I really would like a garage, but unfortunately can't run to the cost of a 'proper' brick built option.

When I was in the garden centre today, I had a look at some of the pre fab options, and some of the new ones really seem quite nice.. Has anyone else got one - is it OK ?

I know everyone's going to say 'build a proper one' - but really isn't an option

Size I'm looking at is 24 x 24

Dampness and leaking roofs after a few years

I built a 9m by 3.8m (ish) thermo block workshop to have the allowed 30 square metres (internally measured) in my garden, and 4m roofline, for £5000 ....using 6 cubic metres readymix, pumped in for the base. 550ish 9inch blocks, I had a brickie in for a few days at £600....then, ebay for new patio doors, windows and s/h marley interlock roof tiles (@17degrees) parquet flooring, etc. rendered in/out and plastered/roof lagged/wired/painted
its full of my stuff..its a workshop come den. though I bet I'm on the council 'shedroom' radar but all above board etc.

if you are set on a prefab, look on ebay, they come up. consider the milage! avoid asbestos roofs!! you will need to hire a 7.5ton lorry though (normal licence). at about £150 a day. a decent raft base will be around the £1000 mark like mine was. (£100 rebar, 700 mix, (that's a proper mixer, not the man with shovel and onboard etc) + £250 pump.) took 1hr from doorbell ring, to pour, pump, tamp, clean-up.

I went with one of the 'temporary' carport ones (tarp and support poles). It looks okay, was cheap and quick to set up and no planning permission needed (at least around here). It has lasted very well, but I needed to beef up some of the supports and attach a few more guy ropes. It really depends on your location and what your budget is.

I have 3 garages two are purpose built and one was needed in a hurry so bought a prefab concrete slab and put it up - it is on my list to replace but has been for 4 years Depends on use mine is used for bikes and lawnmowers etc and I use the others for tools and electrical so it is ok bought mine from the bay for 150 quid and put in my own concrete base and footings to upgrade at later stage