I am considering a storage/garage building for my yard.  I would like
to store my summer driving car during the winter as well as move my
workshop from the basement to the building.  I am interested in
something 30' x 40', preferably a steel type that can handle the
inclement weather and snow load in Ontario( I Live just west of
Toronto, Canada).  I have seen many buildings that are semi-circular
in shape made out of metal or aluminum.  Can you provide the
following:
1)  A list(5-10) of suppliers of these buildings.(Canada and US)
1a) Including some web sites
2)  What the actual name of these types of buildings are.
3)  Some sort of minimum and maximum pricing on size specified.
4)  Any pro's and con's of these types of buildings verses wood or
brick.
5)  What kind of foundation is required? How the buildings are erected
and how long to erect.

Thanks,

Hi there,CAGURU, and greetings from beautiful Nova Scotia.

The type of structure you are looking for (to answer #2 first) is
called a quonset hut. As you have already determined, they are a
versatile and durable structure which is readily adapted to numerous
uses.

Here is a list of resources and companies I've located for you:

A-Z Technical Bldg Systems Inc.
http://www.a-ztech.on.ca/

Toronto-based company, they have a good basic explanation of the
assembly process.  They do not post pricing info on their site, but
have a form you can fill out and receive a quote back from them.

EverGreen-Steve Grammer  (405) 321-2306
stelyn@telepath.com 

They sell greenhouses and quonsets, no online information.

Fairford buildings master manufacturing
http://www.fairfordbuildings.com/wall.html

Based in Moose Jaw, aimed (natch) at the farming market, but may be
able to meet your requirements.


Pioneer Buildings
http://www.pioneerbuildings.com/quonset.html

Based in Mississauga.  This site includes a discussion of the various
foundation options under the "Accessories" tab.

Online resources specifically aimed at the type and size of building
you are projecting seem to be unfortunately limited.  Locally, I was
able to find a few companies in the yellow pages under
BUILDINGS-METAL, but it seems that most do not do quonsets
specifically.  A few of the companies I called suggested trying the
larger building materials stores, on the assumption that they would
not stock these structures but perhaps could order them.

To address your other questions quickly:  1) Pricing proved elusive. 
I would suggest calling or e-mailing these companies to request a
quote.  2) Pros: More durable than wood, quicker to assemble than
brick.  The steel used is generally warranted 20yrs against
rust-through. Cons: Your neighbors may express esthetic disapproval.
Hot in summer, cold in winter.  Rain and hail are really loud! 3)
Assembling the buildings, once the slab or foundation is in place,
consists of standing up the pieces and bolting them together.  Pieces
are 2' wide.  Judge accordingly, depending on how many helping hands
you'll have.  Your vendor should be able to help you judge more
accurately.

I hope this is satisfactory, please feel free to ask for more info or
clarification.

Search terms used:

Quonset supplier
Quonset