The shop pic thread got me thinking...

Steve_Kibbe

Steve_Kibbe

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 26, 2005
Location
Spartanburg, SC
What would your ideal shop consist of, ie. size, wall height, # of bays, what would the layout look like and so on...

I would like to build a shop in the future and would like to do it right the first time.
 
Simple: The biggest that your lot can handle and your pocket can afford..

if i had my dream garage it would have atleast 6 full bays with atleast 2 bays with car lifts, then a loft above 2 of the other bays and below the loft in those bays would be a full shop area, with lathes, mills, cnc, etc..

that way I have 2 bays with lifts to work , and 2 bays for cars or projects that do not need a lift and 2 bays full of tools.. then I would have atleast a 2 bay garage next to or behind this full of shelving to store all the extra parts, axles, etc..

or I would also take Jay Leno's
 
I've been thinking about building a shop for a while now too. Probably would have already done it if the economy hadn't of taken a shit and the stock market crashed. Realistically, I want to build an oversized three car garage. That most likely translates to 34 or 36' wide by 26 or 28' deep building. I would like to build it with a staircase either on the inside or outside going up to a large attic style storage place above. I would like to put a lift in the middle bay. I haven't decided if I would add plumbing for a wash sink and toilet or install an HVAC system yet. Cost will obviously be the deciding factor on those last two.
 
I think 25x40, maybe 30x40, would be plenty. I'd like one about that size, with the garage doors on the sides instead of the ends. 10' walls would be fine for me. I have intentions of building one if I can buy the lot behind my house.
 
Plan for at least 10' walls if not 12' in case you decide on a lift. Add anchor points throughout the slab for tugging and pulling around on. Windows up high are always good for lighting. Heat is good. AC is a large plus. Plenty of turn around for trailers and such. Fencing with a grueling dog for security. Solid doors on Exterior to slow intruders down. Got to have music. Cable? Attic Fan's are good to clear dust, exhaust, suck out some heat, etc. Wire for 220V. PLENTY of electrical outlets and lighting. External Compressor for less noise. Plum every bay for air. I used old roofing tin to finish out mine so I don't have to worry as much for sparking a fire. Floor drains with a grease seperator is good. A trench bay is good. A toilet is a HUGE plus in which mine lacks (running water). And don't forget the fridge and microwave!!!
 
If i had my way, i would sell my house, buy some land and build a two story shop. the first floor would be the shop with above mentioned goodies and the second floor would be a living area.

I think a drive through bays would be a good idea.
 
Ill see if i can get a pic of my brothers shop. its 30wide x50(deep) 2 car door on the front off to the side. Front area has desk/paperwork/books etc. Also clean stuff, building supplier, electronic junk, fridge etc.. At the far back there is 2 rooms inside the main room, the top loft is for storage, of big bulky items. Its sturdy so the limit is pretty much what you can put up there. Inside the rooms, the one is the machine room, lathe, drill press, moving to the front corner and out of the room is welders/welding table etc. Other room has furnace and storage shelves for supplies. The machine room and be walled off with a curtain to heat just that in the winter (NY) the wood furnace heats it very nicely after a 6-8hr warm up from dead cold.. Ill find a pic...

More space is nice, but more space = more junk - so keep organization in mind. I've had good luck with ebay and craigslist for cabinets and storage stuff. Its made a world of difference in my small 2 car garage..

saw your last questions - my brothers is on an Alaskan slab with block walls on the 2 back sides that are set in to the bank.

drive through - unless needed for access out back I wouldn't simply because doors are not as insulated as walls. I think a well placed door can provide access to all the work areas needed.
 
Pumper up over the existing garage.. Family benefits.. Free pumper and special overloads on Sat.
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pouring, you can see what the Alaskan slab ground work looks like.
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one of the pros. out of retirement for one last job :)
ahouse.yager.net_Garage_MVC_696F.JPG
 
ahouse.yager.net_Garage_MVC_697F.JPG

Blistery Cold Windy Nov. day in NY perfect time to flip the scissor trusses up :D What the fuck was I thinking, going up to help....
ahouse.yager.net_Garage_MVC_736F.JPG

Ill get his to upload more of the inside....its more/less finished now...
 
I'd add.....6 more blocks in height to the foundation of my current 32x50 shop! It's only 3 blocks high and then stud length. Only 9.5' of inside ceiling height and the doors are only your standard 8x7s and they hang down a good 1.5' at least, so getting my big arse truck in there is a hassle.

I asked Eric (pipeline) when he built his shop and adding blocks to the foundation is actually quite cheap when compared to lumber, so use regular studs and add blocks to get your desired height. I think wood frames and block foundations look a helluva lot better than metal buildings.
 
How much would a garage like that cost if you don't mind me asking? I really want a 30x30 2 door garage to tinker on my blazer and jeep.
 
Man there is a house for sell not to far from me and the shop thats with it is 4000 sg ft with a lift loft and a apartment. only 399,850 bucks.
 
Only?!:rolleyes: Wow.....


We gave 90K for 10 acres, our house and a 32x50 shop.
 
thats the difference between new bern and elkin (no offense). Elkin is attracting some high dollar investors right now and the property prices are reflecting that.
 
Shouldv'e mentioned that this was in 1994.....the housing market and price of land has damn near quadrupled here, if not more.

19 acres next to our place was bought for 50K, they kept it a few years, cleared the trees from it and sold it year before last for 350K. Between New Bern and Morehead City is one of the most rapidly expanding areas on the east coast and I hate it... if you have any land with highway frontage you can get about 5 times the price for it. A friend has 18 acres with highway access and they've got it listed for 12 million!

They're putting in a housing development called Carolina Colours near here.....over 1500 houses, their own bank, shopping area, and police.....:shaking: All retired folks too.
 
Mine in Newberry was 24x24x12. Should have gone at least 28 or better yet 32 deep. My K10 longbed did'nt leave much room front or rear. 12 foot ceiling let's you put a lift in if you can. I could'nt. Make sure you're floor is as smooth as it can get, if you can afford to hire a pro it's worth it. A smooth floor is easier to clean and easier to wheel stuff around without getting caught in a pothole. Also, put a concrete or asphalt pad out front so that you aren't dragging half the yard in every time you pull in and out. Wire it for more electric than you ever think you'll need, it still won't be enough. And plumb some water to a sink for washing up before messing up the wife's house (it's your shop, her house). And above all, make sure you've got enough security. The more tools and equipment and toys in the shop the more likely someone else will want them too.
 
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