Got a boat, RV, or other big toy that needs shelter?
You are not alone. Requests for secure storage has skyrocketed in recent years. Finding a building to properly store these pricey vehicles can prove difficult. Many do not realize building the “old-fashioned way” isn’t an option.
That’s where pre-engineered buildings come in.
Steel buildings are fast becoming the preferred method of housing specialty vehicles. Cost effective, quick construction time and durable enough to protect six figure investments from the elements, theft and vandalism.
Here’s everything you need to know…
Here’s the breakdown:
- What Pre-Engineered Buildings Actually Are
- Why They Work So Well For Specialty Vehicles
- The Real Cost Savings
- Features That Matter Most For Vehicle Owners
- Lifespan And Long-Term Value
What Are Pre-Engineered Buildings?
Pre-engineered buildings (PEMBs) are factory designed and fabricated steel buildings that are delivered to your building site ready to be erected. All components are cut to length and ready to be bolted together upon arrival.
Think of it like a giant Lego set…
Manufactured perfectly to fit together. Your materials will arrive with no cutting, welding or guessing required onsite. Including main frame, wall panels, roof panels and fasteners ready to install.
You see them everywhere these days. Per the Metal Building Manufacturers Association, prefabricated metal buildings account for roughly 50% of all new low-rise nonresidential buildings in America.
That’s huge.
Why Boat And RV Owners Are Switching
Specialty vehicles cost a lot of money. Think boats, RVs, classic cars, trailers and toy haulers in the six-figure range. Parking them outside means you’re risking:
- UV damage and paint fade
- Rain, snow and hail damage
- Theft and vandalism
- Salt corrosion (in coastal areas)
- Tire dry rot from sun exposure
Harsh conditions can wreak havoc on your property. That’s why many owners are moving away from simple tarps and carports and into sturdy, enclosed shelters. When researching your boat storage options, you may find that pre-engineered buildings are some of the most versatile and affordable options for long-term coverage of these expensive investments.
And the demand is exploding…
Latest industry figures revealed that RV and boat storage accounts have more than doubled since 20 23, from 800 properties to nearly 1,800 in 20 25.
Why the boom?
As owners are recognizing that the price of protection pales in comparison to replacement costs. One hailstorm can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damages to an unprotected vessel.
The Cost Advantage
Here’s where pre-engineered buildings really shine.
Traditional construction costs are high. Wood framed houses require a small fortune when you consider labour costs, materials and time involved. Concrete and brick are even greater.
Pre-engineered steel? Much cheaper.
The overall construction cost for PEMBs can be anywhere from 10% to 30% cheaper than conventional buildings, depending on the size, complexity and local economics. On a simple 40×60 foot storage building, you could literally save tens of thousands of dollars for the same amount of usable space.
But that’s just the start…
You also save on:
- Labour costs (less on-site work needed)
- Material waste (everything cut to spec)
- Foundation costs (lighter loads)
- Long-term maintenance
Speed Saves You Money Too
Time is money, especially in construction.
A typical traditional commercial building will take 6 to 12 months to build from groundbreaking to occupancy. The similar pre-engineered metal building can be constructed in 8-14 weeks following pour of the foundation.
How is that possible?
As excavation for the foundation is happening on site, the steel is getting fabricated at the shop simultaneously. There is no delay between one task occurring and then starting the next. It all just arrives ready to install.
Less time = less labour costs = more savings for you.
Clear-Span Design For Big Vehicles
This one is huge.
Prefab buildings can have large clear spans free of a central interior column. Essentially, unobstructed open space from wall to wall.
Why does this matter?
Three reasons why carports can’t be garages. 1. Cars loose value when stored indoors. 2. Boats, RVs and toy haulers all require width. You can’t fit booths,RVs or toy haulers in there because of the middle support….
It’s not going to work.
Clear-span design gives you:
- Unobstructed parking lanes
- Easy manoeuvring for large vehicles
- Flexibility to rearrange the layout whenever needed
- Room for future expansion as the collection grows
That’s another reason why people who own specialty vehicles choose steel buildings instead of more conventional options.
Features That Matter Most
Did you know not all pre-engineered buildings are created equal? When storing specialty vehicles, consider these factors:
Eave Height
Eave height is the distance from the floor to the ceiling of the wall. Motorhomes and Trailers require lots of vertical clearance. Plan for at least 14 to 16 feet of eave height if you want to fit Class A motorhomes and oversized boats on bunk trailers.
Wide Doors
Regular residential garage doors won’t work. Oversized roll-up doors or sliding doors are your best bet. Minimum size should be 12 feet wide by 14 feet tall. Any less and you won’t be able to fit larger vehicles inside.
Proper Insulation
Insulation does two big jobs in a specialty vehicle shelter:
- Controls condensation that damages paint and electronics
- Keeps interior temperatures stable for stored items
Omitting insulation saves money initially but damages you over time.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation prevents mould, mildew and that horrible trapped humidity smell. Ridge vents and side soffit vents are inexpensive to install when building and make a world of difference.
Lifespan And Long-Term Value
A well-built pre-engineered steel building can last 50 to 100 years with minimal maintenance.
Compare that to wooden decks that require constant maintenance, repainting and eventual replacement…It’s savings are evident in the long run. Steel won’t rot, warp or get termites.
Maintenance requirements are extremely minimal. An annual inspection and occassional wash-down keeps things looking good. No painting every few years. No replacing rotting timbers.
That’s a big deal when you’re trying to budget.
Bringing It All Together
Prefabricated buildings are undoubtedly one of the best options for protecting specialty vehicles. They provide you with:
- Lower upfront costs vs traditional construction
- Faster build times (weeks instead of months)
- Clear-span designs for big vehicles
- Lifespans that stretch for decades
The bottom line? If you have boats, RVs or other high-value vehicles, a pre-engineered shelter is a smart investment. The protection it provides pays for itself the first time you get hit with a hailstorm or heatwave.
Know exactly what types of vehicles you want to protect. Get quotes from several manufacturers. Ensure your clear-span dimensions accommodate your largest vehicle as well as any vehicles you plan to purchase in the future. Don’t cut corners on doors, insulation or ventilation.
Your toys deserve proper protection. Pre-engineered buildings deliver it without breaking the bank.