker.

[@michaelmcinnis7259]

I must say that it is nice to be able to read reviews on the internet before making a purchase. Unfortunately, one has to sift through all the reviews and make a judgement as to which ones to put stock in. It really disturbs me when someone that is not knowledgeable or qualified to write a review does so anyway and ends up affecting the opinions of other unqualified individuals. I'm not saying that this guy doesn't have any valid complaints, but he is way off base in his overall review. First, it is obvious that he bought the building on the website with no discussions with VersaTube about the details of what he was getting. No one with any experience with buildings of this type, or most anything else, would make such a purchase without making sure of what he was getting. Otherwise, he'd have known that he was getting stock sheets of sheet metal. NOBODY ships pre-cut pieces of sheet metal that the buyer just screws together. His expectations of a "kit" show his lack of understanding and experience. That could have been avoided by talking with someone at the factory. Second, he complains a lot about too many written instructions and not enough pictures of how to install the roofing and siding. I wonder if he read all those instructions which may have kept him from screwing up the roof. Laying out the pieces would have revealed a problem before he screwed the panels down. Another "engineering error" he cites is the lack of a seal against water intrusion. Why would anyone set a building on a flat slab and expect it not to leak. If he had looked at the foundation drawing furnished by VersaTube, he would have seen the required ledge surrounding the building. That ledge serves 2 purposes: (1) it keeps water out, and (2) it gives a place for the siding to "die" so you don't have to trim the siding to match the slab. The surrounding slab must be poured lower than the inside of the building. In general, most of this guy's problems were caused by his inexperience, lack of general construction knowledge and his unrealistic expectations regarding pre-cut pieces of sheet metal. All you people who claimed "great review" and plan to run to another manufacturer, you'd better do your homework lest you be similarly disappointed. Otherwise, get somebody who knows something about construction to help you.

[@jondee6857]

Michael McInnis Finally someone else sees this project was doomed from the beginning. Unfair review for versa-tube

[@fpvrcstuff]

Glad I watched this video before I bought a 24 by 30 Versatube building...............

[@jerryrigsit5400]

Not a kit for the inexperienced DIY-er. Thx for posting this review.

[@jeremyjedynak]

At around 4m30s, you briefly show a binder with a packing list from "American Building Components" for the sheet metal components, trim, and fasteners. Would you share that list?

[@randymurray934]

Great review, thanks for sharing

[@plumbsquareandlevelish4475]

A serious caveat emptor situation. You put me on guard to ask a huge number of questions to any supplier... If you take things for granted, you get burned. I could see myself walking into this mess and never completing it.

[@candellasteelerectorscande8413]

Cheaper scale building just did one for customer very easy install few things not cool with from company but ok building and sent missing stuff asap great little garage customer ordered

[@jeffwright9431]

Thank you. If I order from Versatube I will get the frame only.

[@michaelbouley2294]

My shed is a 16 inch on center wood with that sheet metal siding and 12X24. The idiots that built it screwed up by putting screws through the lower valley on the roof metal. Then they set the entire roof too far to the back causing an uncovered top plate causing wood rot.

[@user-zk7sg8sb1k]

I priced a 20×30×9 1-10' roll up door. Price was $5,600 before the COVID planeddemic.

[@michaelriecher5632]

Very in-depth review thanks. I guess I'll go the wood garage kit route.

[@peanutbutter2597]

great job pointing out the features looks like a really strong building for a small garage I'm looking at a 40 by 50 building it is a lot more expensive due to it has a lot more hat channel truss and ribs and braces your building looks really strong for you

[@livingunderarockunderarock9963]

Use the extra foam to fill in the gaps all over the building

[@OnHoldAt50]

Talked me out of Versatube. It's more expensive anyway. Your implementation was awesome. I think the kit with pre-cut panels is the better choice. Thanks for the great review. Love the occasional camera sweep of the mountains in the background.

[@Carolina4Sale]

Did you go with a different company? If so can you share the name/website? Or did you take an entirely different approach other than kit?

[@OnHoldAt50]

@@Carolina4Sale While I'm saving for the cost of the building (refuse to get a loan for that kind of thing), I'm mulling over two companies as a final choice. Either Leland's or Alan's Factory Outlet (my understanding they sell/install Carolina buildings), or go with Carolina directly (probably Alan's because of their installation and warranty). Do you have any suggestions? Note: the Versatube has too many saying they have problems with leaking and [structural] support issues. For the cost, you don't save anything that way. They aren't even cheaper.

[@TaylorHaubrich]

Should maybe have used a product called seal seal under the bottom channel in between it and the slab. It looks like a strip of foam kinda and is made to prevent water from running in.

[@fgsrdgstfgr]

your putting up a hybrid Arrow shed.....cheapest stuff on the market. Throw on the siding, punch a zillion screws, go nuts with the spray foam, crack a brew. I think you did a great job. Realize the size of the damn thing vs. cost. A shed that size (wood) would cost $15,000.

[@kev64037]

I am seriously considering this building product. Anyone looking to start a project like this needs to thoroughly understand what material is included and what is expected during construction. Nothing ever ships as a screw together finished project. To take on a project like this without building experience, you will have to work through some issues. You must also be thinking several steps ahead to understand cause and effect of your efforts. I think it is unfair to say you do not recommend the product when your experience level is also a consideration. The finished project looks good and will serve its purpose. If you are ever asked to help a friend, you now have some experience to draw from.

[@jjs777fzr]

Despite the issues looks great!

[@Bobster986]

The bulges in the rails are only a problem if we assume that the rails are truly straight to begin with.

[@stevenhauser653]

It looks good, I think you are nit-picking. Do you think if you started from the sheathing and went up, it would of been easier?

[@arthurh1969]

This is very enlightening, I was looking at Versatube and I have no building experience. Thank you for your time to make this thoughtful video.

[@gregcooper8647]

can you recommend any alternative to versatube that offers a similar product that would be better? Alternatively, I was thinking to just order the skeleton kit and cut my own OSB/Plywood and panel it up and add panel steel on the sides, and do asphalt and OSB for roof?? THanks for the video

[@twrecks4598]

I was just at their site before I came here...I was pretty interested... until I saw their sheetmetal was 29 gage !!! I worked in sheetmetal for a while and seeing this I'm sure that people have NO IDEA how thin of sheetmetal this is. Hell, even the premium 26 Ga is super thin... especially when we are talking about a structure that might be susceptible to wind, hail, etc. That super thin skin would be a deal breaker for me, although the framing by itself might be ok. Do you have the option to purchase extra pieces.. like extra tubing or extra sheetmetal sheets/trim? Seems like it would have been helpful to you to have an extra sheet of siding and trim in the kit. In hindsight, would it have made more sense to just get the frame and purchase the sheetmetal yourself locally? Nice review, thanks!

[@gingerwood1969]

Glad I found your video! Was honestly looking at Versatube’s products but now there is no way that I will go their buildings. With cost comes expectations of a great finished product. You’ve proved otherwise. Thank you for taking the time out to make this review! 👍

[@terracethornhill]

The slab must end at the outside of the wall studs so it sheds water. You completely ignored that basic building rule and even mocked them for telling you how it should be done correctly. "It's ridiculous, who's going to build a slab that ONLY covers the building?" (anyone with a clue) Then you blame them for the fact that there's no way to keep water from coming in under the wall.

[@AnthonyExsted]

Yeah I was laughing throughout this review, lots of interesting takes, but all in all good for people to know what frustrations they might run into. It’s honest from a point of view and that’s respectable.

[@Dr_Mike2]

I haven't seen that part yet, but every building I've seen in person, the sill plate mounts to the edge of the slab. The siding overlaps the edge of the slab

[@timb2294]

Thanks for the very informative video

[@NoobisPloobis]

Amazing review. I'm with Stewart, going to look elsewhere for a building with better engineering.

[@Thecollaborator1990]

R Panel is not meant to run horizontal. User error. Not Versa Tubes fault

[@waynedavis7245]

Probably should've put rubber flashing between the frame and concrete. That most likely would've stopped alot of the water. Your first mistake was that you shouldn't have built it on your driveway. It should have been built on it's own slab .

[@johnwhan7288]

Excellent job. My question is. Would it be easier to buy 2 x 4 and space them approximate 2 feet and install the sides and back vertical? The roof you solved the problem of spacing and i feel like i would add more 2 x 4 there as well. Shame you had to complete the engineering for this building. Was going to get one as just the framing kit alone and buy my own siding and roof. Now I'm leaning more towards a pole barn type building where i'm sure of the dimensions. THX

[@tbear68-]

I HAVE working hands, so I'm gonna check them out. & JC's comment was spot on.

[@hardset-vi3ze]

Your points are noted and some have merit (Chinese Engineering?) but you made mistake too. However, I don't Know any OEM (manufacturer) that will send you pieces that are specifically cut for the end walls. I know that seems like that sucks but the logistics from the manufactures viewpoint would be most difficult and add a lot more expense and create a lot more problems. Do a few more of these buildings and you'll develop more of an understanding how and why they are made and why they are relatively cheap. There's no substitute for experience in these projects. I can guarantee you the 2nd one you erect would be easier and the third one almost a snap. First time projects are just the beginning of the learning cure. Next tine get some experienced help. But it looks pretty nice for your first time.