My 40x80x14 Build

[joebiodiesel]

My talents do NOT include building anything out of wood, so I am relying on the ability and advice of my builder for my new garage. It's going to be a fairly simple project. A 40x80 with 14 foot walls, so I can install a couple of automotive lifts. I'm going to put in a 10k lb. twin post symmetrical, and later on I will most likely put in a 4 post that I'm getting from a friend.
I will be fooling around with a few tractors and a few used cars, just as a hobby, and to consume my free time. It's cheaper than a shrink.

For shop equipment, I'll be installing a Snap-on Big Red 5HP Compressor
Large solvent tank for doing transmissions.
Trans build bench.
Snap-on Glass Bead Cabinet.
I've got plenty of knick-knacks as well, like jacks, stands, cherry picker/engine stands, old bench grinder.

Half of the place will be a shop and the other half for storage. I am going to move my tractors, hit and miss engines, and motorcycles in it once it is up.

I'm looking forward to getting it completed. My job takes me away form home all week, so I'll only be able to check the progress at the end of every week. So far they have the sod torn off and the post holes drilled.

 

[Bib Overalls]

Looks like you have a nice site for your shop. I'm looking forward to seeing progress pictures soon. We like pictures!

 

[joebiodiesel]

Looks like you have a nice site for your shop. I'm looking forward to seeing progress pictures soon. We like pictures!

Thanks! I'm off to Kansas City this week, and had to fly out on a Sunday, but my wife told me that a bunch of lumber was delivered today.

Joe

 

[joebiodiesel]

Progress. I'm starting to get more excited about it now that it is going up.

My wife standing there, just for perspective.

 

[ejm1961Tbird]

40x80! I'm looking forward to following your build. Good luck.

 

[joebiodiesel]

Trusses are up. It has been so hot that I think they are going to put the roof on before pouring the floor. A bit out of sequence, but it makes sense to me. Don't want it to dry too quickly, and it'll be a little more shade for the workers with a roof on the place.

 

[Strouty]

Nice start, I am jealous about the 40 and the 14 and I guess the 80. I have 30x60x12' 6" I wish it was 40 deep!

 

[joebiodiesel]

Nice start, I am jealous about the 40 and the 14 and I guess the 80. I have 30x60x12' 6" I wish it was 40 deep!

That's nothing to sneeze at! A 30x60 is a big place. This should be all the storage I need for a while though.

 

[westray]

Nice start.....Should turn out real nice

 

[joebiodiesel]

Getting ready to put the roof on. They ran out of wood. I have no experience at all when it comes to building stuff, so I may not be the best judge, but it seems a little kooky to me to run out of wood when laying the boards across the top. Maybe not though...

Either way, I'm glad there's some progress, and thse guys have been out banging nails in 100F+ temps. They showed up at 6:30 this AM to beat the heat a little. I fixed the AC in their Honda while they were here yesterday so they could cool off on the way home.

 

[philwire]

I fixed the AC in their Honda while they were here yesterday so they could cool off on the way home.

I'm sure they enjoyed it. When I have workers at my place (driveway, roofing, etc) I get sure to put a beer cooler full of sodas, water bottles and (a few) beers in ice out for them. Makes the workers work better and they usually appreciate it and sometimes they even give a little extra (the driveway workers "gave" me an extra inch in thickness )

 

[Aaron P.]

lucky ****** having one hell of a shed that size......great build so far.....

can i ask without thinking i know it all but when the floor is poured how will the timber stay dy and free from rotting over time????? like if i put a steak in the ground over time it will break at gound level due to the water sitting around it.....

 

[joebiodiesel]

I expressed that same concern to the builder, but he said it wasn't a problem. I suggested paying extra to put plastic sleeves over the base of the poles. He said he could do it, but it would be throwing money at a problem that didn't exist. There is currently cement at the bottom of the holes and the poles are put on top of that, then filled in with the dirt that was originally there. The ground is really dry where it is being built, but I don't know if that matters or not. Maybe someone else that know more about it will chime in.
Joe

 

[Thedoc14]

It may be common knowledge to you guys in the States. But are your posts 3x 6"x2" laminated together? If so how do they join them just nail into the middle piece or Glue and screw them together?

Looking good so far.

 

[joebiodiesel]

The are just nailed together. I was told they do this for a couple of good reasons.
It is less expensive, because you only have to but pressure treated wood for the wood that goes in the ground.
It is easier to build straight poles yourself than trying to get 6x6 poles that long that aren't bent or twisted.
One guy can put the poles up by himself.

Here are a couple of pics of them.

 

[csp]

Laminated posts also have the advantage of the strands in each board aligning differently. This makes them stronger in multiple directions than a single post.

 

[joebiodiesel]

Laminated posts also have the advantage of the strands in each board aligning differently. This makes them stronger in multiple directions than a single post.

That's good to know.

 

[joebiodiesel]

Still plugging along. The builder had to move a bunch of dirt around before bringing in the stone for the flooring. We're supposed to be pouring the floor by Monday.

From the front:

From the side, along back:

The grade was further off than I would have guessed. Good thing I'm not a builder. Closer look at the dirt he moved.

 

[amtarsha]

The grade was further off than I would have guessed. Good thing I'm not a builder. Closer look at the dirt he moved.

That would concern me a little bit. Are you going to do a retaining wall or something to keep that from eroding away, or will the floor be poured out and over the end to keep the ground?

 

[Thedoc14]

Thanks for the post info, yes trying to find straight enough posts that are not twisted would be the biggest issue

 

[NUTTSGT]

A 40x80 for fooling around, I like it

 

[joebiodiesel]

That would concern me a little bit. Are you going to do a retaining wall or something to keep that from eroding away, or will the floor be poured out and over the end to keep the ground?

I hadn't given it any thought. I suppose I will keep my eye on it, and if it looks like it's going to be a problem, I can do something about it. A retaining wall wouldn't be too bad to do. I'm glad you mentioned it though.

If I was placing bets, I'd bet it won't be a problem,because the clay around here is hard as a rock, but I dont pretend to be an expert on it.

NUTTZGT,
Thanks. That's exactly what it's for. :-D

Joe

 

[Dave Maxwell]

Looks nice. Wish I would have went bigger

 

[rmckee]

Should be a great place! It's a building size most people would trade their firstborns for haha. Look forward to seeing more as it progresses along.

 

[joebiodiesel]

Coming down the home stretch.

A lot has gotten done in the last week.
Floor poured. The back is around 4" of fiber reinforced, and the front half is 6"-8". That should support any lift I decide to put in there.

It is roofed and sided.

Poured 2 small aprons.

Installed a 10X12 foot door in front, and a 12X10 foot door in the rear. A man door on the side.

200A Electrical Service and Meter Box get installed tomorrow.

Floor should be ready for all my stuff by next weekend.

Had a little fun with the concrete by the entrance. Grabbed a few Snap-on Tools to make an impression. A 2 1/2" wrench, pliers, 3/8 ratchet, dead blow hammer.

Joe

 

[joebiodiesel]

Like an awful lot of building projects, we have suffered a delay. My builder had just a few things to finish and he ended up in the hospital with chest pains. I talked to his wife and it looks like he had a heart attack. He's a hard working guy, and I feel bad for him.
He only had a few things to finish. Cutting the floors, installing gutters, final landscaping, and installing my electrical service. Last night I rented a walk behind concrete saw and cut the expansion joints myself. The cuts may not be perfect, but I think they look good. Hopefully that's all that matters!

The bad part on my end is that the he installed my meter box and electrical panel and partially wired it. I've called 3 electricians to just have them finish the panel so I can get it inspected. One refused over the phone to do it. The other showed up and stated that he didn't like how it was installed, and wouldn't finish it. A third hasn't returned my call in a week. [I'm thinking maybe it's because they found out I'm a leper. Or maybe it's my poor hygiene. ]

I'm sure this will eventually work itself out, but I'm hung for now. At least now that the floors are cut I can move all my stuff in and get the place set up.

Joe

 

[dlenkewich]

Sorry about your luck. I'm sure it will get better soon.

Beautiful building. Congrats!

 

[Bib Overalls]

Trades guys, plumbers and electricians in particular, are reluctant to pick up a job started by others. It has to do with liability, personal preferences, and "claim jumping." Ask you builder to recommend someone to finish the electrical.

 

[joebiodiesel]

My neighbor stopped over today for a visit. I was telling him about my electrical troubles. turns out his brother is a local electrician. I talked to him over the phone. He is going to stop out this week to have a look. I told him to do whatever is necessary, and whatever makes him comfortable, to finish the installation. I told him if he has to rip out the new service to install his own, then do it. We will see what happens.
Wish me luck!

Joe

 

[joebiodiesel]

Got a new electrician to show up Friday. He seemed to be on his game, and lacked the mental/social issues that 2 of the previous guys had. He explained why the currently installed service was not going to pass code, and then fixed it.
I should have my building and electrical inspections done today, nd maybe even power in there by the time I return home on Friday.
I'm definitely looking forward to having power in there, especially now that my oil light came on on the way to the airport this AM.
Joe

 

[xjjeepman]

Awesome setup. What does a building this size run $$ if you dont mind me asking??

 

[joebiodiesel]

Awesome setup. What does a building this size run $$ if you dont mind me asking??

I got prices to built it that were all over the map. I have about 31k or so in it at the moment. To run lights and outlets will bump it some more.

Where are you from in upstate NY? I just left the Syracuse area.

 

[xjjeepman]

I got prices to built it that were all over the map. I have about 31k or so in it at the moment. To run lights and outlets will bump it some more.

Where are you from in upstate NY? I just left the Syracuse area.

Cool, thx for the info. Im actually just outside of Syracuse (northwest) in Baldwinsville. Funny that you were just in my neck of the woods!

 

[joebiodiesel]

Cool. I was in Mexico. I'm glad to be away from the rusty cars.

My building nightmare continues though. The electrical inspection went fine, but the inspector told me my contractor had to call for a final building inspection. His cell phone and business phone are now disconnected. I have no building plans or plans for the trusses, and no way to get a CO. Not sure what my next move is now. Building stuff ***** when you dont know the ropes.

Joe

 

[xjjeepman]

Yeah youre right about the rusty cars!

That really ***** about the inspection. Can you track him down by his address?? Id be showing up at his house and trying to get in touch with him that way...

 

[joebiodiesel]

I don't know his home address, and if the business phone is disconnected then I don't think I'll find anyone there. I'll certainly try once I get home this weekend!

Joe

 

[csp]

There has to be some sort of paper trail back to him.

First thing to do is look his name up in a phone book.

Look for any registration paperwork the state might have for his business. There are lots of ways to find a person.

 

[joebiodiesel]

I did a bunch of searching for the right lift for my shop. I was really close on a Worth or a Rotary. One of my requirements was that it was tall enough for me to stand up under. I got a lot of contradictory answers from them both about rise height, pad height etc. I ended up talking to Greg Smith Equipment about their OH-10X, extended width/height lift. I talked to a sales guy there, and he actually made the measurements for me while I was on the phone with him. After installing it, I can verify that the pad height (which is what I cared about most) is just over 6'4" without using any adapters. It is low enough that I can use the 2" adapters and still get the arms under my Jetta. I'm glad I bought it.
I decided to install it myself, and I was unable to recruit any help. It took me a while, but I got it up and running in about 9 hours.

I got it shipped to a friends shop, and picked it up on my trailer.

It had some damage on it, easily visible by the spray paint on the OUTSIDE of the cardboard. I wasn't sweating it too much. I put a few scuffs in it myself while installing it.

I pulled the poles off using my engine hoist, and propped the poles up by hand. I'm glad there was only 2 of them. They are heavy for one guy.

After walking the posts into place I had to figure out how to get the top brace in place. There was no way I was strong enough to haul it up a ladder, so I used a rope and tie strap to hoist them up. It wasn't pretty, but it worked.
Here is the first side going up.

And the other. Note the vice holding the tie strap. Again, far from professional, but functional.

One side bolted.

Moving the other side into place.

Almost there.

Taaa-Daaa!

Look! A lift I can actually stand up under!

Joe

 

[Zorba]

Nice building and nice lift! Also, a very clean mk3 you have there, just parted mine out

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

Wow! There are so many ways that lift install could have gone terribly wrong doing it solo, but you lucked out and 'got-r-done'! My hat is off to you Sir.