Above 1200 Sq/FT Doing things our way. 50x100 house/shop

[Birdboy]

Beautiful place ! Congrats

 

[xyster101]

Amazing thread and build. As one who has built a 24'x46' shop and not finished after 2 years, I know how long things take! That is a lot of work and the easy part is getting the structure up, the hard part is all the finishes like trim, paint, decorating, and organizing everything into a place.

Living in NY where summers are 85 and winters are 10 degrees I have some questions:

1. If it doesn't rain for a while, do the tanks run out of water? Do you have a well as back up?
2. I see a wonderful job insulating the structure, but not the garage doors. Do you have HVAC in the garage area? Why no insulation on the garage doors?

3. Can you post some more exterior pictures from a far of the house and land you own? (Maybe toss up a picture of your old place for comparison) I would like to see the whole picture from a distance.

It is a wonderful place that you built and can enjoy with your family.

 

[Morio]

Looks like you made out OK. I'm really interested in your layout and installation of the Rapid Air kit. I'm getting ready to install mine, and curious to how others are doing it. I know my application is a little different than most because I'm dividing between two buildings and have to run one under ground. It will come up through the floor of the big barn, no concrete yet. Northern Tool let me exchange the 1/2" size up to the 3/4", of course I had to spend about $100. to get the oil/water separator. So if you don't mind taking lots of pictures when you do yours I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!! I had high hopes of getting the airline installed and haven't had a chance yet. With two son's bdays and the 4th, I wasn't able to play in the garage as much as I needed to. Mine will be a very simple layout and I am sure people will cringe as I promise it will not be perfectly straight or "professional" looking but as long as it doesn't leak and I can get to the outlets, I'll be quite happy

Morio....I can only add my "wow" to the others. Very nice my friend !

Beautiful place ! Congrats

Thank you both!

 

[Morio]

Amazing thread and build. As one who has built a 24'x46' shop and not finished after 2 years, I know how long things take! That is a lot of work and the easy part is getting the structure up, the hard part is all the finishes like trim, paint, decorating, and organizing everything into a place.

Living in NY where summers are 85 and winters are 10 degrees I have some questions:

1. If it doesn't rain for a while, do the tanks run out of water? Do you have a well as back up?
2. I see a wonderful job insulating the structure, but not the garage doors. Do you have HVAC in the garage area? Why no insulation on the garage doors?

3. Can you post some more exterior pictures from a far of the house and land you own? (Maybe toss up a picture of your old place for comparison) I would like to see the whole picture from a distance.

It is a wonderful place that you built and can enjoy with your family.

Thank you for the nice comments! I hope the following answers your questions:

1. That is correct! We were consuming roughly 7k gallons a month at our old house so having only 15k gallons of collection means we can run out after 2 months of no rain. We haven't had an issue yet since we've had so much rain this year. It's even been rough estimating how much we have used per month because of the rainfall. This back half of the year should give us a clearer picture on our new consumption rate. We currently do not have a well and most likely will not put one in.

2. My garage is insulated in r21 all walls and ceiling. Since we live in Texas our summers get a bit rough but our winters are very mild. My old garage didn't have insulated doors and I was fine. So far it hasn't been a problem and if I needed to make a change I could. And no HVAC in the shop.

3. This was tough to do as the house is mostly hidden from the road. Below are some shots from the road that circles our lot.

Oops!! I forgot the shot of our old house:

I hope that helps!

 

[BUGTHUG]

The location is beautiful. Lots of vegetation, helps hide the house.The dog must like to watch cars go by, and probably watches for you to drive home. I'm sure he's rattle snake smart

 

[Morio]

The location is beautiful. Lots of vegetation, helps hide the house.The dog must like to watch cars go by, and probably watches for you to drive home. I'm sure he's rattle snake smart

He is a great dog! Just a beagle mutt mix but he is loyal and loves to follow me around the property. UPS and Fedex trucks are about the most he doesn't like

 

[xyster101]

Thanks for the answers. Always interested in seeing how things are built in other parts of the world. What type of soil do you have? Do you have to worry about any flooding that I see on the news in Tx?
Visually wonderful area. Yous old place looks great but that is a lot to maintain. It is fun to see you and your wife's touches coming into play making it.your own now.

 

[Morio]

Thanks for the answers. Always interested in seeing how things are built in other parts of the world. What type of soil do you have? Do you have to worry about any flooding that I see on the news in Tx?
Visually wonderful area. Yous old place looks great but that is a lot to maintain. It is fun to see you and your wife's touches coming into play making it.your own now.

No problem!! Our soil is that of a high desert and very rocky (limestone). We have two dry creeks on our lot that really got going during the rain we recently had and one of the roads to get to our place was under 4ft of water (low crosssing part). But that was about it. Just overfilled our water tanks. We were trying to use as much as we could during the rainstorms. Because of it, I plan to add two more 5k gallon tanks this fall/winter.

Our old place was nice, it just wasn't what the wife and I really wanted but, if we didn't have the previous place we wouldn't of been sure on this new one. So it all worked out for us.

 

[Fastowl]

I bought the 300 foot 3/4"kit from Northern Tool this past winter (on sale plus coupons) and installed in this spring in my new barn. I also got some extra fittings as well. Easy to install and no leaks with this kit. I had access to a scissor lift on weekends while the electricians were running wire so I could get it located around the top of the barn (16' walls). Couldn't be happier with the installation and have material left over to plumb the internal shop (known as air conditioned space as I am about 120 miles west of your place in Dripping Springs and yes it gets hot in Texas) when I get that finished later this year.

 

[BUGTHUG]

I bought the 300 foot 3/4"kit from Northern Tool this past winter (on sale plus coupons) and installed in this spring in my new barn. I also got some extra fittings as well. Easy to install and no leaks with this kit. I had access to a scissor lift on weekends while the electricians were running wire so I could get it located around the top of the barn (16' walls). Couldn't be happier with the installation and have material left over to plumb the internal shop (known as air conditioned space as I am about 120 miles west of your place in Dripping Springs and yes it gets hot in Texas) when I get that finished later this year.

You have pictures of the airline install? Not to hijack your thread Mario

 

[Fastowl]

You have pictures of the airline install? Not to hijack your thread Mario

Went through my pics and the few of the barn interior don't show anything of significance of the install. I'll try to get some in a couple of weeks.

One thing I will note is that the amount of 'clips' to hang the pipe that are included in the kit are insufficient to do a decent install. I supplemented with conduit hangers. Also a good supply of self tapping screws are in order if you are mounting on purlins, etc. Even with self tappers, I predrilled, fyi.

 

[Morio]

Well thought I would post a quick update. Not too much going on with the organizing in the shop, but I started working on the projects I needed to work on...

Got the lift ready for my son's w201

Here he is taking wheels off so we can install rear subframe bushings:

With that task completed it was time to put my ranchrig in for the wonderful coolant pipe replacement:

It all started well:

I love being delayed because of Previous Owner issues:

Looks like the PO attempted to do this upgrade and then stopped because he stripped the intake manifold bolt on the far back corner... PITA!!! ARGH!!!!

I muscled my way through it and finally got it out:

I love Porsche designers coming up with this wonderful design as well as making these pipes plastic

Box of OEM replacement upgrades (notice they are metal now):

I should have this PITA job done this week... Then I get to play with my e24!! Suspension and wheels!!


and had to post some good ole Texas BBQ!

 

[bazzateer]

Looks like you were feeding the 5000!

 

[Skyline]

What's amazing about those coolant pipes is that I believe they are still using the plastic pipes on the new engines even though they have the re-designed metal parts. To equip new vehicles with a plastic part you know is inferior and already have a designed cast replacement is a bit shabby.

Since yours is a Turbo, you should do the small plastic coolant pipes at the back of the engine at the same time, (pretty tough access). Quite a few folks have had problems with the plastic "t'" on the little pipes at the rear, and I've seen some creative solutions where people milled a replacement for the "t'" out of aluminum.

 

[Crown]

I was going to say nice things about your work on the Porsche but that last pic made me hungry!

 

[Morio]

Looks like you were feeding the 5000!

I have 3 sons that eat nonstop!! I try to make enough for them to have leftovers.

What's amazing about those coolant pipes is that I believe they are still using the plastic pipes on the new engines even though they have the re-designed metal parts. To equip new vehicles with a plastic part you know is inferior and already have a designed cast replacement is a bit shabby.

Since yours is a Turbo, you should do the small plastic coolant pipes at the back of the engine at the same time, (pretty tough access). Quite a few folks have had problems with the plastic "t'" on the little pipes at the rear, and I've seen some creative solutions where people milled a replacement for the "t'" out of aluminum.

It is quite amazing they did this. I have the metal T as well as thinking about changing out the starter since I am in there anyways... I also have to replace the brake booster vacuum lines.. another horribly designed part and placement.

I was going to say nice things about your work on the Porsche but that last pic made me hungry!

lol, thanks! I do a lot of cooking on the weekends, especially with this wonderful weather we are currently having.

 

[Skyline]

It is quite amazing they did this. I have the metal T as well as thinking about changing out the starter since I am in there anyways... I also have to replace the brake booster vacuum lines.. another horribly designed part and placement.

If the transfer pipes have been leaking for a while, the starter replacement might be a good idea. Usually they leak right onto the starter and will eventually ruin it. If you're just doing the pipes as a preventive measure, (very good idea,) and did not have a leak, I'd skip it....it's not exactly cheap.

Since you have the coil packs off, those are also a high failure item, and not too costly....but certainly easy to do at a later date. One other thing I'd think about doing with a turbo Cayenne is to put a boroscope into the cylinders to look at the condition. For some odd reason, they are know for scoring cylinders...the non-turbo cars don't have this problem.

 

[madoc1]

is the blurry pic of the stripped manifold bolt? evidently you were successful in removing it. is the starter in the v of the engine? I had a cad with a northstar engine with that design. it never failed on me tho.
you mentioned nice weather and since I don't believe we have hit 100 yet I will have to agree. would like to get some more rain tho.

jim
ok,i can see the starter now.

 

[PossumJr]

I just binge read this from beginning to end and all I can say is, damn what an awesome project.

Also is that a 928 I've seen pop up a couple times?

 

[cameronb]

Noticed the Austin Beerworks beer. Nice place too!

 

[Morio]

If the transfer pipes have been leaking for a while, the starter replacement might be a good idea. Usually they leak right onto the starter and will eventually ruin it. If you're just doing the pipes as a preventive measure, (very good idea,) and did not have a leak, I'd skip it....it's not exactly cheap.



Since you have the coil packs off, those are also a high failure item, and not too costly....but certainly easy to do at a later date. One other thing I'd think about doing with a turbo Cayenne is to put a boroscope into the cylinders to look at the condition. For some odd reason, they are know for scoring cylinders...the non-turbo cars don't have this problem.

These popped on me in my driveway so unknown if they were leaking or not.. It only has 76k on it so I am going risk it and leave it in... no starting issues and no coolant smells

is the blurry pic of the stripped manifold bolt? evidently you were successful in removing it. is the starter in the v of the engine? I had a cad with a northstar engine with that design. it never failed on me tho.

you mentioned nice weather and since I don't believe we have hit 100 yet I will have to agree. would like to get some more rain tho.



jim

ok,i can see the starter now.

Yes! Starter in the V... and yes that blurry pic is the bolt that was stripped.. I had to completely ruin the bolt to get it out but it's done now... and yes not quite 100!!! for now!

I just binge read this from beginning to end and all I can say is, damn what an awesome project.

Also is that a 928 I've seen pop up a couple times?

thanks!! and yes its a 84S, much rougher shape than anticipated but its a long term project for me!!

Noticed the Austin Beerworks beer. Nice place too!

Yes! I'm a beer fan and like local as much as possible!!

 

[Skyline]

These popped on me in my driveway so unknown if they were leaking or not.. It only has 76k on it so I am going risk it and leave it in... no starting issues and no coolant smells

You would have known if they were leaking. Even if it was a small enough leak so you didn't have any puddles under the car, you would smell it when you get out of the car after a drive, and eventually see the coolant loss. White residue down the bell housing is another sign. But I think you're making the right call here by not doing the starter. In my Cayenne, I was smelling coolant for a while, but because we found the car a bit uncomfortable, (it was an S without air suspension), we sold it rather than fixing it...warning the new owner of course.

 

[Morio]

You would have known if they were leaking. Even if it was a small enough leak so you didn't have any puddles under the car, you would smell it when you get out of the car after a drive, and eventually see the coolant loss. White residue down the bell housing is another sign. But I think you're making the right call here by not doing the starter. In my Cayenne, I was smelling coolant for a while, but because we found the car a bit uncomfortable, (it was an S without air suspension), we sold it rather than fixing it...warning the new owner of course.

Yeah none of those issues before they went. Sounds like the right choice to get rid of it especially since it wasn't the right fit for your family! I really like it and can't wait to get it back on the road.

 

[Skyline]

Yeah none of those issues before they went. Sounds like the right choice to get rid of it especially since it wasn't the right fit for your family! I really like it and can't wait to get it back on the road.

Well as an alternative to the Cayenne, I added a second X5, and if its any consolation...the BMW V8s share the exact same problems with leaking coolant transfer pipes. I just had to do this repair on my older X5 4.4i. The BMWs have used metal pipes all along, but the seals at each end leak with time. On my 02 X5, (now sold), it's pretty straightforward...very similar job to the Cayenne. On my 2008 4.8i, technically, you must pull the motor to replace the factory coolant transfer pipes, (how ******* is that???) Thankfully, there are two different aftermarket alternatives that provide a fix that does not require the motor to come out. The dealer will just pull the motor, ($$$$). Thankfully, no leaks yet on that one.

 

[Morio]

Well as an alternative to the Cayenne, I added a second X5, and if its any consolation...the BMW V8s share the exact same problems with leaking coolant transfer pipes. I just had to do this repair on my older X5 4.4i. The BMWs have used metal pipes all along, but the seals at each end leak with time. On my 02 X5, (now sold), it's pretty straightforward...very similar job to the Cayenne. On my 2008 4.8i, technically, you must pull the motor to replace the factory coolant transfer pipes, (how ******* is that???) Thankfully, there are two different aftermarket alternatives that provide a fix that does not require the motor to come out. The dealer will just pull the motor, ($$$$). Thankfully, no leaks yet on that one.

Ahh didn't know that about the x5! The first time I drove a X5 was at the BMW testing grounds in Greenville SC roughly 8 years ago. I was highly impressed with the SUV! I was actually looking into one (as well as a LR3) when I stumbled upon this CTT. Good luck with yours! I just noticed your sig. I am on hold right now because of an E10 socket. I ordered online and should have it today through amazon, but now if I need any tools I'll check your ebay store first!

 

[Maximum57]

Thanks for chiming in on my thread. I just went through yours and all I can say is WOWZA! Amazing space and nice collection of vehicles...Of course I love that TT!

 

[Morio]

Thanks for chiming in on my thread. I just went through yours and all I can say is WOWZA! Amazing space and nice collection of vehicles...Of course I love that TT!

lol, I just don't get people... It's fine to not like something and even state it but to continue to harp on it doesn't make sense to me. Not everyone prioritizes the same way.

Anyways, thanks for the compliments! I'm loving your build as well

 

[Morio]

I broke down and caved in on getting some cooler air flowing through the shop... Porta Cool 2000 and 3000... They have really helped

 

[madoc1]

good move. it's been a tad warm lately hasn't it? I think it is supposed to be 104 midweek. why two sizes?

jim

 

[Morio]

good move. it's been a tad warm lately hasn't it? I think it is supposed to be 104 midweek. why two sizes?

jim

Yeah, a bit on the warm side recently TSC only had one 3000... so I got the 2000 to be positioned right on me while I'm working. My dogs love it!

 

[BUGTHUG]

Are those the ones you fill full of water? I don't know if you get the humidity like we do here in Kansas. Yesterday it was around 88 after the rain, but the humidity made it feel like 100*. that's sweat not drool

 

[Denwood]

Evaporative coolers are not effective in humid heat...but arid regions of Texas are a different story

 

[Nighttrain]

Your going to need a water truck to hook up those coolers Let me know how they work my 48" box fan just is not doing much but blowing hot air

 

[Wanna Ride]

Morio, not sure how I've missed your thread and incredibly awesome build, but it's damn-nice! Love the concept, and your lot is spectacular!

Evaporative coolers are not effective in humid heat...

I've heard many folks say that, but I can assure you that's not true. We have several of them in both of our NC coastal shop, and in our Florida shop. I also have one in my personal midwest shop. They make a huge difference. When the water's not hooked up, they just move hot air, but when it is, the cool breeze is much nicer.

 

[82355]

Love the building. It has been a dream of mine to build a shop with a house in it. They are actually some what common around here.

What are you doing for sewer? Septic tank?

Martin

 

[Morio]

Are those the ones you fill full of water? I don't know if you get the humidity like we do here in Kansas. Yesterday it was around 88 after the rain, but the humidity made it feel like 100*. that's sweat not drool

Yes! Here in Dripping Springs it's not nearly as humid as Houston or Dallas.

Evaporative coolers are not effective in humid heat...but arid regions of Texas are a different story

These are actually working out quite well! And yes the humidity here isn't that bad (Greenville SC was way way worse!)

Your going to need a water truck to hook up those coolers Let me know how they work my 48" box fan just is not doing much but blowing hot air

Working great so far! And I will need your services soon if it doesn't rain! We are going through roughly 1k gallons a week. We have about 6-7 weeks remaining. I really need to get a couple more tanks!

 

[Morio]

Morio, not sure how I've missed your thread and incredibly awesome build, but it's damn-nice! Love the concept, and your lot is spectacular!



I've heard many folks say that, but I can assure you that's not true. We have several of them in both of our NC coastal shop, and in our Florida shop. I also have one in my personal midwest shop. They make a huge difference. When the water's not hooked up, they just move hot air, but when it is, the cool breeze is much nicer.

Thanks for the compliments! We are quite pleased to be out here! And so far so good on those porta cools!

Love the building. It has been a dream of mine to build a shop with a house in it. They are actually some what common around here.

What are you doing for sewer? Septic tank?

Martin

Thanks Martin! We've noticed them popping up here and there now and I think it's great to see more of them!

And to answer your question we are on a aerobic septic system.

 

[Project_shadow]

Just read 30 pages and as far as the foreign cars go they look great but couldn't tell you anything, I own an 85 k10 Silverado so my taste spectrum is at the other end lol, my neighbor has a much smaller version in his pole barn, 1/4 is a 2 story living space, a 1 car garage and the rest is open lean to for his tractors and hay equipment, I love this idea and though I'm moving into my first house (dad purchased in 97 and I was 3 and I remember living there better than him) I can't wait to have a place with land and hopefully something along the same lines as yours.
Love the place, can't wait to see when you get your work shop built

 

[Jeepster04]

I love threads like these... Makes me sick that I cant do something like this.

Really like the idea of collecting rain water like that. How did you do the sewer? More so with the limestone rock.

 

[Morio]

Just read 30 pages and as far as the foreign cars go they look great but couldn't tell you anything, I own an 85 k10 Silverado so my taste spectrum is at the other end lol, my neighbor has a much smaller version in his pole barn, 1/4 is a 2 story living space, a 1 car garage and the rest is open lean to for his tractors and hay equipment, I love this idea and though I'm moving into my first house (dad purchased in 97 and I was 3 and I remember living there better than him) I can't wait to have a place with land and hopefully something along the same lines as yours.
Love the place, can't wait to see when you get your work shop built

Thanks for the compliments! It took us awhile to figure out what we really wanted in a place... I think we have it figured out now. We are very happy with it and the land. Just wish I had more money to finish the land like we want... but this is our long haul place so we have the time!