How to Build a Temporary Garage

Having a garage is incredibly convenient, particularly in cold weather climates. But building a garage if you don't have one is costly and can set you back over $10k in constructions costs. Another option is a portable or temporary garage. They're affordable, keep the car in the shade and protected from the elements, plus they're relatively easy to assemble. In this case, it's a 12X20X8 portable garage, though the process is similar for other makes and models.

Open-end wrench set
3/8-inch ratchet and socket set
Flathead screwdriver
Sledgehammer
2-foot level
6-foot step ladder

Instructions

- 1
  Determine a location for the temporary garage. You need enough height to get the structure up completely, and you need a spot to drive in anchors as well. A level spot also helps with drainage.
- 2
  Put together the front and rear arch assemblies. The parts for the arches are labeled in the box and have a top crest, bent tube side crest and end uprights with feet. These are bolted together using the hardware provided in the kit and a 3/8-inch ratchet, sockets and open end wrench. Make sure the bolts go in towards the middle of the frame, as this will prevent issues with the cloth top later on.
- 3
  Attach the corner wind braces to the first end arch assembly using the provided hardware and a 3/8-inch ratchet and sockets.
- 4
  Assemble the interior arch assemblies using the provided hardware and the 3/8-inch ratchet and sockets. These look just like the end arches, except they don't have the feet on the bottom.
- 5
  Attach one of the end arches to one of the interior arches using the wind brace, a cross rail, the provided hardware and the 3/8-inch ratchet and sockets. Repeat this process with the other arch. You may need an assistant to help you with moving the arches.
- 6
  Connect the peak of each assembly together using the top ridge rails underneath the peaks. This is going to keep support on the frame.
- 7
  Connect the remaining middle arches to the front and rear arches using the top cross bars, ridge rails and bottom bars, the supplied hardware, plus the 3/8-inch ratchet and sockets.
- 8
  Lift the garage into its final mounting place with the help of an assistant.
- 9
  Make sure the frame is square and tighten down any loose hardware. Then insert the plastic end plugs into any open ends.
- 10
  Use the sledgehammer to drive in the anchors for the frame through the anchor cup by pounding them into the ground.
- 11
  Place the drive rod through the loop in the anchor line and pull upward to get the anchor head set in the ground. Then attach the line to the u-bolt using the 3/8-inch ratchet and sockets.
- 12
  Unfurl the main cover on one side and pull the cover over the roof. Then tie to the frame using your hands at each point of contact, as well as in a stitching pattern on the bottom of the rail.

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