The evolution of a dream shop build. Eventually with pics.

[Dinkshooter]

If the shop walls are tall enough, apartment on ground level, with work space above. Leatherworking, quilting, etc.

Don’t laugh! When I moved into mine it had a storage loft. Put up a wall and was able to stuff the wife’s “junk” into it. Works nice but takes away the ability to ever have a car lift though.

 

[Dinkshooter]

Radiant heat is a must have. When you do have to open the big doors in the winter the area goes back to temp so fast.

 

[Dan-06]

Radiant heat is a must have. When you do have to open the big doors in the winter the area goes back to temp so fast.

Yes, it sure does. I’m pouring a floor this week with heat in it. 40x48 shop floor.

 

[Dave N]

Radiant heat is a must have. When you do have to open the big doors in the winter the area goes back to temp so fast.

+1

 

[Nick87]

Radiant heat is a must have. When you do have to open the big doors in the winter the area goes back to temp so fast.

I live radiant heat only thing I'd add is that my dad's shop about 1/4 of it was under the upstairs balcony/storage. It was always colder than hell under that area because the heat didnt get under the overhead. Maybe he didnt have the heaters in the right spot idk.

 

[Hem]

Don’t laugh! When I moved into mine it had a storage loft. Put up a wall and was able to stuff the wife’s “junk” into it. Works nice but takes away the ability to ever have a car lift though. View attachment 403950View attachment 403951

Actually I was being serious.
Take advantage of every last bit.

 

[Nunjagottam]

We built ours 40x64, heated floors + furnace + wood fireplace (because wood is the best heat). We live in the living quarters so ground floor bedroom, living and kitchen. Stairs up to office and spare bedroom. Firewall separates spare bed from mezzanine with stairs down to shop.
Strongly recommend scissor trusses vs attic trusses as you will gain more area in your loft. And you gain height at gable end for a taller door. I'd tryn post/beam the footprint of the loft and then decide which space will be what. If future plan is VBRO then I think id do a full apt upstairs with lookout deck. Then stack your utility bathroom and shop sink below the apt kitchen/bath. Maybe do some nice patio thing under the apt deck on opposite gable from shop?
Post and beam will give you shorter span for floor trusses (avoid TJIs if you are planing and HVAC for apt)
Make sure your stairs are generously sloped and have landing close to highest ceiling so you can utilize tractor or loader to hoist any big items for apt.
And sheet what you can with OSB, drywall is trash for hanging mounts. The firewall and ceiling between shop and apt will need 1hr fire rating but up yo you if You do 1/4 gwb over the osb if you really need the smooth wall look. Personally, rough side OSB caulked seams and "high hiding" flat white paint works just fine. I'd also recoment white metal ceiling for light enhancement.

 

[Nick87]

I'd also recoment white metal ceiling for light enhancement.

Definitely helps.

 

[corndog1]

We just put up a 42 by 36 shop with fourteen foot walls. It has been a fun project. Slow going but worth the savings.

 

[kansasdad]

A couple of random thoughts:

Skylights

Whatever you decide the right number of electrical outlets is…double it

Make sure external lighting, electricity in the lean-to area is adequate

Electrical service to allow for (future) electric car charging? (ZRBO)

Humidifiers/dehumidifiers as climate indicates

Perhaps in lieu of dedicated work spaces, having rolling work tables/carts that get pulled out of storage to the active work area for use, and then put away when that project is completed.