McGregor Portables has been around long enough to know what they’re doing, and honestly, that makes a huge difference when you’re shopping for used buildings. I’ve dealt with enough fly-by-night portable building dealers to appreciate a company that’s been in business for decades. Used portable buildings for sale at McGregor Portables come with the kind of backing and service that you just don’t get from random Craigslist sellers. The thing is, their inventory changes constantly, and knowing how to navigate their system and understand their grading process can save you serious time and money.
Understanding McGregor’s Inventory System
McGregor handles both their own trade-ins and buildings they’ve acquired from other sources. Their used inventory comes from customers upgrading to larger buildings, businesses closing down, or rental returns that they’ve refurbished. This means quality varies a lot depending on the source.
They grade their used buildings, though it’s not always obvious from their listings. Buildings that were originally McGregor builds tend to be higher quality because they know exactly how they were constructed and what materials were used. Third-party buildings they’ve acquired might be priced lower but require more careful inspection.
The best deals often come from their rental fleet rotations. These buildings get regular maintenance and are usually in better condition than privately owned units, even though they might show normal wear and tear.
Timing Your Purchase for Better Deals
McGregor’s inventory fluctuates seasonally. Spring and summer are their busy seasons for new construction, which means more trade-ins become available. Fall often brings the best selection of used buildings as businesses and individuals complete projects before winter.
End-of-year inventory clearing can offer significant savings. Like most businesses, McGregor wants to move older inventory before the new year, so December and January sometimes have better pricing on buildings that have been sitting longer.
Call ahead rather than just browsing online. Their used inventory moves fast, and what you see on their website might already be sold. Building relationships with their sales staff means they’ll call you when something matching your needs comes in.
Inspection Process and What to Focus On
McGregor typically allows thorough inspections of used buildings, which is a huge advantage over buying sight unseen from online dealers. Take advantage of this and bring a flashlight, measuring tape, and someone who knows construction if possible.
Pay special attention to the floor system. McGregor buildings use different floor constructions depending on when they were built and what they were originally designed for. Older buildings might have different joist spacing or subflooring materials that affect load capacity and modification possibilities.
Check the electrical and plumbing if present. McGregor usually provides documentation about what systems are included and their condition, but verify everything works properly. Their service department can often provide repair estimates if you find issues.
Financing and Payment Options
McGregor offers financing on used buildings, which isn’t common with smaller dealers. Their financing terms are usually competitive with other equipment financing, and they can often process approvals quickly.
They also accept trade-ins, which can simplify upgrading from a smaller building. The trade-in process involves them evaluating your current building and applying its value toward your purchase. This saves you the hassle of selling your old building separately.
Cash purchases sometimes qualify for additional discounts, especially on buildings they’re motivated to move quickly.
Delivery and Setup Services
One of McGregor’s biggest advantages is their delivery and setup capabilities. They have the equipment and experience to handle complex installations that smaller dealers can’t manage.
They provide written estimates for delivery costs upfront, including any special requirements like crane setup or utility connections. This eliminates surprises that often come with other used building purchases.
Their setup crews are familiar with local building codes and permit requirements, which can save significant time and headaches. They can often handle permit applications and inspections as part of the delivery process.
Warranty and Service Support
Used buildings from McGregor often come with limited warranties, even on older units. This isn’t standard in the used portable building market and provides valuable protection against hidden defects.
Their service department can handle repairs and modifications on buildings they’ve sold, regardless of age. This ongoing support relationship makes a difference when you need maintenance or want to modify your building later.
They maintain parts inventory for buildings they’ve manufactured, which can be crucial for repairs years down the road. Finding replacement windows, doors, or siding for portable buildings can be challenging with other manufacturers.
