Garage kits are typically available in several standard sizes, which, to save wasted materials, are almost always in 4-foot increments. For example, 20 by 24, 24 by 24 and 24 by 28 are all common sizes. The term "kit" may be a bit misleading since there are some parts that require site-cutting, but all in all you'll find a lot of the design and preparation work has been done in advance.

The typical kit includes plans approved for your area; all framing lumber; roof trusses; siding and sheathing; roofing materials; and usually a roll-up door, a swinging door, and at least one window. The package is delivered to your site in stages – typically the lumber and siding package, the trusses, the roofing, and the window and door package – and as much of the pre-cutting as possible will already be done. Wall studs are pre-cut to length, sheet siding is sized to the wall heights, and trusses are sized to the width of the building.

Make no mistake, this is still a serious construction project, and may be a little intimidating for the beginning carpenter. But most kits are pretty well laid out and come with plans and some sort of instructions, so you and a couple of helpers can do the work with basic carpentry skills and tools. The garage will require a building permit, site preparation and a concrete slab to the specifications provided with the kit.

PORTABLE STORAGE SHELTERS

Looking for a faster, easier, and considerably less expensive alternative? Then perhaps one of the popular, portable metal and nylon "shelter kits" is more to your liking. Shelter kits, which resemble a big camping tent, come in a variety of sizes, and can be assembled in a day with a minimal number of tools. They require no slab, and, since they are not a permanent structure, in most areas don't even require a building permit.

Shelter kits consist of a series of straight galvanized steel framing poles for the sides and curved or pitched ones for the roof, all of which slip together with a simple locking mechanism for fast on-site assembly. Once the frame is assembled and is set up in the desired spot, special tie-down anchors secure the frame to the dirt or lawn. The anchors, which either screw into the ground or are driven into place, have a surprising amount of strength, although you'll need to discuss specific stability issues with your dealer if you live in a high wind- or snow-load area.

Once the frame is erected and secured, it is covered with a special UV-resistant, reinforced nylon cover that offers excellent protection from the elements. The shelter may be open on one end, or may be equipped with a roll-up door of the same material.

Portable shelter kits are available from many home centers, lumberyards, discount outlets and other retailers.