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.

 

[44hunter45]

Make sure to allow tall ceilings for all the mounts. Can’t think of anything that brings much more happiness than sitting back with friends, family or just yourself and reminiscing fine days hunting.

My own kills are unspectacular in every way.
These are another legacy from my dad. I was going to sell them to Cabelas once. I couldn’t part with them

 

[44hunter45]

We recently did an inground 32x60x14 shop. Icf walls to the trusses. Radiant floor heating. Split unit ac. Drywall, metal wainscoting on walls. Super nice and very efficient. I would have to look at what manufacturer of icf we used.

We need to do a phone call. DM coming.

 

[mtmuley]

We need to do a phone call. DM coming.

Yep get some professional advice. Buildings that big get dangerous as you go up. I have set 60 foot hip sets and 56 foot scissors. Gotta know what you are doing. mtmuley

 

[44hunter45]

Figured as much but didn’t want to discount his DIY style or connections within the industry.

I helped my old boss do his 40×80 awhile ago and concrete was the biggest cost. However, we already had the mobile cranes and such via the company.

This.

I'm scheming hard to keep walls and slab in budget and get quality. The percent of the budget for this is non-negotiable. If I can't make the number I will have to go smaller.

I will need pro skills and manpower for the flatwork. Before I was a computer geek I worked in the trades. My dad was a contractor. In my teen years my buddies and I farmed out as laborers to our dad's in the subs. Over the years many of them used me for more skilled work. I can prep the slab, maybe even pour it, but not finish it.

I think we will not need a pump for the slab. 6" deep with spray foam and PEX is definitely going to hurt. County requires R-10 under slab in my zone.

I am bidding on used telehandler right now. It needs some work, but I am up for that. I will sell it for a profit (I hope) when I'm done with it.

 

[44hunter45]

Yep get some professional advice. Buildings that big get dangerous as you go up. I have set 60 foot hip sets and 56 foot scissors. Gotta know what you are doing. mtmuley

MRS says no high work, so trusses and roof off the table.

 

[44hunter45]

What type of heat are you thinking?

It will be radiant. I am still researching which water heating system I want. Open to input on that.

 

[Gellar]

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 have it in my garage and in my basement. Spends, but you only get one chance to do it. It’s the only way to go, imo. The only thing I would have done differently is put another zone outside 10’ or so from the garage doors and on the sidewalk s I don’t have to shovel.

 

[Gellar]

Spray foam?

When I build another shed it’s going to have overhead doors on opposite ends so I can pull all the way through with a trailer and so I don’t have to move stuff around as much to get other stuff out.

 

[HiMtnHntr]

Spray foam?

When I build another shed it’s going to have overhead doors on opposite ends so I can pull all the way through with a trailer and so I don’t have to move stuff around as much to get other stuff out.

That’s what I did.